Ever wonder what your River Guide does in the Winter?  If you want to work as a River Guide full-time, you have to find a job during  the winter months.  It is a common misconception that River Guides have winters off.  A lot of our staff at French Broad Rafting Expeditions have chosen to pursue careers in the great outdoors, here are some that work at a local ski resort.  Some people might say that we “have it made”.  We call it “Livin’ the Dream”.

Sue one our reservationists, took the day off from answering phones to paddle down the French Broad River with Michael on the Shredder www.http://www.ohiopyle.com/shredder/ . 

Sue and Michael at Pillow Rock Rapid

Sue lives in Lancaster California and flies out to North Carolina to work with us for the months of July and August.  She has been a member of the French Broad Rafting Family since 2003.  Sue is a teacher’s assistant at Palm Tree Elementary School the rest of the year.  When asked why she flies all the way from the West Coast to work with us Sue says ”I love the family bond that we have here at French Broad Rafting.  I miss all of them over the winter months and can’t wait to come back every summer”.  Sue will be leaving in a few days and she will be missed.

NC Whitewater Rafting, Asheville, North Carolina  Go whitewater (white water) rafting near Asheville, North Carolina (NC) on the French Broad River
French Broad Rafting Expeditions is the closest whitewater rafting  to Asheville, NC (only 24 miles) to our Marshall Outpost.
Make your whitewater rafting reservation today on Asheville, Hot Springs, North Carolina’s French Broad River, the closest whitewater rafting.

Every August, the day before their season starts, the Women’s Soccer team at UNC Asheville gets together to “bond” as a team. New freshman have just arrived on campus, literally saying goodbye to their parents hours earlier. Upperclassmen are moving in to their roles as the new leaders of the team. It’s a perfect opportunity for a day of  fun to break the ice and get the season started on the right foot.

This year the Lady Bulldogs chose to spend their day on the French Broad River. They decided that the calm water trip would be the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and camraderie. The team met at their Asheville campus and carpooled to our Hot Springs outpost (they wanted to be environmentally conscious). The day proved to be a beautiful one, sunny and warm, and the scenery was beautiful. 

Most of them were new to whitewater, but the women of UNC Asheville turned out to be naturals at whitewater paddling. They all took duckies, inflatable kayaks known for their sense of independent spirit. But with twenty-four women together on the water, it was all about helping their fellow teammates. The ladies worked together to find the best waves and the smoothest routes, and they had an awesome day all-around.

We here at French Broad Rafting Expeditions were delighted to have the Women of UNC Asheville Soccer on the river with us, and we hope that their season is a succesful one. Good Luck Bulldogs!

Great Contribution to the French Broad Rafting Expeditions Blog from Chris. Thanks Chris for taking the time to help everyone relive this very fun day.

French Broad Rafting Expeditions: Hug Tom Butler Day

French Broad Rafting Expeditions (FBRE) takes pride in being a family business, partially because they cater to families but also because they are a family in and of themselves.  Owners Michael and Mitch Hampton foster an environment where guests, friends and employees are always welcome and feel at home.  You won’t find a more tight knit group of raft guides who come back year after year to be part of the FBRE experience that has been best described as “Livin’ the Dream”.

Like any family a good bit of practical joking and warm-hearted tomfoolery takes place at FBRE.  Mike and Mitch encourage (and sometimes mastermind) the playful activities that take place amongst the crew.  A standard game played at FBRE is the irresponsible raft guide scavenger hunt.  In order to encourage the guides to take care of their personal gear and keep the outpost clean and organized (as well as provide a few laughs), raft guides who leave their equipment out will arrive to work the next day to find it scattered about the premises.  It is not uncommon to see a guide crawling on top of a bus of digging through a helmet bin in an effort to locate their misplaced paddle or pfd.

Dress up day is another standard.  This year’ honorable mentions include Amy as a Cincinnati Bengal, Korey  as a sheik retro dancer, Kim’s white water Mumu, Jason’s Hawaiian getup complete with hula skirt, Rose’s raft guide evening wear and Ruvayne who sported a mask that was disturbingly similar to his actual visage.

