Archived Outdoors

Local river outfitters sponsors elite paddler

out nocThe Nantahala Outdoor Center has launched its own elite paddling team and signed whitewater slalom paddler Michal Smolen as its first member. The team was formed as a way to help in the training and sponsorship of paddling athletes. The team is expected to grow to include other disciplines of paddling sports and outdoor sports competition.

 

Smolen began his paddling career as a youth member of the local Nantahala Racing Club. At the age of 19, he has already been on the U.S. Canoe/Kayak National Slalom Team for two years running. Smolen won a gold medal at the early season race, the Glacier Breaker, which took place in the gorge in late February.

Smolen competes around the world and said the NOC sponsorship would help him maintain his strict whitewater regiment.

“(I am) very proud and grateful to have been chosen for the team,” Smolen said. “I have a long season ahead of me and this support will go towards my expenses from traveling to races.”

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.