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
Calm Water Rafting + Ziplining
Chill & Thrill
Full-Day Rafting + Ziplining
Ridges & Rapids
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 TestimonialsWe went on the short trip that included lunch for a very reasonable price. This was our first trip and it was amazing. The scenery was beautiful, and our guide was informative, professional, and a lot of fun! We learned a lot about the landmarks and homes you see along the river. We look forward to bringing our children next year. I would highly recommend this company to my family and friends.
This 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!
My family of 4 had an absolutely amazing time both rafting and ziplining for 2 days! Calvin was our river guide - full of knowledge and fun. Next time we are ready for the 9 mi. rafting trip! We had never ziplined before, Cara and Becca were awesome guides - a lot of fun and laughs - we were in great hands. Will be back, and will recommend French Broad Adventures to everyone!! Wish we could give more than 5 stars!
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.
There are five of us and the kids are tough critics. We had a great time throughout. The views were amazing and it was just the right mix of stimulation and peace.
Had a fabulous time whitewater rafting with Calvin! He is super sweet and made the experience fun, with all of us feeling very safe with him as our guide. It was just the right amount of whitewater for us – nothing too crazy, but enough to be exciting. We will definitely go again!
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