Paddle the French Broad, then unwind at Oskar Blues Brewery
2 hours
Boats, life jackets, paddles
Take in the wildlife, sounds, and sights of the Historic French Broad River on a fall paddle outing. Continue the experience at Oskar Blues Brewery with craft beer and food truck options available afterward.
Full refund if you cancel 7+ days before your trip. Get a 50% refund if you cancel 1–6 days before. No refund for no-shows on the day of your trip. Full refund if the operator cancels due to thunder or lightning, unsafe air or water temperatures, high winds, or high water levels.
Yes. Your life jacket must be Level III Coast Guard-approved. Life jackets are also provided and must be worn at all times on the river.
River trips depart rain or shine.
Oskar Blues Brewery, 342 Mountain Industrial Dr, Brevard, NC 28712
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.
I loved this place! From ease of booking to customer service. All of it was 10/10. The floats were clean and well inflated. Inside was stocked with everything you could need. I didn’t know, but they check you in and out of the water. So, because I didn’t give my name, and left, they called me to make sure I was safe and out of the river. I appreciate the above and beyond safety. It made me feel great to know if something happened they would have known. The river was beautiful, crisp and clear. Overall an incredible experience and we will absolutely be back!
Samantha Floyd
June 26, 2026
I loved this place! From ease of booking to customer service. All of it was 10/10. The floats were clean and well inflated. Inside was stocked with everything you could need. I didn’t know, but they check you in and out of the water. So, because I didn’t give my name, and left, they called me to make sure I was safe and out of the river. I appreciate the above and beyond safety. It made me feel great to know if something happened they would have known. The river was beautiful, crisp and clear. Overall an incredible experience and we will absolutely be back!
Samantha Floyd
June 26, 2026
Choose your craft for a self-guided paddling outing
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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
Combine a French Broad River float with a brewery stop
A relaxed Class I river route for first-time and experienced paddlers
Walk with pack llamas and learn about the forest