It all started almost 30 years ago in 1983 in an effort to stop a hydro-electric project that would have drastically disrupted water flows on the Gauley. Since then Gauley Fest has grown into the world’s largest paddling festival with an attendance of up to 5000 people.

The main focus of the festival is to bring paddlers to the area to enjoy the plethora of outdoor activities in the area and of course to promote the amazing whitewater paddling. American Whitewater hosts the event to raise funds and membership for the protection and access rights on other rivers around the U.S.

In addition to the amazing paddling, the festival has also been known for it’s amazing party (which is bound to happen with 5000 people), whitewater market, and a silent auction where paddling companies have donated some awesome prizes.

This year Wave Sport has decided that Gauley Fest will be the place for the debut of their new boat the Project X. The name Project X obviously was derived from the fact that Wave Sport has taken design cues from two of their best boats and combined them into one. Keep an eye on Rapid for an exclusive report on the new Wave Sport Project X

If you are planning on going and haven’t already registered for Gauley Fest go to www.americanwhitewater.org to find out more. Also note there have been a few changes from prior years in regards to parking and entrance fees and all details are on the American Whitewater website at Gauley Fest Entance Fees and Gauley Fest Parking Changes.