FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. (WTVD) — Tucked away in his small two-car garage turned workshop, you can hear the hum of the saw, dust wafting into the air, and then the twang of a guitar string.

About four years ago, Matt Schiemann realized his talent wasn’t exactly in playing guitars but making them.

“I still enjoy playing guitar, but it was clear that wasn’t going to be the thing I was really going to be doing. So I started tinkering with things, and one thing led to another, where I just started building my own,” said Schiemann.

He made about 100 completely customized guitars and shipped them all over the world.

“This one I’m working on for a father as a commemoration for his daughter who loved butterflies,” Schiemann said.

Each design is unique to its owner, and some even pay homage to North Carolina’s history.

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“This wood came from a combination of two different barns here in Fuquay. One came from a little area called Kipling, and the other one came from just up the road in Fuquay,” he said.

The knots and original nail holes in the wood were gathered from tobacco barns within a few miles of Schiemann’s home.

“Our area in Fuquay is really starting to develop a lot, so all the farms that are there that had barns on them have been bought by developers. So they go in and tear everything down. I’m trying to save a little bit of the history that we have around here,” Matt said.

As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

“It’s pretty amazing to see this thing you’ve taken from start to finish. It’s almost like this barn that has a retirement as a musician now. It’s giving it a second life,” Schiemann said.

For more information about Matt and Schiemann guitars, visit here.

With more than 2,000 miles of rivers and the most whitewater rivers in the southeastern U.S., North Carolina is a paddler’s paradise. From mellow riffles and Class I rapids to more challenging runs, North Carolina’s whitewater scene has something for all experience levels. But one river has earned a reputation among experienced paddlers as a bucket list whitewater experience.

Known for its steep and technical rapids, the Cheoah River offers tantalizing Class III to V rapids that give even the most experienced paddlers a thrill. There’s just one catch …

Cheoah River History

Like many rivers across the country, the Cheoah River is controlled by a dam. For more than 70 years, the 9-mile section of the Cheoah River between the Santeelah Dam and Lake Calderwood at the convergence of the Little Tennessee River was dewatered, which means the once-powerful river was reduced to an average flow of 250 CFS.

Thankfully, after years of lobbying, American Whitewater and its local partners were able to negotiate for scheduled releases. Since 2005, the river has returned to its former glory at least 18 times annually for recreation and ecological purposes. That means you can have a chance to experience the iconic rapids on the Cheoah River — if you time it right.

Paddling a Scheduled Release on the Cheoah River

During scheduled water releases, approximately 1,000 CFS of water flow through the Santeelah Dam. The result is 14 Class III+ to Class V rapids in a 9-mile stretch, with additional smaller rapids mixed in. Most releases are planned for weekends in the spring through fall. To plan a trip to paddle the Cheoah River, check the Graham County Travel website for details on the annual release schedule.

Of course, release schedules are subject to change based on weather conditions and other factors, so double-check closer to your target release date to confirm everything is happening as planned. Advance permits aren’t required, but the U.S. Forest Service requires each individual to purchase a day pass — available from local vendors at the put-in — to access the river during high-flow events.

Guided Experiences on the Cheoah River

Think you’re up for the challenge, but apprehensive about setting out on your own? Opt for a guided paddle with a local outfitter. These expert guides bring a deep understanding of whitewater paddling and knowledge specific to the Cheoah River to all their trips so they can help intermediate and advanced paddlers take on challenging rapids safely.

Check out trips with outfitters like Nantahala Outdoor Center or Endless River Adventures to see if a guided paddle is the right move for you.

Beginner-Friendly Alternatives

While the Cheoah River is suitable for experienced paddlers, there are still plenty of ways for beginners to enjoy the area. Camp on the shores of Lake Santeelah, just upriver from the whitewater put-in, at Cheoah Point Campground. This beachfront recreation area offers first-come, first-served campsites for tents and RVs.

Enjoy easy access to the 2,800-acre lake, which is open for boating, fishing, jet skiing, and swimming. Or use the lake as a launchpad for exploring hiking trails in the area. Don’t miss a chance to grab a bite at the Historic Tapoco Lodge. Situated on the bank of the Cheoah River, the lodge offers prime views of the whitewater action.

If you’re keen on whitewater but aren’t ready to tackle the Cheoah, head to the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte. Home to the world’s largest manmade whitewater river, the center is well-equipped to help novice paddlers explore the sport and allow more experienced paddlers to take their skills to the next level — all in a controlled environment.

Explore North Carolina Responsibly

Let’s work together to keep North Carolina a paradise for paddling and other on-the-water activities for future generations. Learn how with Leave No Trace tips from Outdoor NC. Then, join the movement to protect North Carolina’s cherished outdoor spaces.

This post was sponsored by Visit North Carolina.