NOLIFEST RECAP: PADDLERS UNITE for '22 SEASON

ERWIN, TENN., (April 25th, 2022) — NoliFest returned to USA Raft Adventure Resort in full swing this past weekend after a 3-year hiatus. Paddlers, campers, and ​Onewheelers came out to celebrate water and life with live music, raft trips and dirt surfing.

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BY:  ALLIE BYNUM

NOLI SEASON

Pictured above, Matt Moses tells paddlers of the Beat Nightfall Race, "You're all winners!" These words summarize the feeling of community at USA Raft Adventure Resort.

In 2019, floods changed plans for NoliFest leaving guests on grounds to enjoy fun times by the Nolichucky River or blocked out from the festy fun altogether. Then, with concerns during the global pandemic and keeping guests' safety a priority at USA Raft- NoliFest was canceled for 2020 and 2021.

At Friday evening's Beat Nightfall Race, the crowd cheered on paddlers as they crossed the finish line at the take-out, proving the great return of NoliFest 2022 a success. It was like one big family reunion bringing together Nolichucky traditionalists along with guests who were experiencing the festival for their first time.

GEODESIC DOMES

Lodging was booked well in advance for the festival weekend at this premier adventure resort. Guests were able to enjoy some of East Tennessee's newest unique lodging experiences along the banks of the Nolichucky River. 

Gabby recently inquired to join the team as a raft guide trainee and did not hesitate to jump right in and help add some finishing touches to the new Noli Loft rentals on-site. Her spirit and hard work, along with the entire USA Raft team, are what ignite the magical experiences that happen here.

ELECTRIC SKATEBOARDING?

Not only did paddlers come out to celebrate their love for the great outdoors, but a new tribe was caught roaming the grounds around the Nolichucky River. Onewheelers.

One of USA Raft's own, Caleb Scalf, showed professional Onewheelers Noah Bild and Finn Holcomb some of the new tracks being developed around the property. These Onewheel athletes are raising the bar for the sport, and Noah's mom Traci was out riding alongside her son and encouraging him to improve his skills. If you haven't tried it yet or are looking to buy, the resort offers demos and private lessons and sells Onewheels at the new Red Banks Outpost location.

This year's festival would not have been possible without the hardworking team members at USA Raft Adventure Resort and sponsors for this year's event. Learn more about USA Raft Adventure Resort here, and happy paddling (and Onewheel) season!