
The relationship between Werner Paddles and the Nantahala Outdoor Center not only goes back years and years, but is one we are very proud of. None more so than South East rep, and NOC's account manager, Mette Mosquera. Read below the great NOC press release Mette brought us for the blog.
Nantahala Outdoor Center 2012 Youth Paddling Team Application Released
WESSER, NC (October 26, 2011) – Nantahala Outdoor Center announced the release of the 2012 Youth Paddling Team application process. The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) began the Youth Paddling Team (YPT) with an eight member team in 2011 consisting of youth ages 12-17 from across the Southeast. Through training, coaching and group leadership activities, YPT members gain the skills necessary to become role models of the sport as well as provide leadership for the growth of paddlesports for generations to come. The 2011 YPT members participated throughout the year in wilderness medicine, swiftwater rescue and whitewater training sessions, freestyle competitions, leadership conferences and group river trips.
NOC’s Paddling School Director Jon Clark is YPT’s visionary and leader. Jon first envisioned a team in 2009 to “empower youth to create a healthy future in paddlesports.” Winter of 2010 this became a reality with the first NOC YPT. The goal was simple: to give developing youth paddlers the tools, direction and motivation to become first-rate ambassadors of the sport of whitewater paddling. In his first season, the team had twelve podium finishes, thirty individual entries in freestyle events and even won a $2500 grant through the Outdoor Industry Association for their “Youth Paddlers Video Series” project at Outdoor Nation’s Youth Summit in Atlanta. Jon’s focus to develop leaders in the sport is now a reality and he is determined to open more doors for youth, beginning with a larger team in 2012.
With the many successes in its first year, YPT is broadening the opportunities to increase youth participation. The 2012 YPT offers two unique paths for members, an Elite Team that consisting of 20 members and an unlimited number of spots on the Junior Team. The Elite YPT will be subdivided into three sections to allow participants to focus their skills on their preferred discipline: freestyle, river racing and instruction. The Junior YPT is open to all interests and is a great starting point for those that are new to the sport, advancing their skills, just want to have fun and meet other paddlers while doing so. Applicants age 6-17 of all skill levels and disciplines are encouraged to apply. Elite Team applications are due November 30, 2011 with enrollment to the Junior Team ongoing and open throughout the year. Applications are available online at www.nocypt.com.
Thanks to the NOC for their great work in growing the youth of our sport. Here is a great short VIDEO the YPT put together for your enjoyment.