The Transylvania French Broad Stewards, the Town of Rosman, Conserving Carolina, and Headwaters Outfitters are joining up again to put on the ninth annual Upper French Broad Riverfest and invite residents and visitors to come spend a fun day celebrating the river! Join us at Champion Park in Rosman, NC for a free, family-friendly festival with live local music, hands-on educational activities from many local businesses, and interactive displays about the French Broad River! There will be free tubing for everyone, food trucks (Local Harvester, Travelin Dough, and Jenny’s Minis Donut Bus!), and more (and don’t forget your swimsuit!)! This event also coincides with the annual Headwaters Outfitters Hellbender 20-Miler Relay Canoe Race! Cut off for race registration is May 18th, so sign up today! Exhibitors include: Headwaters Outfitters, Pisgah River Rangers, Oxbow R Snorkeling, Mills River Partnership, Transylvania Bird Club, Brevard Clay, North Carolina Cooperative Extension – Transylvania County Center, Transylvania County Library, North Carolina Forest Service, FIND Outdoors, Conserving Carolina, Asheville Greenworks, MountainTrue, Transylvania County Solid Waste, Friends of DuPont Forest, Audubon Society, League of Women Voters, NC Arboretum, Citizen Climate Lobby, Brevard Dog Park, NC Leave No Trace, Pisgah Chapter Trout Unlimited, Earthshine Nature Programs, and more! This event is sponsored by the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority and Davidson River... Read More
About the event: Starting at the headwaters of the French Broad River in Rosman, NC and going all the way to Hap Simpson Park in Brevard, NC; this race will test your endurance, speed, and communication skills! The Hellbender 20 Miler Relay Canoe Race will consist of two sections. At the halfway point, teams can switch out paddlers. This event is a part of the Upper French Broad Riverfest in the Town of Rosman. Trophies will be awarded to the Top 3 Teams, as well as, an award for Best Dressed Team at the afterparty! Important Information: 1. “20 Miler Relay Race” limited to 15 Teams 2. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required 3. Check in Location & Time starts at 9:15am at Headwaters Outfitters. Teams must check in 45 min. prior to their start time. 4. Race will start promptly at 10am 5. Lifejackets are required to be worn for the entire race (teams will be disqualified if lifejackets are not worn). 6. All teams are required to use Headwaters canoes provided. You can bring your own paddles and wear your own PFD. Rules & Guidelines: 1. Each “20 Miler” relay team is made of up to 4 paddlers, broken down into pairs for each section of the race. 2. “20 Miler” Race will consist of two 10 mile sections. At the halfway point, teams can switch out paddlers · First Section: Headwaters Outfitters in Rosman to Island Ford River Access- 10 miles total · Team Exchange at Island... Read More
Pirate themed paddle and tubing 9am-12pm followed by after party at Forks Of The River Taproom! Live music, food, costume contest and more! It’s time to channel your inner Pirate, as the Pirates return to the Upper French Broad! Book your paddling or tubing trip on Saturday September 2nd using code JACKSREVENGE and get $5 off per person. Beware there are Pirates on the River! You can refer to our website for the cost of tubing and paddling: https://headwatersoutfitters.com/ After your river trip, join us for an afternoon of fun at the Forks of the River Taproom with live music by Diamond Dave and the Queen of Hearts, costume contest and more! Mama Bears Food Truck 12-7pm Ice Cream On Tap Truck 12-7pm Music will be from 3-5pm Costume Contest between 3-4pm Don’t forget to visit Penny Lane Exchange for all your costume... Read More
Important Information: 1. “20 Miler Relay Race” limited to 15 Teams 2. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required 3. Check in Location & Time starts at 9:15am at Headwaters Outfitters. Teams must check in 45 min. prior to their start time. 4. Race will start promptly at 10am 5. Lifejackets are required to be worn for the entire race (teams will be disqualified if lifejackets are not worn). 6. All teams are required to use Headwaters canoes provided. You can bring your own paddles and wear your own PFD. Rules & Guidelines: 1. Each “20 Miler” relay team is made of up to 4 paddlers, broken down into pairs for each section of the race. 2. “20 Miler” Race will consist of two 10 mile sections. At the halfway point, teams can switch out paddlers · First Section: Headwaters Outfitters in Rosman to Island Ford River Access- 10 miles total · Team Exchange at Island Ford River Access · Second Section: Island Ford River Access to Hap Simpson River Park- 10 miles 3. Transportation to race points can be provided, or teams can provide their own. 4. At the end of the race paddlers will be transported back to Headwaters Outfitters. 5. The After Party starts at 2:00pm at the Forks of the River Taproom. The Awards Ceremony will start when enough teams arrive on site. Trophies will be awarded for Top 3 teams and BEST TEAM COSTUME (voted on by all teams and race volunteers) How to Enter: ·... Read More
This workshop will introduce a risk assessment and safety management model. Then that model will be applied as we investigate the most common dangers and hazards in the backcountry and explore steps to mitigate those risks. Topics will include: encounters with wildlife (snakes, bears, insects, etc.), lightning and weather related hazards, toxic plants, water crossings, sketchy humans, hazards in camp, sound decision-making, and more. Class sizes are intentionally small to offer participants guided hands-on practice. Visit our website to... Read More
