U.S. NATIONAL WHITEWATER CENTER

Rafting at the USNWC
Scott Shipley surfs a wave at the USNWC
The community gathers for an evening event at the USNWC
Slalom paddlers gather in the top of of the USNWC before a race
A family enjoying the sun and whitewater rafting at the USNWC
Surfing a wave at the USNWC

Charlotte, North Carolina

The National Whitewater Center is the largest and most profitable whitewater park of its kind in the world. The park surpasses all previous pumped whitewater parks in terms of efficiency, quality of whitewater, variety of uses and fun. It features four separate channel segments, including the world’s steepest slalom channel, the world’s highest-volume big water channel, and purpose-built areas for instruction, development, safety training, big-wave surfing, hole riding and more.

Special features include four separate, moveable, obstacle systems; natural rock structures; restaurant and patio areas overlooking the course; headgates allowing operating costs to be scaled to the day’s customer base; and specific design features tailored to maximize profitable rafting operations.

The park, which opened in 2006, was designed with the dual goals of creating a seamlessly integrated outdoor adventure center and a cost-effective, state-of-the-art whitewater facility.

Project Highlights

  • Four separate purpose-built channels.
  • Four completely autonomous moveable obstacle systems.
  • Host of the 2008, 2012 and 2016 USA Olympic Team Trials, and 2007 Junior World Championships.
  • Predicted nine-year payback period and 30 percent rate-of-return on investment.
  • State-of-the-art conveyor belt system that recycles kayaks and rafts to the top of the course with customers never leaving their boats.
  • 1,200 cfs of water, making it the largest pumped whitewater course in the world.
  • S2o’s highly successful M-wave “Wavemaker” surfing feature.