If only we could run our favorite rivers year-round. Instead we are subject to the whims of Mother Nature (not to mention the Army Corps of Engineers)—meaning that frothy dam-release or steep creek may not be flowing when we want to paddle. But soon, with the help of pro boater Scott Shipley, 4,000 linear feet of Class II-IV whitewater kayaking will be available to boaters in Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as those willing to travel. The U.S. National Whitewater Center (www.usnwc.org) scheduled to open in June on the scenic Catawba River, will be the world's largest and most high-tech man-made whitewater park. The park is just 10 minutes from downtown Charlotte and easily accessible from the Interstate. And it's not limited to whitewater paddling either; there are also 11 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking and running, indoor and outdoor climbing, plus a grassy knoll for relaxing.

Don't think USNWC will be your usual citified whitewater park. Located on 300-acres of woodlands, there are creeks and marshlands and a 37-acre island providing primitive camping. And with four channels to choose from—competition, wilderness, freestyle and big water—everyone from rookies to pros will find their whitewater fun. Here's a little preview to wet your appetite:

· Slalom Course: Moveable obstacles make it so organizers can customize rapids, the 1,000-foot long slalom course is graded at 21 feet. This is the world's steepest pumped course!

· Pumps: Pumps fill the park's four channels with 536,000 gallons of water a minute.

· Conveyor: No boat schlepping here. A 110-foot conveyor jets paddlers to the Upper Pond in just 60 seconds.

· The Park: Three Class III play spots offer plenty of rapids for surfing and playboating on the 550-foot long freestyle channel.

· Surfing: A surf wave that adjusts from a mellow, unintimidating roller to seven foot, vertical breaker.

For more info or directions, visit www.usnwc.org.