Marc Hunt on Taylor’s Wave and the Future of the French Broad River

Marc Hunt

Marc Hunt is a passionate river steward helping shape the next chapter of the French Broad River, from efforts to remove the Craggy Dam to the creation of Taylor’s Wave, a manmade whitewater wave in Woodfin, North Carolina.

Marc is also a whitewater paddler and former Asheville City Council member who has spent decades working to protect and reimagine our local rivers. A former outfitter on Tennessee’s Ocoee River, he has long been involved in river conservation and recreation efforts and currently serves on the board of RiverLink. He has played a leading role in projects like the Woodfin Greenway & Blueway and Taylor’s Wave, a stationary whitewater wave dedicated to the memory of his son, which is scheduled to open in late summer. He’s also a strong advocate for removing the Craggy Dam in Woodfin, just outside of Asheville. 

In this episode, Marc shares his passion for rivers and explains why he believes removing the Craggy Dam could be one of the most important steps we take in our lifetimes to improve the health of the French Broad River, and its role in the community

Marc also discusses how the idea for the wave came together; how it fits into the broader Woodfin Greenway & Blueway; how the wave and surrounding park could benefit the town; and what it means for the wave to carry his son’s name.

Click here to listen.

You can also listen via the following outlets or on your favorite podcast platform.
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music

Craggy Dam Removal
craggycoalition.org
Opinion: Removing Craggy Dam a chance to restore French Broad River

Town of Woodfin
woodfin-nc.gov

River Volunteer Opportunities
RiverLink
Asheville GreenWorks
MountainTrue

A rendering of Taylor’s Wave in Woodfin
Marc Hunt at the construction site of Taylor’s Wave on March 31, 2026 (Jon Page)
Marc Hunt stands on the future site of Taylor’s Wave in Woodfin, where interlocking concrete blocks installed in the riverbed will help shape a standing wave on the French Broad River.  (Jon Page)
An aerial view of construction at Taylor’s Wave (Marc Hunt)
Surfers ride a standing wave at the Bend Whitewater Park in Bend, Oregon, similar to the type of wave planned for Woodfin’s Taylor’s Wave. (Jon Page)
The Craggy Dam in Woodfin (Jon Page)

Theme Music
The song “Goa” was written by Lyndsay Pruett and performed by the Jon Stickley Trio.

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