Our half-day whitewater rafting trip explores 5 miles of Class II and III rapids on a beautiful stretch of the French Broad River. The trip lasts 3-4 hours (depending on the river level) and includes a stop for a snack and water or lemonade alongside the river.
Trip Details
Season
Age
Our minimum age limit for whitewater rafting is 8 years old.
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.
Save Money with a Package
View All Packages
Full-Day Rafting (w/ Lunch) + Canyoneering
Whitewater & Waterfalls Expedition
Half-Day Rafting + E-Mountain Biking
Pedal & Paddle
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 TestimonialsBest rafting on the French Broad! Great guides, funny jokes, and a great lunch. Noah is a great guide!
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!
Visited the french broad this summer, what a blast. Me, my boyfriend and our four grown boy went and we can’t stop talking about it. The company was very well ran, and made us feel safe at all times! The rafting and ziplines were awesome but it is the guide who really make this trip stand out above all the rest. Mitch,Justin and Jason aka "bacon" knew their history of the area and very very very funny!!! Have recommended this company to many friends who were heading that way for vacation! If your vacationing in the area or just passing threw, this is a must stop for your trip!!!! See you guys soon! Can’t wait to nite zipline and planning to visit on my honeymoon!!!! You guys rock!!!
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!
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!
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!
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