Schmidt brothers get Blue Ridge Paddling back on the river

The Schmidt brothers – Mason and Brannon – have gotten their Blue Ridge Paddling business up and running again, on the heels of reopening their Blue Ridge Taphouse in April. After the 2024 disaster of Hurricane Helene, the brothers have traveled a long path to get both ventures back into operation Blue Ridge Paddling is once again able to take clients down the Nolichucky River as of Friday, June 12. The Erwin Record spoke to Mason about the excitement of having the rafting business open once more. "Having Blue Ridge Paddling back on the river means more to Brannon and I than words can really express," Schmidt said. "The Nolichucky has always been at the heart of our business and our passion, and after everything that happened with the flooding, getting back on the water represents resilience, hope and a fresh start." He added that the last couple of years have been incredibly challenging, noting that the business lost major infrastructure. The brother watched their property change overnight, and then they faced a lot of uncertainty about their future. "Throughout that time, the support from our community, customers, volunteers and friends and family has been overwhelming," Schmidt said. "Every encouraging message, donation and helping hand played a major role in getting us back to this point." Mason said being able to welcome guests back and share the Nolichucky Gorge again is something that he and his brother have been looking forward to every day. "This season is all about getting back to what we love most — providing safe, memorable whitewater experiences on one of the most beautiful rivers in the southeast," he said. "In many ways, parts of the gorge will actually feel new for our returning guests," Mason added. "The flooding significantly reshaped sections of the river, creating new rapids and changing familiar features throughout the gorge." Mason added that after countless training laps over the last few months, they have dialed in the new version of the gorge and are anxious for returning paddlers to experience those changes for the first time and see their reactions. "The Nolichucky Gorge has always been an incredible destination for commercial rafting, and we're grateful that it continues to offer an outstanding experience," he said. "The river is now more channelized, a bit splashier in places, and still provides an amazing rafting product, even during lower water seasons," he said. Mason added that it's a fresh chapter for a river that's always been special. "As we continue rebuilding after the flood, we're grateful to simply be back doing what we love," Schmidt said. "We have just completed the replacement of our boat barn and are thrilled to be able to provide a new world class facility that our guests deserve." Mason and Brannon both expressed thanks to many who helped on their journey back. "We're incredibly thankful to everyone who stood by us during this journey," Mason said. "The recovery from Hurricane Helene has been a long process, but the support we've received from our local community and visitors from across the region has reminded us why the Nolichucky River community is such a special place." The brothers said that they are proud to continue showing support for the outdoor recreation economy that means so much to Erwin. "We can't wait to see familiar faces, develop new relationships, and make new memories on the 'New' Nolichucky Gorge," he said. For more information on Blue Ridge Paddling, visit www.blueridgepaddling.com or call (423) 388-6002 to book in advance, as availability fills up quickly. Follow Blue Ridge Paddling on Facebook and Instagram for updates, river conditions, trip highlights and the latest news throughout the season.