Off to the Nantahala River we go...

It's day three of Wildwater's new and improved guide school. So far there have been some really good comments coming from the students and instructors about the new format. Day one started with the flat water paddling technique lesson on the pond at Wildwater's Chattooga Rafting Center. Then the students got to "learn the ropes" loading the rafts for the afternoon river trip. They loaded up to head down to Thrifts Ferry for the first river based lesson, which focused on basic whitewater techniques (paddle strokes, river characteristics, basic manouvres such as ferries etc). They even got to see how to flip a raft at Bull Sluice, courtesy of our long time Ocoee Manager Lance Luke! Thanks Lance we know you just did it in the name of education. The day ended (after a fantastic Salmon dinner - thanks Darla) with some classroom time.

Day two was a full day trip on Section III of the Chattooga. Each student got some "stick" time and the day focused on building on the information given the day before as well as learning new techiques - like how to actually get yourself back in the raft if you fall out! The day ended with more classroom time in the evening and an early night (?) in preparation for heading out to the Nantahala River in the morning.

Freddy was down at the Sluice when the students came through - so hopefully she'll have some good pictures to add when I see her on Monday!