Bryson City, NC – Top freestyle kayakers from around the country will converge on the Nantahala River near Bryson City, NC April 26-28 for a chance to be on Team USA and compete here again at the Freestyle World Championships this September. Preliminaries are on Friday, with Quarter & Semi-Finals on Saturday. Finals are on Sunday ending with the Awards Ceremony at 6 pm.

“This is the most important national-level freestyle event of the year,” said Event Manager Zuzana Vanha. “For some athletes it's more stressful than the World Championships, because their very hope of competing at the Worlds hinges on their performance at Team Trials. Last year’s World Cup held here had down-to-the-wire finishes; we expect the Team Trials to be just as exciting. And with all the extra activities we have planned, this will be a fun weekend in the Gorge.”

In addition to the Team Trials, the Nantahala Outdoor Center will be hosting its annual Spring Fling with gear sale, artisans’ fair, bouncy house, SUP & 8-Ball races, Dagger Squirt Competition, and live music.

On April 26, pro paddlers will hold a water skills clinic with Team River Runner, wounded active duty service members and veterans who enjoy water sports.

On Saturday, April 27, Endless River Adventures & Wave Sport will hold their annual Nantahala Open, a fun competition at Nantahala Falls that is open to all boaters no matter the experience or ability, with categories and prizes for every skill level.

To top off the weekend, there will be a water release on the Upper Nantahala River Cascades to provide experienced kayakers with an enhanced whitewater experience.

A complete schedule and photos for download are available on the website: FreestyleKayaking2013.com.