193. Rafting Through East Tennessee: Adventures on the Nolchucky River

Johnson City Living

About the Guest:

Patrick Mannion is an experienced white water rafting guide and the operating partner for Osprey Whitewater, which is part of Hawks Nest in Seven Devils, North Carolina. With over 3,500 commercial days on the Nolichucky River, Patrick holds a degree in recreation management from Appalachian State University, boasting multiple concentrations, including public parks and recreation management, commercial recreation and tourism management, and outdoor experiential leadership. Patrick’s profound love for the outdoors, combined with a seasoned career involving various white water rivers, positions him as one of the most knowledgeable and passionate guides in the industry.

Episode Summary:

Join Colin Johnson from the Colin and Carly Group with Keller Williams Realty as he converses with Patrick Mannion of Osprey Whitewater Rafting Outdoors. On this sunny July day, they discuss the joys and intricacies of white water rafting in East Tennessee's beautiful Nolichucky River. Patrick shares his journey from a military upbringing across various countries to becoming a seasoned white water rafting expert. Discover how rainfall affects the river's complexity and how Osprey ensures safety while ensuring exhilarating experiences for adventurers.

Delving deeper, Patrick talks about his fondness for the outdoors, recounting exciting wildlife sightings, dynamic river conditions, and memorable trips. With humorous anecdotes about guiding diverse groups, including one encounter with a large Korean tour group, and discussing the collaborative spirit among the Nolichucky’s rafting companies, this episode provides an engaging behind-the-scenes look at white water rafting. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or someone curious about outdoor adventure careers, you'll find valuable insights and reasons to explore white water rafting in East Tennessee.

Key Takeaways:

• Dynamic River Conditions: The Nolichucky River offers varying experiences based on its water levels, influenced consistently by rainfall.
• Extensive Experience and Passion: Patrick Mannion’s expertise stems from over 3,500 commercial days on the river and a specialized degree in recreation management.
• Wildlife Encounters: The Nolichucky Gorge boasts rich wildlife sightings, from bald eagles and river otters to occasional bears and deer.
• Collaboration Over Competition: Rafters on the Nolichucky maintain a strong spirit of camaraderie, often working together across companies to ensure safety and enjoyment.
• Memorable Experiences: Patrick shares his most unforgettable adventures on the river, emphasizing the unpredictable yet thrilling nature of white water rafting.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The Nolichucky is an interesting and very dynamic section of river to work on, to play on. The water levels are always going up or coming down." - Patrick Mannion
2. "We use smaller boats that we had custom-built for the Nolichucky. At this water level, we’ll lower the ratio of guests to guides." - Patrick Mannion
3. "I think one of the cool things about the Nolichucky is it's always different. The water levels are always different. The scenery is always amazing." - Patrick Mannion
4. "On high water, it's a splashy, exciting, exhilarating day. At low water, it's equally splashy and fun, but it ends up being a technical challenge for the staff." - Patrick Mannion
5. "If you don’t have a good time out there, we’ll send you rafting with another company out there, and maybe they can give you a good time." - Patrick Mannion

Resources:

• Osprey Whitewater Website: Hawks Nest Whitewater
• Contact: 828-963-6561
• Instagram: @ospreywhitewater
• Facebook: Hawks Nest’s Osprey Nolichucky Outpost

Start your adventure by tuning into this engaging episode to learn more about white water rafting in East Tennessee, and stay tuned for more enlightening conversations from the Colin and Carly podcast series!