Trips
>

Calm Water Rafting + Canyoneering

Chill & Skill

View Details
You Save
18.30
/person!
Calm water rafting down French Broad River

This package includes the best of both worlds for those adventurous to do more than one trip. First we'll rappel down a waterfall and experience natural rock water slides well off the beaten path. Next we'll float on a calmer section of the French Broad River.

Trip Details

164.70
/pp
2 Days
Moderate
12
Min Age

Season

March – October; Reservations required.

Age

Minimum age for canyoneering is 12. Under 18 must be actively accompanied by parent or guardian.

Tag Alongs

Allowed - $/person

Class Rapids

I-II

Duration Info

This trip is split into two days, 1 trip each day. Be sure to review your confirmation email for directions.

Required to Wear

Intensity

weight

For canyoneering, participants must fit a climbing harness with a waist measurement between 18-45″ and a leg measurement between 10-28″.

Notes

We provide



Canyoneering

  • Water Shoes - We supply Astral water shoes for maximum performance.
  • Rappelling Gloves
  • Small backpack
  • All safety equipment

Rafting

  • 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

Canyoneering

  • Any medication that you may need immediate access to while on the trip (e.g., asthma inhaler, epipen or diabetic glucose).
  • Change of clothes and a towel to leave in the van.
  • For taking photos, a small waterproof/shockproof camera or disposable camera is best.
  • A “brown-bag” style lunch (i.e. a sandwich or wrap) and/or your favorite energy bar (i.e. Clif, Lara, or Rx bar) or trail mix.
  • Extra water. If you feel the need for more than 8fl oz of water, please bring your own water bottle.

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.

Do Not Bring

  • Animals to the outpost, no exceptions.
  • Valuables or anything else that you would mind having lost, wet, or broken.
  • Canyoneering: Your cell phone is unlikely to work. We recommend not bringing it on the actual trip.
  • Hiking poles

Participation Requirements

Canyoneering

Weight

There is no weight min or max. Participants must fit a climbing harness with a waist measurement between 18-45″ and a leg measurement between 10-28″.

Age

Minimum age of 12. Any participant under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Physical Fitness

You are fit enough if you can comfortably walk 3 miles unassisted on a trail carrying a light pack, comfortably hike on uphill and downhill slopes, climb or descend 5 flights of stairs, and climb a ladder with ease. You must also be comfortable with heights.

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 if you are pregnant or have significant musculoskeletal problems – please seek the advice of your physician before booking your trip. 
  • 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

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

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.

The calm water raft 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. The Calm Water 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.

Adventure awaits in the Blue Ridge Mountains – just outside of Asheville, NC

Meeting Locations

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

 - 
103 Westside Dr., Asheville, NC 28806
 - 
315 Bridge St, Hot Springs, NC 28743

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

We Offer Group Reservations

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

Group Reservations

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

We 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.

Karen

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!

Kara Headrick Beard

The staff are exceptional. Participating in both the rafting and zip lining was an incredible experience. Great equipment, location, and views.

Jacklyn Rhodes

Great customer service and so much fun! I look forward to coming year after year!

Maria Robelo-Monsalve

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!!!

Kimberly Racolta