Wondering what to wear kayaking in Asheville? Less than you think. And smarter than you’d guess. Our self-guided float by the Biltmore runs 3 to 4 hours on calm water. Pack right and you spend that time watching the mountains roll by. Pack wrong and you spend it fussing with soggy shoes. Here’s what actually works.
What to Wear
Dress for swim, not for hiking. You’ll get splashed passing under bridges. You’ll climb in and out of the boat at the put-in and the takeout. Cotton fails on both counts: it soaks up water, holds onto weight, and stays wet for hours.
Base layer: A swimsuit works fine on its own for most of the season. Burn easily? Want more coverage? Add a rash guard or a quick-dry athletic shirt.
Bottoms: Board shorts or swim bottoms dry fast and move with you. Skip jeans. Skip cotton shorts. They soak up water, add weight, and chafe after three hours of paddling.
Shoulder season layers: May and September mornings run cooler than July afternoons. A lightweight long-sleeve swim shirt covers the chill and the sun in one layer.
Footwear
Skip the flip-flops. They come off in the water and won’t stay put when you’re stepping in and out of the kayak. Water shoes with a back strap work. Sport sandals with a heel strap work too (Chacos, Tevas, Keens, take your pick). Old sneakers you don’t mind ruining are a fine backup. Bare feet are not worth the risk on an uneven riverbed (and we won’t allow no shoes!)
Sun Protection
You’re out on open water for most of a morning or afternoon. There’s almost no shade. The Blue Ridge Mountains handle the scenery. They don’t block a single ray of sun.
Sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher. Apply before you launch. Reapply partway through if the trip runs long. Reef-safe formulas protect the river along with your skin.
Hat: A ball cap or wide-brim hat helps, but wind and paddling will knock it off fast. Strap it down or clip it to your gear.
Sunglasses: Polarized lenses cut glare off the water and make it easier to see what’s ahead. Attach a retainer strap. A pair that sinks to the bottom of the French Broad stays there.
What We Provide
Every trip includes the kayak, a paddle, a personal flotation device, and safety instruction before you push off. Don’t own a kayak? Don’t own a life jacket? Doesn’t matter. We’ve got you covered there. Your job is everything on your body and everything you carry for four hours in the sun.
What to Bring
Our official packing list is short: a towel, sunscreen, water, and a snack if you want one. Take the water part seriously. This is a long float, and you need enough to last the full 3 to 4 hours. Bring more than feels necessary.
A few additions worth the extra space in your bag:
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag. Anything unprotected that goes in the river is gone. No exceptions.
- A dry set of clothes in the car. You’ll want them the moment you’re back on land.
- A small towel, clipped down or stashed securely, for the walk back to the outpost.
What to Leave at Home
- Pets. We love them, but animals don’t ride along on the water.
- Glass containers. Any kind.
- Jewelry and valuables.
- Anything you’re not willing to get wet, scratched, or soaked through.
Quick Facts Before You Book
- Length: 3 to 4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy, self-guided, good for beginners
- Minimum age: 12
- Season: May through September
- Included: Kayak, paddle, PFD, safety instruction
- Route: Private put-in south of Asheville, past the Biltmore Estate, ending at our outpost in the River Arts District
Packing Checklist
Wear:
- Swimsuit or quick-dry bottoms
- Rash guard or swim shirt (for sun and shoulder-season warmth)
- Water shoes or strap sandals
Bring:
- Towel
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Drinking water
- Snack (optional)
- Hat with a strap
- Sunglasses with a retainer
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag (available for purchase at the Outpost)
- Dry clothes for the car
Leave home:
- Pets
- Glass containers
- Jewelry and valuables
- Flip-flops
Want an even lazier day on the water? Check out our Asheville Tubing Adventure. Want rapids instead of calm water? Go with French Broad Section 9 Whitewater Rafting.
Ready to get on the water? Book the Beautiful Self Guided Kayaking by the Biltmore trip. Paddle in hand, mountains on the horizon, the Biltmore Estate drifting by. That’s the trip.