The ultimate whitewater competition is coming to the Nantahala River on September 2–8, 2013 — the International Canoe Federation’s (ICF) Canoe Freestyle World Championships. This premier freestyle kayak event is slated to draw over 300 top freestyle paddlers from around the world, as well as thousands of spectators here, to the Nantahala Gorge, in the heart of the North Carolina Smokies. Tentative Event Schedule.

But you don’t have to wait two years to see top-level freestyle on the Nantahala. Catch the action this September 7-9, when athletes come to compete in the final event of the 2012 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup. More info.

The 2013 Wave is the centerpiece of the Nantahala freestyle kayaking venue. It is created by a Wave Shaper, an underwater concrete structure that alters water flow, enhancing the existing drop at that point of the river and creating a word-class competitive feature. Read more about the Wave Shaper and View live webcam.