Asheville's only full service outfitter, French Broad Outfitters runs daily kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and tube trips on the historic French Broad …See more
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Tripadvisor
4.5/5 · 979 reviews
5-star
82%
4-star
9%
3-star
6%
2-star
1%
1-star
2%
Recent reviews
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Sep 14, 2024
French Broad Outfitters was a great company to schedule our float trip. The website was easy to navigate, someone always answered the phone when I called with questions, it wasn't expensive, the sho… Full review by sandmiss64
Sep 8, 2024
This is my second year using FBO for a pretty sizable kayaking/canoe trip. Manly (suitable name) has been our driver/organizer both years. He is great, hospitable, and a good laugh to. We plan to do … Full review by Savannah Grace F
Sep 4, 2024
We had the best time; everyone was so kind, and experience focused. It was all about us we loved the vibe. Full review by mspencer181
I am planning my very first kayak experience this weekend, and I'm looking at either the Biltmore tour or the arts district. I'm a little nervous since I've never done this before and I'm wondering if the water is smooth like a lake or will I feel like I'm moving quickly (scary!). I'm scared of hitting rocks or feeling out of control. I'm doing it as a "new experience" thing I like to do on my birthdays!
A:
Please see my review on TripAdvisor—- The 2.5 hour Biltmore Tour is perfect for first time kayakers! The river is so calm you could actually put your oar down and just float. The …
Please see my review on TripAdvisor—- The 2.5 hour Biltmore Tour is perfect for first time kayakers! The river is so calm you could actually put your oar down and just float. The scenery is beautiful and the river is very wide. I haven’t done the River Arts District Tour, but have kayaked the Biltmore Tour so many times in the last few years...just recently—Memorial Day! There were a couple of flat rocks in the middle of the river to paddle around (geese were hanging out on one of them), but you will have no trouble. I promise there’s no reason to be scared or nervous! The kayaks are easy to maneuver—they're sit-on-top. Plus you’ll have a life jacket which French Broad Outfitters gives everyone. You have nothing to worry about! Go have fun and enjoy your birthday!
which is more scenic; historic Biltmore tour or arts district?
A:
Hi Sherrie. We didn't paddle through the Arts District so can't compare. From the river there is not much of the Biltmore estate to see and frankly we were so busy watching for hazards …
Hi Sherrie. We didn't paddle through the Arts District so can't compare. From the river there is not much of the Biltmore estate to see and frankly we were so busy watching for hazards and gauging wind direction that we didn't do much sightseeing during our self-guided canoe trip. There wasn't even a second where we could stop paddling to take photos. (We are weekend paddlers but have never encountered wind before.) We chose the Biltmore paddle because it is a more undeveloped section of river with more possibilities of seeing river animals and birds. However there are no places to rest or stop to enjoy the views. The paddle through town might have places to beach the kayak/canoe, rest and sightsee. FBO gives very good explanations of the two tours if you call them.
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Frequently asked questions
Q:
How do I make a reservation?
A:
Walk-ins are also welcome, but during the busy season and on weekends, reservations are best! Our trips regularly sell out, so reservations are recommended 1-2...
Sep 14, 2024
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