BOONE, N.C. - Taking in spectacular scenery is a popular High Country pastime - and not just by driving the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The more adventurous visitors know to contact Wahoo's Adventures, which for 35 years has offered paddling on rivers as an alternative to exploring by highway.
New River. Watauga River. Wilson Creek. The Nolichucky. These waterways are true avenues to the beauty of the High Country. And while some bring their own vessel, an outfitter like Wahoo's offers multiple opportunities for visitors.
"Good afternoon, thanks for calling Wahoo's. This is Jeff speaking. How can we get you wet?" comes the answer over the phone from the area's longest-tenured outfitter.
Wahoo's Adventures, owned by Jeff Stanley, is a local outfitter with national acclaim. Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2013, Wahoo's has twice been named Outfitter of the Year by the Professional Paddlesports Association.
It has also been nominated for a National Merit Award for safety by the Red Cross.
Stanley expertly explains opportunities for all types of adventurers - from tubing to canoeing to kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding to rafting. And Wahoo's is the only High Country outfitter to with outposts on four rivers.
"They call me the grandfather of outdoor adventures in these parts," says Stanley. "However, I've never wanted Wahoo's to rest on its laurels. We're always striving to raise the bar and add amenities."
Stanley emphasizes professional guides and a focus on safety as Wahoo's foundation. Wahoo's also takes pride in having state-of-the-art equipment, top-notch cuisine on full-day trips, and a recent expansion of the outpost on the New River.
"Our New River outpost has a large picnic shelter, food, changing area, hot showers, flush toilets, and gated parking lot," Stanley says. "It is especially ideal for families."
To book a trip or for more information, contact Wahoo's at (800) 444-RAFT, or see them online at: www.wahoosadventures.com.