U.S. National Whitewater Center - Charlotte, NC

The United States Whitewater Center opened in August of 2006 at a start-up cost of $38 million and includes 307 acres on the Catawba River in the piedmont of North Carolina. The National Whitewater Center (the largest manmade whitewater rafting course in the world) includes whitewater and kayaking as well as hiking trails and mountain biking. There are rock climbing walls and rope courses. USNWC has an on-site restaurant and space for meetings. The whitewater project was well designed, and learning to raft or kayak is safe and easy at the US Whitewater Center in Charlotte.

Home Base

The U.S. National Slalom Canoe and Kayak Team is home based in Charlotte and uses the facility for training, but the park is open to the public. It’s a popular spot for job team building excursions, conferences, and for groups and families interested in a day of outdoor fun.

Manmade Whitewater

Unlike mountain river kayaking which can depend on the weather, the manmade center uses recycled Charlotte city water and huge pumps to keep the water churning all year. Unless a Carolina storm blows over, there are never any worries. The water is always white in Charlotte.

Since the whitewater area is manmade, the dangers are greatly reduced. Yes. You’ll have a thrilling experience. No. You are not likely to break a leg or bust your head on a log. This makes this a great pick for beginning whitewater rafters. You learn to row and ride whitewater without the uncertainty of river rafting. This will, of course, appeal to some and not to others.

Check it Out

It’s a good idea to visit the U.S. Whitewater Center website to get details and to call ahead for reservations especially on weekends. The facility continues to grow in popularity as word gets around. You may luck into an open slot, but it’s better to plan ahead.

What to Expect

Whitewater trips begin with a training session. Joe handles many of those, and he is a really funny guy. Even if you already know how to ride whitewater, you will enjoy his deadpan delivery with lots of hilarious side notes about the world of whitewater rafting.

Once on the water, the guides provide some basic rowing lessons in the calm water section.

Then, the fun begins.

There are two sections. The first section includes a series of smaller whitewater rapids, and the second has the class IV rapids. Both sections are fun – just different.

Basic excursions run around two hours. Visitors get a chance to ride both courses several times.

Not Just for River Rats

If you are not a whitewater fanatic, you can stay busy at the U.S. Whitewater Center. There are loads of fun activities – some for a fee and some free. You can, for example, pay and climb the rocks, or you can take a walk on the trails with no charge. There’s also a restaurant and bar, so you can cut off from the group and be a lounge potato if you want. But, where’s the fun in that?

In terms of the cost, that varies. A general afternoon trip on the water runs around $40 per person.

Picture This

Photos are snapped of the whitewater fun. You can pick up photos there after the trip or return home and see them online and buy or not. Pictures are available hard copy or by download. The process is seamless.

More to Come

The U.S. Whitewater Center is new and growing. The atmosphere is relaxed with Southern friendly employees making a real effort to be sure everyone has a great time.

This year (2008), they have scheduled the first annual 4th of July fun day with bluegrass music. They also have special concert nights and days for children and for women.

If you’re in the Charlotte area or down for a NASCAR race, check out the U.S. Whitewater Center. They really do have a great facility and lots of fun activities for all ages and skill levels.

Whitewater Wash Out

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