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Rafting

Guided Calm Water

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/person!
Kids enjoying a calm water float trip on a ducky in the French Broad River.

Relax and unwind with our guided calm water rafting trip. The calm water rafting trip is a great introduction to river rafting with easy Class I-II rapids. This is a beautiful and pastoral section of the French Broad River. This trip is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a relaxing time on the water and absorb the scenic beauty of Western North Carolina. It’s also perfect for families with younger children who seek a gentler family activity.

Trip Details

60.00
/pp
2-3 Hours
Easy
4
+
Min. Age

Season

March 1 – November 1

Age

TAg-alongs

Allowed - $/person

Class Rapids

I-II

Duration Info

Length varies on weather/river conditions.

Required to Wear

Shoes that won’t come off in the water (i.e. sandals with a strap on the back, water shoes, or old tennis shoes).

Intensity

This calm water trip offers an easy and pleasurable float that is appropriate for all skill levels and particularly suited to beginners.

weight

Notes

We provide



Rafting

For Whitewater Trips:
  • Raft gear
  • PFD
  • Helmet
  • Paddle
  • Raft
  • Guide
  • Splash gear (if requested)
  • Beverages (water, lemonade)
  • Snacks (nutrition bars, crackers)
For Calm Water Trips:
  • Raft (minimum 4 people required)
  • Single Duckie
  • Splash gear (if needed)
For Whitewater Trips:
  • Raft gear
  • PFD
  • Helmet
  • Paddle
  • Raft
  • Guide
  • Splash gear (if requested)
  • Beverages (water, lemonade)
  • Snacks (nutrition bars, crackers)
For Calm Water Trips:
  • Raft (minimum 4 people required)
  • Single Duckie
  • Splash gear (if needed)

Please Bring

Rafting

If you forget these items we have many of them for sale in our store.

  • Shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Strap for glasses
  • Towel
  • Change of dry clothing (for after the trip)

If you forget these items we have many of them for sale in our store.

  • Shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Strap for glasses
  • Towel
  • Change of dry clothing (for after the trip)

Do Not Bring

  • Animals to the outpost, no exceptions.
  • Valuables or anything else that you would mind having lost, wet, or broken.

Participation Requirements

Rafting

Physical Fitness

Participants should feel comfortable sitting for an extended time in the boat and be able to paddle and assist in their own rescue if possible.

Health and Medical Conditions

  • You cannot participate if you have an existing medical condition that could require urgent care (such as major heart problems or seizure disorders) or if you have a condition that could jeopardize your or another participant’s safety. 
  • We also do not recommend that you participate in whitewater rafting if you are pregnant or have significant musculoskeletal problems – please seek the advice of your physician before booking your trip. 
  • Calm water rafting trips are suitable for pregnant persons.
  • You cannot participate if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that could impair you in any way.

If you may require any fast-acting medications such as an EpiPen, diabetic glucose, or an asthma inhaler please bring them on your trip and inform your Guides.

Waiver

  • You participate at your own risk.
  • All guests are required to sign a waiver.

Physical Fitness

Participants should feel comfortable sitting for an extended time in the boat and be able to paddle and assist in their own rescue if possible.

Health and Medical Conditions

  • You cannot participate if you have an existing medical condition that could require urgent care (such as major heart problems or seizure disorders) or if you have a condition that could jeopardize your or another participant’s safety. 
  • We also do not recommend that you participate in whitewater rafting if you are pregnant or have significant musculoskeletal problems – please seek the advice of your physician before booking your trip. 
  • Calm water rafting trips are suitable for pregnant persons.
  • You cannot participate if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that could impair you in any way.

If you may require any fast-acting medications such as an EpiPen, diabetic glucose, or an asthma inhaler please bring them on your trip and inform your Guides.

Waiver

  • You participate at your own risk.
  • All guests are required to sign a waiver.

Meeting Locations

Please refer to your confirmation email for your scheduled times and locations.

 - 
315 Bridge St, Hot Springs, NC 28743
 - 
12 Good Adventures Ln, Marshall, NC 28753

NOTE: Trips only leave from the Hot Springs Outpost between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For all other dates, trips will leave from the Marshall Outpost.

March - Memorial Day: meet at the Marshall Outpost
Memorial Day - Labor Day: meet at the Hot Springs Outpost
Labor Day - November: meet at the Marshall Outpost

Save Money with a Package

View All Packages
Zipper flying towards platformdefault trip image with fba logo
Save
14.30
/pp

Float and Fly

Self-Guided Calm Water Rafting + Guided Ziplining

128.70
6-7 Hours
Easy
Boy getting ready to zipline with mountains in the backgrounddefault trip image with fba logo
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16.40
/pp

Zip & Dip

Ziplining + Half-Day Rafting

147.60
1 Day
Moderate

We Offer Group Reservations

Bringing a group to Asheville? French Broad Adventures caters to groups of all sizes.

Group Reservations

This was my 5th time rafting in North Carolina (first time with this specific rafting service, though), and I can say that our guide, Jim, was the best one I've had so far. Jim displayed an amazing level of skill and knowledge of white water. He was also very personable, and shared his knowledge of the region's history and biology. Jim was super positive and encouraging to everyone in the boat. I suspect the other guides are very professional as well. Seems to be a great rafting company overall.

Coby Cooper

We enjoyed our trip down the French Broad River and the guides were great! We took our 9 and 11 year old boys and they had a blast. They can't wait to go again. Thank you for a great experience.

Craig and Beth

The guides are so knowledgeable, the area is rustic and the river has so much beauty. We were novice rafters and the 2 & 3 rapids were just the right level of exciting!! A great value for the length of the trip downriver too.

Ann Pieta

Comedy show plus white water rafting - what more can you ask for!?!? Richard was amazing as our guide. He knew the river like the back of his hand. He's funny, personable and most of all you could see that he cared about his client's having a great time. The hot lunch is a total bonus. Highly recommend!

Terri Hecker

The Best in NC! Knowledgeable of the river (more so than other rafting companies on the French Broad) safe, fun, and most of the guides have been there 5 yrs plus. They only hire 1-3 new guides a season. Other neighboring companies hire 30-40 untrained, college kids a season. I love TJ and Richard! However, there are other wonderful guides that I haven’t had the opportunity to raft with but was able to meet and talk with them. Real salt of the earth people!

Shannon Redmon

This was our families second adventure with French Broad. 2 years ago we did the 5 mile white water rafting, and last month we did the 9 mile. (they wanted more adventure!) I cannot say enough about how friendly, knowledgeable and professional the staff/guides are. The lunch they prepare for you on the 9 mile ride is fantastic! Of course nature takes care of the majestic views. Love that they allow you to get out and swim and even jump off cliffs! For the second time in 2 years everything went as planned. Not one hiccup!! AAAA++++

Lisa Smith Kennedy