Rock Gardens Rafting Competitors

Recognized by National Geographic Adventure as “The Best River & Sea Outfitter on Earth,” OARS is among the most trusted names in the travel industry. Since 1969, the company has set the standard in first-class rafting, hiking & multi-sport adventures with unparalleled experiences in the most iconic national parks and wilderness areas in Western North America and abroad.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center is the nation’s largest outdoor recreation company. Over a half million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of over 80 different whitewater rafting and land-based itineraries, learn to kayak at NOC’s world-renowned Paddling School, test the latest outdoor gear and shop at its flagship retail stores, or enjoy NOC’s resort amenities such as its four restaurants and multi-tiered lodging. A privately-held company, NOC is one of the largest employers in Western North Carolina and 23 Olympians and Olympic coaches have called NOC home. NOC has been recently recognized by The New York Times as the “Nation's Premiere Paddling School,” “The Best Place to Learn” by Outside Magazine, and as “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE.

Outward Bound, founded in 1941 by educator Kurt Hahn, is a non-profit educational organization that serves people of all ages and backgrounds through challenging learning expeditions that focus on character development, leadership and service. As the pioneer and leading provider of experiential and outdoor education in the U.S., Outward Bound offers over 1,000 courses throughout the year, across the U.S. and internationally. Outward Bound helps individuals and teams discover strength of character and an aptitude for leadership needed to serve others in their community and care for the world around them. Outward Bound serves 70,000 students annually, many of whom receive scholarship support, and has a nationwide community of more than 1 million people.