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Self-Guided New River Paddling - Kayak, Canoe, or SUP

Rental

Duration: 3.5 hours

Features

Dog Friendly
Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Beginner Friendly
Free Cancellation
Instant Book
$35 Kayak - Short Trip
(Approx. 45 mins. Regular price $55)
$60 Canoe - Short Trip
(Approx 45 minutes (For 2 people - option to add child under 5 for $10 to sit in the middle). Regular price $80)
$35 Stand Up Paddleboard - Short Trip
(Approx. 45 mins. Regular price $55)
$15 Shuttle Kayak - Short Trip - Bring Your Own Boat
(Bring Your Own Boat!)
$30 Shuttle Canoe - Short Trip - - Bring Your Own Boat
(Bring Your Own Boat!)
$15 Stand Up Paddleboard - Short Trip - Bring Your Own Boats
(Bring Your Own SUP!)
$50 Kayak - Long Trip
(Approx 3.5 hours to 5 hours Regular Price $70)
$20 Rental Speaker - Rock the River!!
(One bluetooth speaker)
$20 Phone Case
$100 Canoe - Long Trip
(Approx. 3.5 hours to 5 hours (For 2 people - option to add child under 5 for $10 to sit in the middle). Regular price $120)
$50 Stand Up Paddleboard - Long Trip
(Approx. 3.5 to 5 hours - Regular Price $70)
$25 Shuttle Kayak - Long Trip - Bring Your Own Boat
(Bring Your Own Boat!)
$25 Shuttle Stand Up Paddleboard - Long Trip - Bring Your Own Boats
(Bring Your Own SUP!)
$50 Shuttle Canoe - Long Trip - Bring Your Own Boat
(Bring Your Own Boat!)
$32 Rental Speaker + Phone case
(Save $8 when you buy the package and keep the phone case!)

Description

New River Paddling Trip - Inflatable Kayaks, Canoe, or SUP

Experience the quiet beauty of the South Fork of the New River—one of the oldest rivers in the world and among the most scenic waterways in the Southeast. Just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, this slow-moving, gentle river is perfect for a peaceful day of paddling in a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard (SUP).
As you glide along the calm waters, you’ll float through lush mountain landscapes, colorful wildflower meadows, and prime birdwatching habitat. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a relaxing trip or a seasoned paddler seeking a serene connection with nature, the New River near Todd, NC delivers the perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquility.
How It Works:
Your adventure begins at our riverfront outpost, conveniently located directly on the South Fork of the New River. After parking and checking in, you’ll be outfitted with your choice of craft—canoe, kayak, or SUP. From there, we’ll shuttle you upriver to the put-in point. Then, enjoy a leisurely self-guided float as you paddle your way back to the outpost at your own pace.
Rental Options
  1. Paddleboards - fits 1 adult 
  2. Kayak - fits 1 adult 
  3. Tandem Canoe - fits up to 2 adults and 1 small child
This trip is ideal for families, couples, solo travelers, and groups seeking a relaxing outdoor experience in the heart of the North Carolina High Country. Come unwind, reconnect, and explore the peaceful flow of the New River!

Duration

3-3.5 hours

Last shuttle is 1:00 PM!

Location / Where to Meet

New River Outpost

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Ages & Requirements

All ages welcome! If you have young kids in your party, we recommend a canoe for the best experience. We recommend that children be able to sit still in the boat. 

What's Included

  1. All paddling and safety gear (helmet, paddle, life jacket, watercraft)
  2. Shuttle to the river put-in 
  3. Access to Wahoo’s 6-acre riverfront property for picnicking and relaxing

Not Included

  1. Guides (this is a self-guided trip)
  2. Meals or snacks (picnic areas available—feel free to bring your own!)
  3. Gratuities for your driver (optional but appreciated)
  4. Transportation to/from the River Outpost
Optional Add-Ons:
  1. Rental Speakers
  2. Waterproof Phone Cases

What to Bring

  1. Swimming trunks or quick-dry shorts
  2. Tevas, Chacos, or old tennis shoes (sandals must have a heel strap)
  3. Cotton t-shirts are fine on hot days, but are not recommended during colder trips
  4. Polyester, fleece, polypropylene, or wool materials are great for keeping warm on cold days
  5. Dry clothes for after your river adventure, including dry shoes
  6. Towel to dry off at the end of the day
  7. Sunscreen to protect your skin
  8. Sunglasses
  9. Reusable water bottle
  10. Epipens, insulin, or any medications that should accompany you on your trip — each of our professional guides carries a dry bag or a cooler in which your medications can be stored.
  11. If you are canoeing or kayaking, be sure to bring your cooler full of eats and drinks – NO GLASS!