While the usual activities continue, a new tradition was born this year, Hug Tom Butler Day.  First let it be known that Tom Butler is nothing short of an icon.  A professional fire fighter, ski patrol guru and all around good guy, Tom has been rafting longer than some of us have been alive.  Rocks move for Tom Butler and he seems to have a divine connection with the river.  That being said he’s not too proud to play with the “kids”.  Often initiating antics, Tom was a true sport, blushing when he discovered a pair of thong underwear tied to his throw rope in the middle of a safety talk a few weeks ago.

Because the crew at FBRE loves Tom so much they decided to give him a day all to his own.  The theme of Hug Tom Butler Day is self explanatory but the object and enthusiasm displayed warrant explanation.    Score was kept to determine who could give the most hugs.  Arguments were made as to whether extra points should be added for lewd, inappropriate or overly affectionate embraces.  Tom found himself the object of overwhelming affection as guides convinced their guests to join in the fun.

At the end of the day stories were swapped as usual, but instead of, “Did you see that clown stuck at S-Turn?”, “Did you see so and so hug Tom at lunch?” was the topic of the day.  Of particular interest was the performance of Jason who was so overwhelmed by his opportunity to display his love for Tom to the world that he was brought to tears.  Capping the day off with a kiss on the cheek of his idol Jason fulfilled a lifelong dream.

Fans of raft guide shenanigans will be glad to know that the FBRE spirit is strong and plans for Tickle Timmy day are underway.  Recent developments however suggest that Marti  might prove a better target as she has demonstrated a low resistance to being tickled on her knees and tummy (thanks for the tip Amos).  Check back for updates of the French Broad Rafting Experience.        

Livin’ the Dream,

Chris Wingate

NC Whitewater Rafting, Asheville, North Carolina  Go whitewater (white water) rafting near Asheville, North Carolina (NC) on the French Broad River
French Broad Rafting Expeditions is the closest whitewater rafting  to Asheville, NC (only 24 miles) to our Marshall Outpost.
Make your whitewater rafting reservation today on Asheville, Hot Springs, North Carolina’s French Broad River, the closest whitewater rafting.

River Guiding on the French Broad River is one of the best jobs ever.  You get to enjoy the scenery, work on your guiding skills, and get some sun all at the same time.  But the best part of the trip are people you meet on the river.  Check out this letter we received a couple of days ago from a family that rafted with us.

NC Whitewater Rafting, Asheville, North Carolina  Go whitewater (white water) rafting near Asheville, North Carolina (NC) on the French Broad River
French Broad Rafting Expeditions is the closest whitewater rafting  to Asheville, NC (only 24 miles) to our Marshall Outpost.
Make your whitewater rafting reservation today on Asheville, Hot Springs, North Carolina’s French Broad River, the closest whitewater rafting.

We had a great day on the river with Troop 86 from Brentwood Tennessee.  They had the best time on the river.  Half of the group went in the inflatable kayaks (duckies) and the other half in rafts.  The Scouts and Leaders handled the duckies like pros.  At the covered pavilion Troop 86 devoured the hamburgers and hot dogs that we had for lunch.  Not a piece of food was left uneaten. It was a beautiful day on the river with a great group people. Hope to have the chance to paddle with them next year.

NC Whitewater Rafting, Asheville, North Carolina  Go whitewater (white water) rafting near Asheville, North Carolina (NC) on the French Broad River
French Broad Rafting Expeditions is the closest whitewater rafting  to Asheville, NC (only 24 miles) to our Marshall Outpost.
Make your whitewater rafting reservation today on Asheville, Hot Springs, North Carolina’s French Broad River, the closest whitewater rafting.

NC Group Rafting on the French Broad River.

On Wednesday South Erwin Baptist Church joined us for an afternoon white water rafting trip. Even though there was a steady drizzle for most of the trip they had a great time. They started splashing each other at the put in and never stopped the whole trip. The whole group enjoyed Jump Rock. Most of them jumped multiple times.  We can’t wait to see them next year.

