Asheville Paddleboard Rental FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What's the difference between a guided tour and a rental?

A: All of our Asheville paddleboard rentals include a lesson and complimentary transport, and the main difference between a rental and a tour is that you won't be paddling with a guide. Aside from offering the safety of helping you navigate down the river, our guides also provide engaging commentary on Asheville's wildlife and history, and can teach you additional strokes and techniques as you make your way down the river. Our Asheville paddleboard rentals are geared toward people who would prefer to paddle on their own, so to book a rental call (828) 808-9038. 

Q: What's the difference between the 4-mile and the 7-mile trip?

On average, the 4-mile trip lasts 1.5 hours and the 7-mile trip lasts 2.5 hours. There is a Class I rapid on the 7-mile trip and a couple more places where you need to steer to avoid hitting the rocks. Because the section is slightly more technical, we recommended that first-time paddlers sign up for the 4-mile trip. 

Q: How are you different than other Asheville standup paddle rentals? 

A: We're the only Asheville paddleboard rental that includes acomplimentary lesson, and we don't just drop you in the parking lot with a board and say "good luck." All of our instructors park the shuttle van and help you down to the water, and get you fitted with all your gear and teach you a couple of strokes.

We're also the only company in town that provides complimentary footwear, as well as the only company offering inflatable belt pack life jackets (way more comfortable!) Finally, all of our staff at Wai Mauna Asheville SUP Tours are passionate about standup paddling, and many are involved in local races and are active in the paddling community. Finally, we're the only company where you finish in the heart of Asheville's River Arts District, just a five minute walk from breweries, restaurants, and over 200 artisan studios. 

Q: Where do we meet you?

A: For our 4-mile SUP rentals we meet guests at 159 Riverside Drive in the River Arts District. A Wai Mauna staff member will assist you with exiting the river, and from here it's only a 5 minute walk to studios, restaurants, and breweries. 

For our 7-mile SUP rentals we meet at Asheville Outdoor Center in West Asheville (521 Amboy Road). Just look for our shuttle van and a Wai Mauna staff member! Trips finish back at Asheville Outdoor Center where a Wai Mauna staff member will collect the boards and help you exit the river. 

Q: Is there a minimum age for your Asheville SUP rentals?

A: 12 years old is our rental minimum when accompanied by a paying adult.

Q: Do I need to know how to swim?

A: Yes.

Q: Are life jackets required when renting a board?

A: Yes, life jackets must be worn at all times when using one of our boards on the river. There's also a bungy cord on the front of the board for attaching your vest to the board, although we don't recommend attaching the vest here since it's harder to access in an emergency.

Q: Is there a maximum weight for your Asheville SUP boards?

A: Even though are boards are remarkably stable, we recommend a maximum weight of 240 lbs. 

Q: Are dry bags provided? 

A: We encourage guests to provide their own bag for items they bring on the river, but we do have dry bags available for paddlers without their own bags. The dry bags provided are not meant for submersion or flotation, and Wai Mauna Asheville SUP Tours assumes no liability for items placed in bags. 

Q: What type of boards do you have?

A: Our Asheville standup paddle boards are shaped by Dave Kalama, one of the original founders and pioneers of the sport of standup paddling. Check out this video for more info on your paddleboard rental in Asheville!

If you want to try something new and different you can check out our 6-person SUP board!