Open 365 days a year, the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers an appealing assortment of activities for all ages and interests. This summer, the USNWC presents a blend of fun in the sun water sports, community-based yoga, exciting and educational summer camps and a one-of-a-kind concert experience.
Water Activities
The USNWC is home to the world’s largest man-made whitewater river and offers an opportunity to partake in world-class water activities including whitewater rafting, kayaking and flatwater kayaking.
Yoga
In keeping with the USNWC’s stated mission of building stronger communities through the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, yoga features heavily among the activities sponsored at the center with more than 300 practices held at USNWC’s South Ridge each year. This includes an offering of at least one Vinyasa Flow class per day May through September. A variety of one-hour sessions are held, offering practices for yogis of all levels.
The USNWC also hosts numerous specialty yoga practice sessions at select times throughout the year including Acro Yoga, Meditative Yoga, Power Yoga and Slackline Yoga. All yoga classes are free of charge.
Flow Fest Annual Yoga Festival
This popular festival takes place this year on Sept. 21–22. Flow Fest offers a wide range of yoga classes and workshops of interest to newcomers to the practice and seasoned yogis alike. No tickets are required for entry to Flow Fest.
Summer Camps
The USNWC hosts a variety of summer camps, all geared toward offering youths ages 8 to 18 the opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation centered around water activities including whitewater rafting or stand-up paddle boarding mixed with land activities such as rock climbing, zip lining and more. Summer camp attendees learn new skills and are challenged on the USNWC’s mountain biking trails and the long point obstacle course. Camp sessions are one week long and are offered throughout July and August.
River Jam Concert Series
River Jam at the USNWC is a unique outdoor music venue that welcomes performers from across all genres. Concert-goers have their choice of food and craft beers. Concerts are held on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays May through September from 7–10 p.m. and during select festivals. In keeping with the USNWC’s commitment to promoting family and community interaction, admission is free.
Planning a Trip?
The U.S. National Whitewater Center is located at 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway in Charlotte. The center’s main gate and trails are open, weather permitting, year-round. Due to the seasonality of the activities offered, availability and daily operating hours vary. Visit the center’s informative site at USNWC.org to consult the daily activity schedule and plan your trip accordingly.