Q: What's with the name?
A: "Wai Mauna" is a phrase in the Hawaiian language that literally translates as "fresh mountain water." The sport of standup paddling was born in Hawaii, and in a nod to the sport's original heritage, we've opted to bring a little aloha to the river here in Asheville.
Q: How are you different than other Asheville paddleboard companies?
Standup paddling is all that we do—we are Asheville’s paddleboard specialists!
We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and are passionate about paddleboarding in Asheville. We're the only company with a sunrise tour or options before 10am, and the we run trips nearly all the way until sunset—we just love being out on the water!
All of our rentals include a personalized paddling lesson to help make sure you feel comfortable and confident for paddling the French Broad River. Many of our guides are ACA certified (so they really know their stuff), our tours and rentals are small and personalized, and our staff is here to make sure you have the best time possible while out on the river.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Our Asheville SUP rentals are $50/person for a 4-mile rental and $59/person for a 7-mile rental. That's the price out the door—no extra fees at check out! The cost of a rental includes your shuttle, board, taxes, fees, all necessary gear, as well as a short lesson where our professional guides will offer personalized instruction. Guided tours are $85 for 4-mile tours and $99 for 7-mile tours through the famous Biltmore Estate. Tours include a personalized lesson, a guide down the river, and a floating, Asheville historical tour that's not offered any place else!
Q: What equipment is provided with a tour?
A: Our Asheville standup paddling tours are designed to combine an outdoor experience with impeccable customer service. All guests receive complimentary transport from where you meet your guide, as well as a guided historical tour down the French Broad River. Guests are provided with a board, paddle, PFD, and during periods of cold water, a pair of rubber river booties for protecting their feet while paddling.
Q: What equipment isn't provided that we might want to bring?
A: In addition to swimming gear for the river, optional items include sunscreen, sunglasses, a waterproof camera, and an extra change of clothes. It's best if clothes are left in your car so you can change at the end of the tour, although the guide also carries a few extra pieces of clothing in case you get wet or cold.
Q: Can you accommodate large groups?
A: Yes. We have a fleet of over 40 paddleboards and are happy to arrange a custom trip and an awesome activity for your group.
Q: Is there a weight limit?
A: Yes—260 lbs.
Q: Do you also do rentals?
A: Yes. As long as our tours aren't totally booked, we have a full fleet of stable boards for SUP rentals in Asheville.
Q: What about an age limit?
A: The minimum age for tours is 10. The minimum age for rentals is 12. If you have kids that are younger than 10 years old they can ride on the front of your board for $15/kid (provided the combined rider weight stays under 260 lbs).
Q: Where do we park?
A: For our 4-mile tours, paddlers can park at the public boat ramp at 192 Riverside Drive. Please note there aren’t changing rooms here, but you can change at the restrooms at 14 Riverside Drive—a 1-minute drive down the road.
For our 7-mile rentals and tours, all guests meet at Hominy Creek River Park (220 Hominy Creek Road).
Q: Where is the take out?
For our 4-mile trips, the take out is back at the boat ramp where you parked, which is just across the river from New Belgium Brewery and within walking distance of taprooms and shops. Our 7-mile trip finishes back at Hominy Creek River Park, just minutes from the restaurants and shops of West Asheville—there’s even a bar and live music at the takeout!
Q: Are there dry bags available?
A: Yes—The guide has a dry bag strapped to his board you can use for storing items you're concerned about getting wet. While we do our absolute best to keep belongings safe, be aware we accept no responsibility for items that are lost or damaged.
Q: What kind of boards do you use, and are they stable?
A: Our stable boards are custom suited for first time paddlers and beginners! We feature boards from Imagine Surf and Tahe Outdoors, and have a hard boards as well as inflatables.
Q: What about the fins?
A: Because we're paddling on an Asheville river that at some parts can be shallow, we use 4.6” flexible rubber fins specifically designed for rivers. Because the fins are short and flexible, the chances of scraping a rock and falling are greatly reduced when paddling.
Q: Do you cancel for rain?
A: The weather in Asheville is unpredictable—especially during the summer. Our Asheville SUP tours run rain or shine, although we'll cancel a tour and provide a full refund if conditions are simply unsafe.
Q: Who can I contact for more questions?
A: For any questions about our Asheville standup paddling tours, feel free to contact us anytime at (828) 808-9038, or send us an email at info@waimaunaashevillesuptours.com.
