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
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.
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
Chill & Thrill
Calm Water Rafting + Ziplining
Float and Fly
Self-Guided Calm Water Rafting + Guided Ziplining
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 TestimonialsAhhhmazing!! Everyone was so courteous and skilled. Sean was a hilarious guide to and from the rafting area. Divans was our river guide and not only did he show us a fantastic time but he was funny and a great showman. No one in our raft had ever been before and we all had a blast. Can’t wait to return on our next time in the area to do the 9 mile trip.
Such an amazing experience! Marty was our tour guide for a family of 5, and we couldn’t have been happier! Thank you Marty for making this new adventure such an outstanding experience! (: For families looking for more info - we were provided safety jackets, helmets, and many safety talks. The majority of us had never gone white water rafting so we were a mix of nervousness and excitement! We did the half day, ~4 hour ride, and took on a mix of Class 2 and 3 rapids! Would highly recommend and we will be back!
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 trip & Great Guides! The best group of people we could have had to share with us the fun & pleasure that this trip offers. Beautiful views, a group of well-informed guides who know & love the river & the beautiful surrounding community...and funny, friendly personalities too! If you are in the area and you want to ride the French Broad, these are the guys to do it with!
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++++
Everyone who knows me would’ve never believed how much of an adventurer I became with French broad adventures! The team is knowledgeable and because they’re calm and fun they bring that side of you out! I would’ve never thought about water rafting and jumping into the river but I did, and I would’ve not traded it for the world! It is an experience that I will forever cherish and given me confidence that I am thankful for! THANK YOUUUUUU!! More than five stars if I could! Thank you Robert (water rafting) and Sam and Thomas (zip lining) an experience of a lifetime!
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