Payson Kennedy (USA)

Payson Kennedy co-founded the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) in Wesser, NC in 1972 with Horace Holden and developed it to become a world-class facility.

Recognized for its instruction in whitewater boating, competition, and safety as well as providing outfitting services around the world, and initially purchased as a combination motel, restaurant, store and outfitting business, NOC is now a $15 million a year operation with 600 summertime employees who serve 200,000 outdoor enthusiasts. Under Payson’s leadership, NOC is not only the largest outdoor education/recreation center in the world but the “NOC experience” has supported overall whitewater advocacy through conservation and safety support and education.

NOC supported racers by hiring them as guides and instructors and was the first school to hire women racers as guides and instructors. Payson, with NOC, created the non-profit Nantahala Racing Club which has produced U.S. Olympic whitewater racers in 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004.

He starred in the movie Deliverance as a stunt double, and is a six-time National Champion in OC-1 in US Open Boat National Championships (1974-1978).