The Nantahala World Kayak Pro-am from Jez Jez on Vimeo.

The pro am is a gathering of professional athletes and amature kayakers raising money for the First Descents Charity at the Nantahala river NC.

Each pro paddler is paired with two amateurs, forming a team of three. These teams compete in a beginner-friendly freestyle event, using the World Kayak point system developed for the Hometown Throwdowns. At the end, the winning team gets bragging rights till next year, and everyone has a chance to win some great raffle prizes. This event is about bringing the boating community together for a great cause and lots of fun.

It’s all about fun and a good cause. Last year, World Kayak raised over $3,000 for First Descents, a non-profit that offers young adult cancer fighters and survivors a free outdoor adventure experience designed to empower them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others doing the same.