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Wahoo's Adventures

FAQs

How does the shuttle work?

After checking in at our outpost, we’ll shuttle you upstream to the launch point. From there, you’ll paddle back downstream to where you started—no need to coordinate your own transportation!

Can I bring my own kayak?

Of course! If you already have your own kayak, canoe, or SUP, you can select the "bring your own boat" option at checkout.

Can I bring food or drinks?

Yes, feel free to pack snacks or lunch in a small cooler or dry bag. Just remember to pack out all trash, following Leave No Trace principles, to keep the river beautiful.

Can I bring my dog?

Your dog can join you for your adventure on the New River in Todd, NC.

I am staying in Boone, Blowing Rock, or Asheville. How far away is the outpost from where I will be staying?

Distance from nearest cities:

  • Boone, NC - 9 miles / 20 minutes
  • Blowing Rock, NC - 17 miles / 30 minutes
  • Ashville, NC - 95 miles / 2 hours

What should I do with my valuables?

Please leave any valuables (watches, cell phones, jewelry, wallets, etc.) in your car, which will be safely parked at one of our river outposts.

What if it's raining?

Trips go rain or shine.

Should I choose a kayak, canoe, or SUP?

It depends on your comfort level and the kind of experience you’re looking for!

  • Kayaks are the most stable and easiest to maneuver, especially for solo paddlers or beginners.
  • Canoes offer more space and are great for families or anyone bringing along a small cooler or gear. They're perfect for a relaxed float.
  • Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) provide a fun, full-body workout and the best vantage point for enjoying mountain views and spotting wildlife. These are best suited for those with good balance and some paddling experience, or a good sense of adventure!

No matter what you choose, the New River’s calm, slow-moving waters make it beginner-friendly and enjoyable for all.

Cancellation Policy

For parties of 9 or below:

A full refund will be given in the following circumstances: 1) Wahoos cancels your trip or 2) If you cancel on or before 31 days of your trip date and time.
  • A 50% refund will be given if you cancel between 15 to 30 days of your trip date and time.

  • No refund will be given if you cancel within 14 days of your trip date and time.

  • Rebookings - if you cancel between 8 to 14 days of your trip date and time, you will be allowed to rebook your trip to a date and time during the current Wahoos season which ends on October 31 of each year. If you cancel within 7 days of your bookings, you may rebook within the current season, however, your rebooking will be subject to a rebooking fee.

For group bookings (10 or more)
* A full refund will be given in the following circumstances: 1) Wahoos cancels your trip or 2) If you cancel at least 45 days before your group trip date and time.
  • A 50% refund will be given if you cancel between 31 to 44 days of your group trip date and time.

  • No refund will be given if you cancel on or after 30 days prior to your group trip date and time.

  • Rebookings - If you cancel between 15 to 30 days of your group trip date and time, you will be allowed to rebook your trip to a date and time during the current Wahoos season which ends on October 31 of each year. If you cancel within 14 days of your group booking date and time, you may rebook within the same season, however, your rebooking will be subject to a rebooking fee.

Payments: A $200 deposit is due at the time of booking which is applied to your total group trip fee. 50% of the total group booking fee is due 45 days prior to the group trip date and time. The balance of any trip fee is due 30 days prior to your group trip date and time.

In all cases, Wahoos reserves the right to charge any balance due on your trip fee to the credit card on file at the completion of your trip.

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Availability

May 2025

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Reviews

Location

Address

3385 S US Highway 321

Boone, NC, 28607

US

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