- In addition to our many levels of rafting guests, Canyons is THE premier company for the whitewater community of hard shell boaters. Our original roots stem to the Nantahala Outdoor Center in the western mountains of North Carolina. NOC has often been touted as the number one kayak school in the country. We also have deep ties to Liquid Logic, the leading designer of today’s whitewater kayaks.
Nearly all of our guides are kayakers and have a variety of talents from world champions, playboaters, kayak instuctors, and expedition paddlers. Each of our trips has a guide in a kayak to assist and advise our many hard shell guests.
CLASS III-IV Experience is a MUST whether your are paddling your own kayak or whitewater canoe, or whether you choose to paddle one of the many we have in our inventory at no additional charge. more... - ALL GUESTS PADDLING WITH US IN THE MONTH OF JUNE WILL NEED A VERY PROFICIENT ROLL AND SHOULD BE COMFORTABLE ON FAST MOVING HIGH WATER FLOWS.
We encourage you to call us to discuss water levels and your personal abilities based around the time of year you may be looking to paddle with us.
SKILL LEVEL
GEAR
BOAT OPTIONS
< Back - SKILL LEVEL
For canoeists, we recommend the July and August time periods. June’s big water makes it tough to run dry, especially for tandem teams. If you want to try June, a reliable roll and prior big water experience is required.All kayakers should have a consistent roll and be competent in reading whitewater on the run. June levels are pushy, and the upper end of the Middle Fork is non-stop Class III-IV+ at high flows. July and August offer Class III+ water on both rivers.
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All kayakers and canoeists should realize that the Middle Fork is a fairly technical river, chock full of rocks. Many of the rapids are long and scouting is usually done from the boat. On the other hand, the Main Salmon is a deep-water river with few exposed rocks. Its rapids are more of the “drop-pool” variety, making it a more forgiving river.
If you are a basic Class III intermediate kayaker or canoeist, then the Main may be the better river for you. If you like a challenge and are of an advanced skill level, then the Middle Fork at higher flows may be for you. Both rivers offer great play boating, particularly at later summer levels.
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CANYONS does have a variety of hard shell boats to choose from for paddlers. See our BOAT CHOICES.
Additionally paddlers will need to bring their own gear.KAYAKERS and CANOEISTS need to bring all of your personal paddling equipment, including: helmet, PFD, spray skirt, paddle, sponge or bailer, throw bag and optional rescue equipment. Paddle jacket and synthetic sweaters are usually all you need for warmth during July and August.
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We recommend that you bring dry tops or dry-suits for June trips. CANYONS provides a spare paddle for the group. Our kayaks are equipped with a stern air bag, adjustable hip pads, and adjustable foot braces. Knee pads are glued down and all canoes have air bags and painters. We bring along spray adhesive and minicell foam for custom outfitting if needed.
< Back | BOAT OPTIONS > -
BOAT OPTIONS
CANOES
For canoeists with the appropriate experience, these options are available:Decked Solo Canoes: Perception Gyramax, Dagger Atom
Solo Open Canoes: Whitesell Descender; Mad River ME; Outrage X; Mohawk Viper; Dagger Encore, Impulse, RivalTandem Open Canoes:
Dagger: Caption, Caper (both can be soloed, too)
Bluehole: Starburst -
KAYAKS
For kayakers with the appropriate experience, these options are available:Dagger: Animas, Blast, Crossfire, Outburst, Redline, Response, RPM, RPM Max, ID, Ultrafuge
Liquid Logic: Biscuit (small), Hoss, Jefe Grande, Lil' Joe, Pop, Trigger, CR 125, CR 250, Remix 59, Remix 69, Remix 79, Ronin 59, Stomper 80, Vision
Necky: Jive, Rip
New Wave: Sleek
Perception: Corsica, Corsica S, Corsica Matrix, Overflow, Pirouette, Pirouette S, Pirouette Super Sport
Wave Sport: Diesel 65, Diesel 75, Godzilla, Kinetic, Score, Stubby, X, Z, XXX
Pyranha: H2 (255 version), Burn (med.), Ammo (med.)
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