BLOWING ROCK, NC
RAFTING • CANOEING • KAYAKING • TUBING
Connecting Families and Friends on the Water Wahoo’s Adventures: More than Water Sports Wahoo’s Adventures goes beyond fun on the water — the experiences are about reconnecting and learning more about yourself and your friends or family. “If you get out in nature in the mountains, listening to the water rush and seeing the waterfalls and splashing around, you can connect better with yourself,” states new co-owner Julie Kolodziej. “Because you can connect with yourself, you’re better able to connect with the people that you love.” Kolodziej, along with partners Brian Abraham, Brian Fryzel and Christina Fryzel, recently purchased the wellknown business that has been facilitating family fun on the water for 42 years. Wahoo’s has established a phenomenal reputation as a High Country attraction that features kayaking, canoeing, tubing and caving adventures; Wahoo’s Adventures received two “Outfitter of the Year” awards by the PPA (Professional Paddlesports Association) and customers voted the company #1 in its category on TripAdvisor. Wahoo’s has further expanded their activity offerings this year, with inflatables being introduced to the Watauga location and arcade games at the Todd spot. Both locations will also offer hot food for hungry adventurers.
River Experiences Wahoo’s operates aquatic experiences with tubing, canoeing, and kayaking on the New River near Boone; rafts and duckies on the Watauga River in Elizabethton, Tennessee; and an all-day rafting experience down the Nolichucky River, where customers can wind through canyons walls among a thick mountain forest. The last experience features class II, III, and IV rapids, and one of the rapids is a quarter mile long. The river is one of the top 10 whitewater runs in the country; it is also the best run in the High Country.
Land Activities For those who prefer to keep their Appalachian adventures out of the water, Wahoo’s offers walking trails along the New River in Todd, NC. In addition, cavers can explore the stalactites and stalagmites of Wahoo’s private cave outside of Blountville, Tennessee (17.5 miles from the Watauga location). Caving trips can be customized to fit any age group or skill level. Special rates are available when combined with river adventures. With two five-acre riverfront facilities in Todd and Elizabethton, adventurers will find campsites, tree houses, patios and picnic areas ideal for any outing. Wahoo’s also has inflatables in Elizabethton and is planning on establishing an arcade in Todd.
Safety is the Highest Priority Above all, the Wahoo’s team is dedicated to guest and guide safety. First-aid and CPR certifications are mandatory for Wahoo’s guides. Trip leaders and river managers also carry either Wilderness First Response or Wilderness EMT certifications.
Tips for Wahoo’s Trips Keep those mountain memories alive — adventurers can order photos or videos of the journey from staff photographers. Tipping is encouraged in the world of guided water adventures and between 15–20% is considered customary for guides. Wahoo’s encourages parents to bring children as young as 3 on the Watauga River trip in Elizabethton while kids ages 7 and up will thoroughly cherish the Nolichucky adventure. Small dogs are also permitted. Chilly mountain temperatures shouldn’t stop you — Wahoo’s rents top-notch wetsuits and splash tops to guests. As a family-friendly adventure destination, Wahoo’s welcomes groups of all kinds: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, school field trips, church outings, wedding parties, work retreats, and fraternity and sorority trips. Wahoo’s also offers catering for coordinated adventures.
JULY | AUGUST 2021 | MOUNTAIN ESCAPES | 27
