Crazy whitewater

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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I drove out to the Nantahala Outdoor Center this morning to check out Saturday’s slalom runs in the Bank of America Whitewater U.S. Open along the Nantahala River.

It was freezing cold just standing alongside the river, so I can’t imagine what it felt like for the boaters in the frigid waters, without gloves, for goodness sakes. The race drew top-notch kayakers from across the country to the area this weekend.

Despite the cold, it sure was fun to watch the paddlers dig and pull through the gates.