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
Season
Age
Class Rapids
Duration Info
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
weight
Notes
We provide
Rafting
- Raft
- PFD
- Helmet
- Paddle
- Water
- Guide (for guided trips)
- Splash gear (if requested)
- Snacks or lunch may be provided based on trip booked
- Raft
- PFD
- Helmet
- Paddle
- Water
- Guide (for guided trips)
- Splash gear (if requested)
- Snacks or lunch may be provided based on trip booked
Please Bring
Rafting
REQUIRED: shoes that won’t come off in the water (i.e. sandals with a strap on the back, water shoes, or old tennis shoes - no Crocs or flip flops).
Spring and Fall – Layers, Layers, Layers!!! Complimentary wetsuits (please wear swimsuits underneath) and splash gear (rain jackets and/or pants) are available for all guests as needed at no extra charge. We recommend that you wear wool or synthetic material (i.e. polyester, nylon, or dry-fit).
We DO NOT RECOMMEND that you wear cotton (i.e. sweatshirts and sweatpants) or denim for your rafting trip. You may also want to wear wool or synthetic socks (i.e. SmartWool) with shoes during this time.
Summer – Swimsuit with shorts and a t-shirt or tank top.
We also highly recommend a strap for your glasses and sunglasses, sunscreen, and any prescribed medications that you may need while on the trip, such as an EpiPen or nitroglycerin tablets.
REQUIRED: shoes that won’t come off in the water (i.e. sandals with a strap on the back, water shoes, or old tennis shoes - no Crocs or flip flops).
Spring and Fall – Layers, Layers, Layers!!! Complimentary wetsuits (please wear swimsuits underneath) and splash gear (rain jackets and/or pants) are available for all guests as needed at no extra charge. We recommend that you wear wool or synthetic material (i.e. polyester, nylon, or dry-fit).
We DO NOT RECOMMEND that you wear cotton (i.e. sweatshirts and sweatpants) or denim for your rafting trip. You may also want to wear wool or synthetic socks (i.e. SmartWool) with shoes during this time.
Summer – Swimsuit with shorts and a t-shirt or tank top.
We also highly recommend a strap for your glasses and sunglasses, sunscreen, and any prescribed medications that you may need while on the trip, such as an EpiPen or nitroglycerin tablets.
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.
NOTE: Trips only leave from the Hot Springs Outpost between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
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
Half-Day Rafting (w/ Lunch) + Canyoneering
Whitewater & Waterfalls Plus
Half-Day Rafting w/ Lunch + Ziplining
Zip & Dip (w/lunch)
We Offer Group Reservations
Bringing a group to Asheville? French Broad Adventures caters to groups of all sizes.
Group Reservations
Photos
What They Say
View More TestimonialsThis company is amazing!!! Not much else to say really because every review says that, but I wanted to write a review because JUSTIN was the best raft guide ever and made it so much fun!!! He made jokes and told us history, but most importantly we knew we were safe in his hands! Make sure you say YES when he asks 'do you want to try something exciting?' It was my first time so we did the 5 miles, but honestly I wish I did the 9 mile instead! And the lunch is a delicious HOT meal in a great location!
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!
This was so much fun! The staff are all very helpful and friendly. Their main objective is to make sure the customers have fun, but they are all about safety first and foremost. The entire trip was loaded with history and information which made it more than just a fun excursion. Richard was our guide, and he did such an awesome job keeping all of us focused and working together. He is very good at what he does. We had a great time!
My boyfriend got sick the morning of our zip lining/rafting trip, and the staff let us reschedule for the next day with no charge. Everyone was so friendly and helpful!!! Our guides were wonderful as well. Thomas and D were great guides on our zip lining trip and were so knowledgeable and hilarious. Augustine was an amazing rafting guide as well. He was so personable and clearly has a passion for what he does. Rafting was my favorite part of the day, and the scenery was beautiful. I highly recommend this family-owned company over any other in the area!!!!! This was all around a great experience!!!
AMAZING TIME!!! This was truly one of the best adventure experiences I've had in a long time.
These guys are the Best! Don't fall for the imposters. We had an awesome time, and the rapids were excellent. That being said, the guide is the most important element of the trip, and Caylor made sure we went through the rapids safely and smoothly. White water rafting can be dangerous. Be sure you have an experienced guide.
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