Bellyak Spotted at U.S. National Whitewater Center

Could this man be surfing the next wave of whitewater paddle sports? We should find out in the coming year as Adam Masters takes his Bellyak to market. This is a shot of Adam surfing the first rapid at the Wilderness channel at the U.S. National Whitewater Center May 22. He brought about a half dozen prototypes of his Bellyak Play, a 7.5 foot lie-on-top, sit-on-top, kneel-on-top body board out to demo to USNWC guides. Along the way he took a host of recreational paddlers for a ride down the Class III M Wave. Adam has booked a booth at the gigantic Outdoor Retailer Summer Market trade show this August, where he will try to sign up paddle sports dealers nationwide. If he is successful, the Asheville area will have spawned yet another outdoor recreation company. The region is already home to Astral Buoyancy, Diamond Brand Outdoors, Eagle Nest Outfitters, Evolution Kayaks, Highgear and Nantahala Outdoor Center. Legacy Paddlesports will move its operations there from Greensboro this summer. While the region's national forests, mountains and wild rivers offer these companies ample proving grounds, the USNWC provides a fantastic site for companies to beta test paddlesport, climbing and other outdoor rec gear. Adam will be back at USNWC in June to test new prototypes, including early versions of Bellyak's Frequency river runner boat, which is designed to accommodate beefier paddlers. TIP:  If you are interested in checking out this new category of whitewater craft, contact  Bellyak at info@bellyak.com and ask them when they will be out at the center next. OBSERVATION: This is a great way to experience whitewater without having to learn an Eskimo role. I was able to take the Play through the M Wave without falling off on my first attempt. When I did fall off the boat, it was easy to get back on. If Bellyak can line up enough dealers, it could expand participation in whitewater sports and attract a lot more newbies to the USNWC.