nathan's southeastern road trip
September 25-29, 2008

Overview:
This paddling trip will be an all inclusive paddling vacation to some of the classic paddling destinations of the Southeast. Timed to coincide with secret season on the Ocoee, this paddling trip led by Nathan Nahikian should not be missed, as we take advantage of an uncrowded river and guaranteed water. Other river options include the nearby Chattooga, Pigeon, Nantahala, Green and French Broad Rivers as they are available. Not only will we sample the best rivers of the Southeast, we will sample some of the best eateries and dining spots in the area, lead to places only  a local would know about.

Leaders:

Nathan Nahikian was born and raised in the mountains of Western NC and began his career in the outdoors near Brevard, NC. He has been paddling since 1994 and leading paddling trips since 1996. Nathan began working as the office manager and full time instructor at LAKS in May 2005 and is looks forwardeach Fall to bringing guests back to his old stomping ground. Each trip is a bit different, but all feature excellent choices in rivers and local dining. Here is a page from the 2007 trip.

Ideal Paddler Characteristics:
A paddler who is starting to feel comfortable on the Lower Yough or has run the New River with professional guidance would be in their comfort zone on this trip, with the occasional foray out of their comfort zone. If you have a reliable roll in Class III-IV whitewater and can maintain boat control and catch eddies in the same you should be in excellent shape for this trip. Should you be a more advanced boater consider the amount of unfettered play spots on the rivers we will be paddling as well as potential rain flow creeks. Should we offer a Low intermediate trip, paddlers should be able to paddle Class II and be able to roll in moving or flat water.  They will venture on rivers such as the French Braod, Green, Nantahala, and Tuckasiegee Rivers.

Lodging & Meals:
Each year we lodge at a place like http://www.lakeviewatfontana.com or a luxury cabin or house in the area, making it our base for the majority of the trip.  The final night of the trip we usually stay at a nice hotel in downtown Asheville to take in the nightlife and live like a local. Breakfast will be on the road or at the house, lunches will be river lunches, and dinners will not be forgotten. Dinner out each night will be at locations specially chosen by Nathan. Your trip starts with dinner on the first day and ends with breakfast on the final day of your trip.

Sample Intinerary: Thursday - If you leave early enough we can get a short run on the Nantahala, before cocktail hour and dinner, or check into your room and meet your masuesse.

Friday - Grab Breakfast and head off to meet the Ocoee River, dinner on the way home.

Saturday - Playboat on the Ocoee, return home for a cookout at the cabin

Sunday - Head back towards Asheville to catch an early morning appointment on the Upper Green, check out Saluda for lunch, check  in to your place in Asheville, afternoon and dinner on the town

Monday - Breakfast at a great Asheville cafe, linger in town or head to Carlotte Whitewater Center to break up the drive home

week long adventures
Canada
Colorado
Mexico
West Virginia
Southeastern

day/weekend trips
Shenandoah
North Branch
of the Potomac
Lower Yough
Cheat Canyon
Lower Gauley
The New River
Upper Yough

2007 Options, Dates, and Prices:

Dates:
Strong Intermediate Long Weekend: September 25-29

Prices: Includes instruction, meals, transport to rivers, and lodging*
SI Weekend: $850

Non Paddler Option: Includes Breakfast/Dinner and lodging with the group*
Non Paddler Weekend: $475

Registration: For our week-long trips, a 30% deposit is required to confirm a reservation with the balance due 30 days in advance of the trip date (We will automatically debit your credit card if you request). Reservations within 30 days of the trip date require full payment with the reservation. Please print out a registration form and mail to the address below or use the online payment. An equipment list, waiver and health form will be sent to you by return mail.

Cancellation: If notice is received more than 30 days prior to the trip date, a refund, less the 30% deposit, will be issued . No refunds or alterations will be issued within 30 days of trip date. We highly recommend Trip Insurance to protect you if you have a sudden need to cancel.
 
We thank you for your understanding.