Neuse a top N.C. river for paddling

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The Neuse, Cape Fear and Nantahala are the most popular rivers for paddling in North Carolina, according to a study released by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

But Neuse River paddlers have known it for a while as they watched more and more kayaks, canoes and small boats on the 300 miles that the Craven County Tourism Development Authority has on its 25-paddle trail map.

The findings of the 2008 Paddle Tourism Study show paddling a fast growing sport, particularly in areas within 50 miles of home, and the Piedmont section is where most of the paddlers live.

The study done by the division’s State Trails Program in partnership with N.C. State University school of Parks and Recreation and Tourism Management took information from more than 2,000 online responders who were mostly paddling enthusiasts and outdoor outfitters.

Darrell McBane, head of the State Trails Program, said that due to the popularity of paddling there needs to be more research of the sport.

This one was done by Jennifer Beedle, an intern at the university, and was funded by a federal Recreation Trains Program grant.

Respondents listed 40 rivers and coastal sounds where they prefer to paddle, and almost 75 percent classified themselves as novice or recreational paddlers between 31 and 60 years old.

The Piedmont was the most frequently paddled region of the state, visited by 40 percent of respondents. The mountains drew 28 percent and coastal areas 27 percent and 5 percent visited areas outside North Carolina.

North Carolina was a destination for paddlers from other states also, primarily Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

The study will be used to help the trails program develop standards for access areas and paddling trails and tools for local governments.

Abigail Wilson with the Craven County Recreation Department handles rental reservations for the department’s kayaks and canoes launching from Creekside Park on Brices Creek.