UPDATE: The Ocoee River Paddle, Yoga Sessions, and Nantahala Sunday Paddle are all FULL! Check for other river excursions when you click register.
Join a group of like-minded women paddlers for a weekend festival, hosted by inspirational paddler Anna Levesque! This festival is all about fostering community by connecting, sharing, paddling, and supporting each other on the river. Trips will be offered on different rivers and lakes representing a range of skill levels, and are open to all women in all watercraft!
Donations and registration fees benefit the Shannon Christy Memorial Fund, an organization that supports non-profits focused on women’s empowerment, and also benefits the Live Like Maria Fund.
New for 2024!
Intro to Whitewater Kayaking
Join a small group of women for an exciting whitewater kayaking introduction! Tailored for new and aspiring female paddlers and focusing on essential whitewater skills with beginner-friendly techniques, we are thrilled to introduce you to the exciting world of kayaking!
Missed the boat on Intro to Whitewater Kayaking at Paddlefest? Check out our Paddling school course.
2024 Weekend Schedule
Schedule is subject to change and will be updated here.
What’s Included with Women’s Paddlefest?
- Group paddles on area rivers or Fontana Lake with like-minded women kayakers
- Coaching and guidance from some of whitewater’s best instructors
- Women’s Paddlefest t-shirt
- Dinner on Saturday night followed by raffle, bonfire, and a dance party
- 2 raffle tickets (with opportunity to purchase more onsite) for the big raffle on Saturday night.
- Special discount for participants at NOC’s Outfitter’s Store
- Courage & Confidence coffee talk with Anna on Sunday morning
- Community paddle on the Nantahala River on Sunday (limited space)
- Yoga for Paddling classes with Anna on Saturday and Sunday morning
Paddlefest Scholarship
NOC and Mind Body Paddle want to make a more equitable outdoors for all. We are offering scholarships for this event to support a more accessible outdoor community where all are welcome, therefore we are offering up to three scholarships for black, indigenous, and women of color to apply for:
- Admission to the weekend of events
- Event T-shirt
- Group lake paddle with all equipment provided (if applicable)
- Saturday Evening Dinner
- Friday and Saturday Lodging Accommodations in NOC’s Basecamp
Application deadline is April 30th, chosen recipients will be contacted to book.