Experience a river from a paddleboard as you head down the lower Nolichucky River. This trip begins at Red Banks Campground and includes four Class II rapids that we navigate on knees. No experience required – great for beginners and families. All necessary gear is provided.
If you’d like to stand up through the rapids sign up for a lesson!
Stand up paddling (SUP) is a great way to experience both lakes and rivers with a new higher perspective. We offer flatwater and whitewater lessons both one-on-one and group lessons. No experience required.
Supercharge your SUP skills with our immersive weekend clinic!
Want to straighten out your forward stroke? Have more confident eddy-turns and peel-outs? And what about surfing river waves?! Complete beginners are welcome although we recommend starting with a foundation in either flatwater SUP or whitewater (canoe/kayak) – or a strong fitness level.
In addition to lots of paddling time on the water you’ll learn trip-planning, risk management, and general river safety. Students are encouraged to find weekend accommodations at USA Raft Adventure Resort and enjoy camaraderie and conversation with your class, instructors, and river-folk from all backgrounds and disciplines.
Get in on this experience this season!
Let us bring a SUP party to you! Our guides love loading up the trailer with paddleboards and bringing them to a lake or river near you. We can even include an instructional session for first-time paddleboarders.
We are based in Erwin, TN, and can travel as far south as Hendersonville, NC, north to Bristol, VA/TN, east to Boone, NC, and west to Knoxville, TN.
We will bring all the equipment – boards, paddles, and life jackets.
Call 1-800-USA-RAFT or email us to discuss your group, destination, and party dreams.
(Generally) No. Liability waivers are typically completed by legal guardians only. If you are with a Summer Camp or Youth Group, leaders and chaperones can sign the waivers provided certain conditions are met, please contact us to discuss your specific questions.
While we custom cater each SUP trip to our guests’ ability levels you should anticipate swimming in the water and kneeling on your board through the rapids. There is also a risk of hitting rocks if you fall in the rapids. Your guide will offer some practice and direction for paddling as well as falling and swimming. All guests are outfitted with helmets and PFDs. Additional body armor may be available on request.
Absolutely no alcoholic beverages are permitted on any of our activities.
Maybe. This tour caters to adventurous beginners. You’ll get a quick lesson before hitting the rapids, and kneeling is always an option if you need a break from standing.
We can’t sugarcoat it – the water goes all the way to the bottom, and sometimes the bottom comes up to meet you! The river is rocky and mostly shallow, so expect a few spills, especially if you’re a beginner. Don’t worry, you’ll get a chance to practice falling and remounting in the calm pool at Red Banks Campground. We provide PFDs and helmets, and we even have shin, knee, and elbow pads available if you’re concerned about bumps and bruises.
River SUP adds the excitement of navigating currents and rapids – expect a more dynamic and thrilling experience than on a calm lake.
We recommend locking anything you don’t want to lose in your vehicle during the tour. Your guide can secure keys and essential items like medications in the trip’s medical kit. Waterproof phone cases are available in our Resort Store, but we generally advise against bringing electronics on the trip.
Tips are always appreciated for outstanding service. If your guide goes above and beyond with assistance or even takes photos, a generous tip shows your gratitude.
A moderate fitness level is helpful. Expect paddling, swimming, and climbing back on your board, so being comfortable with physical activity is a plus.
While we love dogs at USA Raft, they’re not permitted on this tour. As an alternative, enjoy dog-friendly paddleboarding at the Red Banks Campground river beach.
We don’t have a dedicated photographer on these trips, but some guides may carry cameras. A great tip is in order if your guide captures amazing shots!
For the most enjoyable experience, especially for first-timers, we recommend June through September when the rapids are less intense and the water is warmer. Spring typically means colder water and more challenging conditions. October is also gorgeous for fall foliage!
Restrooms and showers are available at Red Banks Campground, where your tour begins.
The minimum age with a parent is 8 years old. It depends on the child’s comfort with water and ability to follow instructions. At this time we do not have tandem boards but do have boards suitable for paddlers weighing 50 to 90 pounds.
You’re welcome to bring your own board as long as it’s designed for river use. Please let us know in advance!
To keep things simple we run this trip without leashes to avoid entanglement dangers.
Using leashes safely on the river requires some training and practice. If your guide determines that leashes are appropriate for your group they will spend some time familiarizing you with the equipment and practicing falling into the water with the leash on.