Our Guided River Paddling 101 is a great day of instruction on the French Broad River to learn the skills and safety practices for beginner paddlers. All water is Class I Moving Water, with Class I rapids. Headwaters Outfitters will be hosting 2 dates of our Guided River Paddling 101 Introduction Courses. The focus is to promote paddling skills and safety practices for beginner paddlers. This event is $60 to the public with reservations, packed lunch included in price. Spaces are limited. Our knowledgeable Paddling Guides will go over entry level strokes for canoeing, kayaking, and Stand Up Paddling Boarding; along with safety tips, how to utilize your PFD’s, and more. This is a great chance to work in a small group and meet other paddlers in the area. ($60 Per Person) Registration required on Eventbrite.com 2 Person Canoes, 2 Person Kayaks, and Single Kayaks available. This class includes 1 Hour Skills and Safety Instruction, with an 3 Hour/8 Mile Guided Paddle on the French Broad River. Packed Lunch from Blue Ridge Bakery... Read More
Our Guided River Paddling 101 is a great day of instruction on the French Broad River to learn the skills and safety practices for beginner paddlers. All water is Class I Moving Water, with Class I rapids. Headwaters Outfitters will be hosting 2 dates of our Guided River Paddling 101 Introduction Courses. The focus is to promote paddling skills and safety practices for beginner paddlers. This event is $60 to the public with reservations, packed lunch included in price. Spaces are limited. Our knowledgeable Paddling Guides will go over entry level strokes for canoeing, kayaking, and Stand Up Paddling Boarding; along with safety tips, how to utilize your PFD’s, and more. This is a great chance to work in a small group and meet other paddlers in the area. ($60 Per Person) Registration required on Eventbrite.com 2 Person Canoes, 2 Person Kayaks, and Single Kayaks available. This class includes 1 Hour Skills and Safety Instruction, with an 3 Hour/8 Mile Guided Paddle on the French Broad River. Packed Lunch from Blue Ridge Bakery... Read More
This event is a series of two classes followed by a weekend canoe camping trip on the French Broad River. Class 1: Canoeing 101-Part 1. Join Clyde Carter and Jayne Fought for the first in a two-part beginner canoe class. This first class is held on flat water (lake), and instruction is focused on paddling strokes, boat control, maneuvers, equipment, and personal gear. Participants of this course and Canoeing 101 Part 2 will be eligible to sign up for the French Broad Multi-Day Canoe Trip! Boats and equipment provided. May 22, 5:30-8:30pm Class 2: Canoeing 101-Part 2. Join Clyde Carter and Jayne Fought for the second in a two-part beginner canoe class. This first class is held on moving water (river), and Instruction is focused on continuing to develop paddling strokes, boat control, maneuvers, equipment, river reading, and river safety. Participants of this course (and Canoeing 101 – Part 1) will be eligible to sign up for the French Broad Multi-Day Canoe Trip! Boats and equipment provided. May 23, 5:30-8:30pm Canoe Camping Trip, May 26-28. This trip is available to participants of the Canoeing 101 Classes. Join us for a three day, two night guided trip on the French Broad River. Put the skills you’ve learned into practice and enjoy a fun-filled time paddling and camping with us on the French Broad River Paddle Trail. We will depart on Friday and return on Sunday. Canoes, paddles and life jackets provided. Camping gear is available to rent if needed. Cost... Read More
This workshop will investigate the most common dangers and hazards in the backcountry and explore steps to mitigate those risks. Topics will include: encounters with wildlife (snakes, bears, insects, etc.), lightening and weather related hazards, toxic plants, water crossings, sketchy humans, hazards in camp, sound decision-making, and... Read More
This two-hour workshop will focus on basic knots used in the application of outdoor pursuits. The goal will be to learn how to choose the appropriate knot for the situation at hand and to know how to tie it efficiently. Selected knots will be based on the interest and experience of the... Read More
On select Fridays in May and September, we offer our most popular guided paddling trip “Discovery at Dusk”. Discovery at Dusk is a series of guided evening paddling trips that balance nature observation with the quiet relaxation of an river outing. Guest must arrive by 3:30pm to check in; each trip departs by 4 p.m. from Headwaters Outfitters and returns just after dusk. It is a good idea to bring water and snacks. We paddle 8 miles, plan to be on the river approximately 3 hours. The trip fee includes your boat, life-jacket, paddle, river shuttle, and river guide. Prior paddling experience is helpful, but not necessary. Reservations are required and are secured with a 50% deposit. The cost is $60 per... Read More
CRUISE THEN BOOZE $35.00 Per Person/Reservations Required! EVERY FRIDAY EVENING JUNE THROUGH AUGUST. START YOUR SUMMER EVENING OFF RIGHT WITH A 2 HOUR PADDLE TRIP DOWN THE FRENCH BROAD AND END AT OSKAR BLUES BREWERY FOR A COLD CRAFT BEER (Drinks Not Included In Cost). HEADWATERS OUTFITTERS WILL MEET YOU AT OSKAR BLUES BREWERY AT 4:30 PM WITH BOATS, LIFE-JACKETS, AND PADDLES. A QUICK 2 MINUTE SHUTTLE TO PISGAH FOREST ACCESS WILL PUT YOU AT THE LAUNCH SITE OF YOUR PADDLE TRIP. END YOUR PADDLE AT THE PENROSE BOATING ACCESS. THE SHUTTLE (APPROXIMATE 10 MIN.) WILL TAKE YOU BACK TO OSKAR BLUES AND THE TAPROOM IS OPEN TILL 10:00 PM. ENJOY GREAT BEER AND LIVE MUSIC (on select evenings)……..PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY! COST- $35.00 PER PERSON **GUEST DO NOT HAVE TO BE 21 TO PADDLE** **DRINKS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN... Read More
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