Anna Kooiman at the USNWC

‘On Belay.’ ‘Belay is on.’ ‘Climbing.’ ‘Climb on.’  Hearing that call and answer at the US National White Water Center brings back memories from childhood… at Lake Wylie’s Camp Thunderbird.  That’s the last time I had been on a climbing wall.  So of course I was a little rusty! And I’ve gotta tell ya… it will get your heat rate up in a heartbeat!

Fox Charlotte photographer, Mike Thomas, and I headed down I-485 for a day of fun at the outdoor adventure center.  I think a big misconception folks have about the place… is that it’s just a place to go if you want to hit up some man-made rapids…. Oh contraire! Mike and I were shooting three ‘Fit Right Now’ segments for Fox News Rising… so we were taking part in activities where WE did the work… not momentum! Hahaha

As mentioned we started on the climbing wall… then we moved to the Adventure Course which is about 20 feet in the air… a tight rope… log walk…. Etc.  You have to be 45 pounds to take part so I was worried I wouldn’t be able to do it. Yeah right! LOL!  A few of the experts on the course found it interesting that very often when families come to do the course… it’s the kids who are fearless… it’s the adults who get the butterflies and need the cheerleaders rooting them on from below.  It’s a trend I noticed out there as well.

Our final escapade was kayaking down the Catawba River.  We saw some amazing wildlife… we did some bird watching- which was cool… and even saw a couple snapping turtles catching some rays on a log near the banks.  It’s educational, and again a good option for kids… but the center also has some kayaking activities that are for the big kids… 21 years old and above.  Coming up on September 15th is the center’s next microbrew cruise… Basically folks get to enjoy some time on the water and then come back and enjoy some food and drink around a campfire with old friends… or friends they’ve made while on the river. This upcoming rendezvous will conclude with a beer tasting featuring New Belgium… mmmm…

Check out the website for activity and program pricing… usnwc.org

For more ways around town to get in shape while having fun (and for slim down formulas, meal replacements, workout DVD’s, etc)… hit me up at getfitcharlotte.com and annakooiman.com

~ Anna Kooiman

sponsored by:

Dickies Pants, Jackets, and Overalls at PiedmontRed.com