Public memorial, fund set for kayaker Maria Noakes, who died in Cheoah River

BRYSON CITY - Maria Noakes was perhaps the epitome of what it means to be a whitewater paddler. More than fearless, she was fun loving. More than thrill seeker, she was a nature lover. More than anything, she was a loving mom, wife, friend.

Noakes, who died in a kayaking accident March 3 on the Cheoah River in Graham County, will be honored for all of her boundless loves at a celebration of life and memorial service March 10 at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.

Laura Farrell and Marc Hunt, longtime friends of Noakes, said much of the service will take place under a large open tent, but there will also be an open-air, stream-side ritual.

The celebration will include an optional memorial paddle on the Nantahala River starting at 10 a.m. The float will not be guided so Class III whitewater skills are necessary.

“Maria loved getting together on the river. Some people like going to the Wedge Brewery to get together, but for Maria, and the group that loved her, going to the river was the way to socialize and show love for her,” Hunt said.

Farrell suggests those attending the memorial service bring water and snacks. She is expecting several hundred guests. The memorial event will be live-streamed for those who are unable to attend.

MORE: Asheville kayaker and mom drowns in Cheoah River Saturday

Noakes, 50, was an expert kayaker known around the world. A native of New Zealand, she had competed on her country’s national freestyle team for many years. She was also an accomplished whitewater slalom and downriver racer.

She and her husband, Nick Williams, lived in Bryson City for more than 20 years, where they operated Smoky Mountain Jet Boats. They have two sons, Matteo, 12, and Dominique, 15. Noakes also has extended family in New Zealand and legions of friends around the world. 

Last Saturday, Noakes was paddling the Cheoah with one of her sons and two friends – all expert boaters –  when she fell behind the three other boaters, who waited for her downstream. Her boat was found pinned against the side of the river below a rapid called Python. She was later found downstream. There were no witnesses to the accident.

Friends have also established the "Live Like Maria Memorial Fund" through the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. Hunt said donations will be directed into causes that were close to Maria’s heart, including paddling instruction and outdoor experiences for youth, river conservation and access, and empowering women in outdoor adventure pursuits.

Anna Levesque, a professional kayaker who lives in Asheville and teaches health and wellness through paddling combined with yoga, had competed against, and been friends with Noakes for nearly 20 years.

“I met her at a competition on the freestyle circuit on the Nolichucky River. I was competing for Canada and I was living out of my car. She said, 'Come stay at my house.' I remember thinking, ‘This woman is incredible, opening up her home to me.’”

Levesque said she believes Noakes will be remembered for her generosity, her passion and her endless energy as an expert kayaker and as a mom.    

“She was really dedicated as a mom and loved sharing her passion with her kids and introducing them to the outdoors. They live in Bryson City but live in Asheville during the week so their children can have the opportunity to go to great schools,” Levesque said.

“She was generous, she was passionate and she was full of vitality. That passion she had for kayaking was more than anyone I know.”

If you go

A celebration of life and memorial service for Maria Noakes will be at 2 p.m. March 10 at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, 13077 U.S. 19 in Swain County, about 12 miles west of Bryson City.

There will be a livestream starting before 2 p.m. at https://ashevillechannel.com/the-best/live-like-maria/. Video of the service and photos from the day will be shared through social media afterward. 

The celebration will include an optional memorial paddle on the Nantahala River. The float will not be guided so Class III whitewater skills are necessary. Those who plan to take part should drop their boating gear in advance at Ferebee Park, four miles upstream of NOC, and be prepared to board the bus shuttle from NOC by 10 a.m. The paddle should finish by 1 p.m. in time to change before the service.

Want to help?

Contributions to the Live Like Maria Memorial Fund Gifts may also be made by check in any amount and sent to “CFWNC” with “Live Like Maria” in the memo line and mailed to The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, 4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Suite 300, Asheville, NC 28803.

Contributions can also be made at www.cfwnc.org. Click “give now” in the upper right corner of the home page, then choose the “Live Like Maria Memorial Fund” from the drop-down menu.