New to whitewater rowing? Section 8 or 10 of the French Broad River is your starting point. I'll personally walk you through the fundamentals of rowing technique, boat control, and how to navigate Class I-II rapids. You'll leave feeling excited about your newly learned skills and ready for your next challenge on the river. No experience necessary — just a sense of adventure and a willingness to get wet!

You know the basics, now let's build on them! Section 9 of the French Broad River offers a perfect training ground of Class I-III rapids. This class focuses on refining your rowing strokes for proper raft pivoting, ferrying and attacking hydraulics. We’ll work on reading river currents, proper boat set up and introduce river safety signals. Recommended for those who have completed the Introductory class or have some prior rowing experience.

Designed for more experienced rowers that are ready to take on a greater challenge. The nine mile version of Section 9 of the French Broad River will allow you to navigate Class III–IV rapids. We'll focus on more advanced river reading, exaggerated raft angles, quicker raft pivoting and potentially higher-water boating techniques, all while staying calm under pressure. Prior intermediate experience required.

The river is unpredictable — and knowing how to handle the unexpected could save your life. This essential course covers private boater swift water rescue techniques, how to recognize and avoid hazards, proper use of safety equipment, and what to do if you or someone in your group ends up in the water. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rower, this class is one every river enthusiast should take.