FAQ
Can I go for just part of the trip?
Yes. We have 2 day (Saturday and Sunday), 5 day (Saturday- Wednesday), and 4 day (Thursday- Sunday) trip options.
What is my registration fee?
There is no better deal around. Leave the shuttle and logistics to enjoy and enjoy the rivers beauty from the water. The trip is only $575 for 9 days (before May 21 and $600after), $375 for a five days, $325 for hour days, and $175 for the two days weekend. Member of the Western North Carolina Alliance will receive $25 and members of the Waterkeeper Alliance will receive $15 off .
What does my registration fee include?
Your registration fee includes a t-shirt, koozie, a one year membership to the Western North Carolina Alliance, beautiful primitive camping each night on private land (only a few with shower facilities), shuttle, food, beer, awesome and knowledgeable guides, educational activities, tours, and a great time with other paddlers.
What’s a Paddle-a-thon?
Like a walk-a-thon, our Paddle-a-thon will raise money for the French Broad Riverkeeper and the Western North Carolina Alliance to cleanup the river. Each participant is asked to solicit donations on a per-mile basis. Those participants generating more than their registration fee may choose to have their registration fee reimbursed. Paddle-a-thoners compete for gifts and prizes donated from our many sponsors.
Do I need to be an experienced paddler?
No experience is necessary, but it won’t hurt. If you are new to paddling, it is a good idea to rent or borrow a boat for a day to get the hang of it, but everyone is welcome. The pace and distance of each day’s journey and the difficulty of the river is generally suitable for beginner paddlers. Days 6 (Thursday), Day 7 (Friday), and Day 9 (Sunday) will have a few challenging (class II) rapids and, on day 8, all but the most experienced paddlers will be in rafts due to class III and IV rapids.
What do I need to bring?
You only need to bring personal camping items. Leave the rest to us. When you register we will email you with a list of suggested supplies. A limited number of free boats will be provided, so sign up soon if you need one. If you need to rent a boat, visit Headwaters Outfitters or Asheville Outdoor Center for great deals. Also, bring standard camping gear including a tent, sleeping pad and bag, and personal items. Camp gear is limited to 40 pounds and two bags per person. Your boat should be of a size and weight that you and another person can carry it. A gear list with mandatory and suggested items will be provided. Borrow gear from a friend or rent anything you’re a missing from REI in Asheville.
Where do we camp?
Camping will be on the banks of the river every night except the 5th, 6th, and 8th night when we camp at Asheville Outdoor Center, French Broad River Campground and Hot Spring Campground. Camping is primitive. We will provide port-a-johns, but most nights showers will not be available, except a bag outdoor shower. A quick swim in the river will do the job!
Do I need to bring food?
Breakfast, dinner and sack lunches will be provided as part of your registration. Yummy Sweetwater Beer will be available on each night of the trip. You are welcome to bring some other must have snacks and drink.
Where do I leave my car?
Everyone will meet in Asheville (except people that are only paddling the first two days). We have arranged a safe place to meet and leave your cars Your camping gear will also be shuttled between campsites, allowing you to travel light on the river.
Can I fish?
Yes, but you are responsible for obtaining appropriate licenses.
More questions? Call or email the French Broad Riverkeeper at hartwell@wnca.org or 828-258-8737
