Paddling Magazine

Created In Partnership with Tennessee Department of Tourist Development In the northeast corner of Tennessee, the dramatic relief of the Appalachian Mountains cuts impressive river gorges tumbling with whitewater. And while the experience and scenery are spectacular, it’s the guides who welcome paddlers to places like the Nolichucky and Pigeon rivers that make them unforgetta...

Spend enough time on the river and, sooner or later, you may collect a story that still gives you the chills. We asked pro boaters to share the scariest moments they’ve experienced. Here’s what some of of them had to say. Pro paddlers on the scariest thing that ever happened to them “Oh boy, this […]

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Competitive paddleboarder Charlie Verco was paddling past a popular beach in Sydney, Australia, on June 13 when he heard swimmers yell “shark.” Instead of fleeing to safety, Verco paddled toward the danger, hoping to help those in the water. As frantic swimmers attempted to climb onto his board, the shark attacked. “But then another woman […]

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An eight-year-old helped save his grandfather after the pair capsized while kayaking on the Vale coastline in South Wales. As strong currents swept Marley Jones and his grandfather David ‘Dai’ Jones away from shore, Marley remained calm and called for help.  “When I called my Nan, I told her I was okay, but Granscha looked […]

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Nikki Bettis, a single mom of 15 biological children, laughs now about the detour. Three days into her family’s 1,175-mile trek across North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a game warden directed their flotilla of canoes and kayaks off the Neuse River ahead of a fishing tournament packed with fast boats and beer. The Virginia family—including a […]

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