Choose your craft for a self-guided paddling outing
24 hrs or 5–7 days
Boats, paddles, life jackets
Set out on the water with a canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or tandem kayak rental. Choose the craft that fits your paddling plans.
Cancel 7 or more days before your trip for a full refund. Cancel 1–6 days before for a 50% refund. No refund for no-call, no-shows on the day of your trip. Full refund if the operator cancels due to thunder, lightning, unsafe air or water temperatures, high winds, or high water levels.
Product ID: QQ8D65
Fill out the rental form and sign the terms of agreement during check-in.
You are charged for an additional day if you return the equipment late.
Reserve in advance with full payment at the time of booking. Walk-ins and same-day reservations are not guaranteed.
Headwaters Outfitters Outdoor Shop and Taproom
This family-owned outfitter has clearly mastered the art of making everyone feel at home on the French Broad River. The staff consistently earns praise for being friendly, professional, and genuinely passionate about what they do. Guides like Jeremy, Patrick, Gavin, Ty, and Bret get specific shoutouts for their patience and expertise, particularly with first-timers who've never touched a fly rod or sat in a kayak. Multiple reviewers mention feeling confident and comfortable even as complete beginners, which speaks volumes about the instruction quality. Beyond the guided trips, the self-guided kayak floats are a major draw. The three-hour paddle seems to be the sweet spot for a relaxed, scenic journey where you'll likely spot deer, osprey, herons, and kingfishers along the way. Equipment stays in excellent condition, and the logistics run smoothly from start to finish. The base has evolved into more than just a put-in point too, with a taproom, coffee truck, and food trucks making it easy to turn your river day into a full experience. Repeat visitors keep coming back, which tells you everything you need to know about consistency here.
This Outfitter basecamp is well stocked with fishing, kayaking, canoeing gear, drinks and snacks with a nice selection of t-shirts. Outback the taproom is a nice place to drink a cold beer and reflect on your adventures. The staff couldn’t be nicer. It’s located on the 215 ( a great motorcycle road) just off 64.
Capt Marty
August 19, 2026
This Outfitter basecamp is well stocked with fishing, kayaking, canoeing gear, drinks and snacks with a nice selection of t-shirts. Outback the taproom is a nice place to drink a cold beer and reflect on your adventures. The staff couldn’t be nicer. It’s located on the 215 ( a great motorcycle road) just off 64.
Capt Marty
August 19, 2026
Float 8 miles of gentle Class I water at your own pace
Cool off on a family-friendly French Broad River float
Cast for hard-fighting smallmouth from a guide-rowed fishing raft
Build fly-fishing skills on a guided half-day river outing
A relaxed Class I river route for first-time and experienced paddlers
Wade public waters with tailored fly-fishing instruction