The New Whitewater Heaven… in Charlotte?

That’s right, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is officially open, in the previously unrecognized whitewater mecca of Charlotte. Missed the wild waters of the Carolinas, did you? That’s because this one is manmade. It’s basically a huge recirculating whitewater river along 300 acres of the Catawba River.

The USNWC was inspired by similiar facilities built for the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. Not surprisingly, the Charlotte facility will be an official Olympic training center.

Of course, the important thing is, how can we get in on this? The center is open for use for kayakers, rafters and climbers. Instruction is also available. Check the site for the latest prices.