How to win the Nantahala Open Grand Prize

Participate in the event is all!

The Nantahala Open is this Saturday, April 25th. The Nantahala Open is a super fun, non-competitive event in which Team WaveSport & ERA provide moral support and video coverage to all registered participants as they run through Nantahala Falls. Putting together a collection of the days’ runs, categories such as “best freestyle line through the Falls; best surf in top hole; cutest participant; best self-rescue…” are created. The awards ceremony will be conducted after screening the video during the post-river party at Endless River Adventures (eta: right at dusk) and incredible prizes will be given away thanks to the amazing group of industry sponsors.

Announcing the grand prize!

A Wave Sport boat will be given away to the winner of the raffle. To be a part of the raffle, you just have to participate in the event and your name is automatically included. and yes, you must be present to win.

New this year: fund raising for Team River Runner. NanOpen participants may purchase additional $10 raffle tickets (maximum of five additional). All the proceeds will go to TRR. And each ticket increases your chance of winning the boat!

Not paddling the Nantahala Saturday? Stop in for a beverage, brownie and good fun. The NanOpen video typically provides some of the best kayak footage/narration around!

Saturday the 25th is the Open!

The 5th annual Nantahala Open is gearing up for this Saturday, April 25th.

For those who have not participated in the event in previous years, the line up is easy:

*Team Wave Sport and ERA will be at the staging area above the Falls from 10AM to 4PM. They will have all sorts of Wave Sport boats available for demo.

*Head out to paddle the river and have a great day!
*When you reach Nantahala Falls, stop back by the staging area to register.
*Have fun running the Falls! The event is totally non-competitive, so winning
categories will include such things as best eddy hopping through the rapid, best freestyle move, nicest surf in top hole, best self-rescue below the falls, most creative craft through the falls.....and whatever comes up during the day that might deserve an award!

*The head up to Endless River Adventures for beverages, hanging out and fun.
*The highlight of the evening will be when we show the video of the day's runs.
*And then the awards ceremony!

We look forward to a great time on and off the river this weekend!

Boatertalk Lends their Support to the Open

A big thanks to Boatertalk-not just for providing a forum for spreading the word about a great community event, but for donating memberships as prizes to go to participants of the 2009 Nantahala Open.

Much appreciated!

Heinzelmännchen of Beer of Choice for the Open!

Heinzelmännchen Brewery is Sylva's own microbrewery. And an ERA favorite for special events. Make sure you stop in for the post-river party Saturday night. We will have beer and snacks, music, and of course night's feature: the 2009 Nantahala Open video, followed by the awards ceremony.

Sore Muscles gone at Lakeview Lodge

Lakeview Lodge- the Gorge's "rustic chic resort and spa" is donating their support to the 2009 Nantahala Open with a spa package that will help work out a lucky participant's paddling aches & pains.

The community is really coming together to support this great event!

Supporting Souful Lifestyles: Team Scum

from the force behind supporting soulful lifestyles and the homegrown film festival comes more support for the 2009 Nantahala Open from TeamScum!

TeamScum is a great group of southeastern boys making cool apparel. They always make our river staff look good with their designs, and you will too if you win any of their schwag donated to the Open. Thanks guys!

Situated on a mountain shelf overlooking the quiet village of Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Fryemont Inn offers you secluded comfort and excellent dining, warm fireplaces and scenic vistas. Not your typical bed and breakfast, the Fryemont is a true country inn. The beautiful bark-covered building was built in 1923 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. From the moment you enter the lobby you will feel transported back in time. The chestnut paneled walls, the doors open to the fresh mountain air and the rocking chair porch overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will invite you in, soothe and relax you.

Team ERA's favorite hangout the Fryemont Inn in downtown Bryson City has added a diiner for two prize for the Nantahala Open. We recommend the trout :-)

Three cheers to NRS! Our Moscow, ID friends have fired up support for the Nantahala Open for the 5th year in a row.

Established in 1972; 2000 Dollars, a Garage, and a Dream
Bill Park's original little company has turned into one of the cornerstone's of whitewater. We would not be rafting down the river without their help!

Thanks so much guys!

Styl'n Up the Nantahala Open

The Nantahala Gorge's premier lodge-the Nantahala Village and Resort (restaurant and spa) has committed their support to the 2009 Nantahala Open!With the opening of their new restaurant and remodeled spa, the Gorge is definitely a classier place to hang out. And Nantahala Open participants are going to be spoiled with a dinner for two and spa package.