Heritage Moments

Nanatahala Outdoor Center

Sunday, 22 June 2008 23:30

"Any job that allows me to be on that environment is perfect as far as I'm concerned"

What is it about a fast-flowing river that tempts people seemingly to abandon common sense, climb into a small man-made float, and defy nature to go hurtling down chilling whitewater rapids?

People have been enjoying “whitewatering” in western North Carolina for many years. The activity has grown in popularity and even evolved into an Olympic sport. A few short years ago, whitewatering meant floating down the Nanatahala, Deep Creek, or the Tuckasegee on an over-blown, well-worn, discarded tire tube. That method of transport is still popular, but it is no longer exclusive. Canoes, inflatable rafts, and high-tech kayaks have joined in the fun. Each has its own lure and attraction. ??Large, inflatable rafts are the most recent addition to the sport of whitewatering. They are usually operated by tour companies and can carry ten or more people. Occupants wear helmets, life-vests, and are instructed in proper whitewater technique and etiquette. A river guide pilots the craft. This choice for a “river-run” is great fun for both amateurs and experts. “Tubers” choose a simpler form of river activity. With a swimsuit, t-shirt, and an old pair of sneakers, these relaxed floaters enjoy the beautiful environment while dodging the occasional river rock. Tubers maximize their fun while minimizing their investment in both time and money. Other enthusiasts choose canoes or kayaks for their whitewater adventures. ??The history of canoes dates back thousands of years, long before Europeans landed in the New World. Kayaks are a fairly recent addition to our mountain region. The kayak was first created by the Inuit, an Artic people. They were made from wooden frames covered in sealskin. They included a small hole in the middle of the craft for the user to sit in and were primarily used for hunting. Some were short and wide with a large storage capacity; they were stable and easy to use. Others were built long and narrow, designed to be fast and seaworthy. European settlers began to use manmade fabrics instead of beaver, muskrat, and otter. In the 1950s, fiberglass was introduced. It was used until the 1980s when plastic became the choice of manufacturers. Today’s kayaks are sturdy, light, and very versatile.  Three main distinctions separate canoes and kayaks: A kayak is a decked boat, while a canoe is not. Kayakers sit flat with their legs extended under the deck and their upper body rising from a central hole in the deck. On the other hand, a canoer usually kneel in the boat. A third difference is the paddle. A canoe utilizes a shorter paddle with a blade on one end only, a shortened version of a row boat’s oar. The kayak uses a longer paddle with blades at both ends. Now that we know something of our flotation options, where can we apply this knowledge?