NC Whitewater Rafting, Asheville, North Carolina  Go whitewater (white water) rafting near Asheville, North Carolina (NC) on the French Broad River
French Broad Rafting Expeditions is the closest whitewater rafting  to Asheville, NC (only 24 miles) to our Marshall Outpost.
Make your whitewater rafting reservation today on Asheville, Hot Springs, North Carolina’s French Broad River, the closest whitewater rafting.

We would like to welcome River Dance www.RiverDancenc.com to the French Broad Rafting accommodations page http://www.frenchbroadrafting.com/accommodations.htm.

From www.riverdancenc.com

“RiverDance combines the best parts of a “Vacation Rental” and more.  Be our guests nestled on a quiet mountainside, high above the river, you will find your home away from home. Experience the outdoors at its best, by day or night, from our Carolina porch.  Relax in front of the fire in an inviting great room, and rest comfortably in your private quarters. RiverDance is located in Madison County, North Carolina within minutes of Fly Fishing, River Rafting, the Appalachian Trail and the spa town of Hot Springs. We are 45 minutes from Asheville, home of the Biltmore Mansion (the largest private home in America). Asheville is an eclectic mix of new and old, slightly funky with an incredible diversity of crafts, dining and sights to remember. “

Some guests from River Dance came rafting with us just this morning. They said the views are spectacular and they really enjoyed the tranquil setting. River Dance is just down the road from one of my favorite hikes. The Laurel River Trail (see previous post) and just minutes away from the French Broad River and our Marshall Outpost. Get more information from Dave and Callie by calling  (847) 809-3098 or check out www.riverdancenc.com

NC Whitewater Rafting, Asheville, North Carolina  Go whitewater (white water) rafting near Asheville, North Carolina (NC) on the French Broad River
French Broad Rafting Expeditions is the closest whitewater rafting  to Asheville, NC (only 24 miles) to our Marshall Outpost.
Make your whitewater rafting reservation today on Asheville, Hot Springs, North Carolina’s French Broad River, the closest whitewater rafting.

Hot Springs NC Fireworks at the Hot Springs Resort and Spa

French Broad Rafting Expeditions staff enjoyed a night of great fireworks in Hot Springs NC.  The local volunteer fire department put on a great display of fireworks. The Hot Springs Resort and Spa gracioulsy allowed the fireworks to be set up on their property and helped with crowd control.  French Broad Rafting Expeditions loaded up a rafting bus with staff and their families and headed down the road to Hot Springs.  We set up camp at our float trip-rafting location. The town of Hot Springs was hopping.  The best seat in the house was right on top of the deck of the French Broad Rafting bus.

French Broad Rafting Bus made the best seat for watching Fireworks

 Our hero of the evening was one our bus drivers Mike.  He was our designated driver and took care of the clean up when it was time to leave Hot Springs. We hope all of you had a safe Independence Day!

NC Whitewater Rafting, Asheville, North Carolina  Go whitewater (white water) rafting in Asheville, North Carolina (NC) on the French Broad River
French Broad Rafting Expeditions is the closest whitewater rafting outfitter to Asheville, NC (only 24 miles)
Make your whitewater rafting reservation today on Asheville, Hot Springs, North Carolina’s French Broad River, the closest whitewater rafting.

Kim and her crew from Madison County Parks and Recreation. www.frenchbroadrafting.com

This years trip with Madison County Parks and Recreation was a lot of fun.  Madison County Parks and Recreation has a great summer program this summer. Lynn and Hyrum who are in charge of the Madison County Parks and Recreation have set up a lot of activities this year.  The kids went to  Grandfather Mountain www.grandfather.com in Linville NC last week and for the next few weeks they will be going to Kinser Park www.kinserpark.org in Greeneville TN, and Trolley tours in Asheville NC.  All in all Lynn said rafting is the big hit of the summer program.  The group of kids were a lot of fun and we can’t wait to see them next year.

NC Whitewater Rafting, Asheville, North Carolina  Go whitewater (white water) rafting in Asheville, North Carolina (NC) on the French Broad River
French Broad Rafting Expeditions is the closest whitewater rafting outfitter to Asheville, NC (only 24 miles)
Make your whitewater rafting reservation today on Asheville, North Carolina’s French Broad River, the closest whitewater rafting.