"This is what we like to call a low oxygen environment"

With anxiety and adrenaline pumping, helmets and PFD’s strapped, stepping out into a 12 foot raft ready to take on Class IV whitewater is definitely a rush. “Remember, don’t let go of your T-grip,” our guide says while we prepare ourselves for the two hours of thrill seeking we’ve come to enjoy.

The United States National White Water Center is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true: bike trails, hiking trails, rock climbing, high ropes course, challenge course, and of course, white water rafting and kayaking. As the official U.S. Olympic Training Site, on any given day you can watch paddlers and their coaches training in the rapids. It’s safe to say after a few hours on the river, you’ve paddled with the Olympians.

An absolute joy, the Whitewater Center is for all skill levels from ‘what’s whitewater?’ to the experienced veteran ready to get in a good session. An annual trip for WOAC, the Whitewater Center never fails to bring smiles to the faces of club members while providing an awesome atmosphere to learn team building and leadership skills through rafting. And that is exactly what occurred on Friday, October 3 2008.

Gathering in the Dinkins parking lot in the afternoon, WOAC participants carpooled 40 minutes to Mt. Holly, NC. After a brief safety talk, the splashing, paddling, and unexpected swimming began. Afterward, participants could not stop talking about coming back to do it again.

Photos courtesy of Christian Grave's Facebook. Thanks bro.