Southern Appalachian Whitewater Hall of Fame

Hugh Caldwell at Nantahala Falls - Click HERE to see full-sized image.

The nomination period for the 2026 class of the Southern Appalachian Whitewater Hall of Fame will open in June 2026. Standby for updates!

• Going forward, the Hall will entertain nominations and make inductions biannually in each even-numbered year in similar numbers as in 2022 and 2024, i.e., approximately three individuals and one institution each cycle. As is the case with most halls of fame, we appreciate that this results in a competitive process and that some worthy applicants might not be inducted with their first nomination.  

Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter, later the US President, on the Chattooga River - click HERE to see full-sized image.

Criteria for Selection: 

To merit induction, a nominee must have exhibited one or more of the following qualities in ways that have profoundly and positively impacted the sport of whitewater paddling in the Southern Appalachians: 

•  As an INNOVATOR by creating new methods, technologies, or products; - as a LEADER among people in organizations or movements; 
•  as a PIONEER who defined new pathways for others to follow, particularly in paddling sport; and/or 
•  as a person who has achieved NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS and served as a role model for others. 

Inductees need not have resided in the Southern Appalachians but must have had significant activity and influence in the region. For the purpose of this program, the “Southern Appalachians” is generally intended to include the contiguous mountainous areas of Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. 

Inductees must be at least thirty years old and must have achieved accomplishments or contributions to the sport for a continuous period of at least ten years. 

Individual inductees may be deceased or living, and may remain currently active. 

Institutional inductees may be for-profit businesses, nonprofit entities, clubs, organizations, or other groups.