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    RVA Paddlesports

    4.7 (39 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Alanna W.

    Back in June, My husband and I had originally signed up for the 1 and 2 level rapids and received a phone call asking if we would be ok changing to the 3 and 4 level. We were both very nervous about trying that level without any experience but we ended up loving the experience. The guides (our class had two rafts and our guide was named Jade on our raft) were incredible and provided us all the information we needed to feel safe. We had a blast. We feel so cool saying we accomplished the challenge of 3 and 4 rapids without either of us falling into the water. We definitely hope to try it out again sometime!

    Group of 12 had an amazing time water rafting. First time ever for all of us and we LOVED it!! Shoutout to the staff and our guide Niko ( not sure if that's how it's spelled) but nonetheless great energy and vibes. Spent the morning rafting and swimming in the river. Took a break and had some fresh pineapple, which really hit the spot after paddling. Highly recommend booking a reservation today and having a great time. Short bus ride, which was fun, to the start point and back. Definitely bring a waterproof pouch for cell phones.

    Lauren E.

    What a cool way to explore Richmond! Our guides were really thorough and fun. You could tell they loved what they do and enjoy taking people out on the water. We got to float in the river during calm water, heard all about the city, took in the views, swung off a rope swing, and paddled through class 3-4 rapids. What a great experience! Highly recommend for tourists with a taste of adventure or even just a fun couple hours out on the water. Go check them out!

    Had such a great time on our trip with Sanders. 10/10 recommend. If you're thinking about doing it, definitely do it!!!

    This was our first time rafting and Sanders was a great guide!! If you're thinking about doing it, do it!!!

    Jim S.

    What a fun day. Even with the river a bit low, the scenery was spectacular and our guide, Jonathan, was friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining. Seeing Richmond from the river was a new experience and Jonathan knew the history of almost every building along with an unofficial story for each. There was a great number of geese and ducks enjoying the warm summer day as well. There are about 5 rapids on the route with none large enough to cause major concern but yet still an exciting roll in the raft. All the guides were friendly and outgoing, but Jonathan was top of class- I'm sure he will share this with his peers too. ;'). I highly recommend a half day upper and lower tour. I takes about 4 hours and it's well worth it. By the way, all these photos were taken by the tour co and very reasonably priced for purchase.

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    2 years ago

    RVA PADDLESPORTS ROCKS! The entire outfit was professionally and ensured our group had a blast out on the water.

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    Review Highlights - RVA Paddlesports

    The guides were experienced and clearly knew what they were doing and know the river well.

    Mentioned in 17 reviews

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    Huguenot Flatwater

    Huguenot Flatwater

    3.0
    (3 reviews)
    7.3 km

    We headed to Huguenot Flatwater last night to do some kayaking with our group. It is very easy to…read morefind, and there is a small parking lot there. I can see it being frustrating to find a spot as it gets closer to boating season though. I was not a fan of the boat launch area, it's design was not very user friendly for easily getting into your kayak. You have to step off a ledge into your boat, or use the small muddy area to load and push off. The point it puts you into the river is great though, and you can go left for a nice paddle up to Bosher's Dam.

    During this crazy time of Covid and politics, our priorities have shifted from dining out…read morefrequently, to attempt a more healthy lifestyle of cooking most meals at home, and seeking out alternative sources of entertainment, ones that permit us to breathe in fresh air, enjoy what nature has to offer, and maintain social distancing. So, after visiting a few terrific Virginia State parks, renting kayaks, we decided that this would be something we would like to do regularly, and purchased our own boats. How many times have you crossed Huguenot bridge and thought, oh neat, look at the people kayaking, what fun? Yea, that has been me for years. So we decided to check out the Huguenot Flatwater put-in area and while it is a challenge, it is doable. By this, I mean, it is CRAZY steep, there is a ramp that the "fit and brave" smaller and experienced kayaker can attempt. For us, we carried our kayaks down the steps and were able to launch from there with relative ease. The main issue we had, was that it got super busy, and it was really noisy with the constant sound of vehicles on the bridge. We paddled down river for a bit but decided to play it safe and head back up river so we could float back and were not fighting the current and didn't get too worn out. When we were about ready to head back in, there were so many people trying to put in, that people were having to wait to get out. And then a bus load from a tour company came and we decided to head over to where a trail end let out on the river, decided it was safe, and we carried our kayaks through the trail and back to our car. Not far. The "coolness" and novelty of urban kayaking wore off within 5 minutes of being in the river. It wasn't peaceful at all, but we did get a decent workout and enjoyed the views. We will definitely continue to seek out different places to kayak, and kudos to those who love the adrenaline of being in that environment. I personally just prefer more quiet and fewer people.

    Photos
    Huguenot Flatwater
    Huguenot Flatwater at the James River -- on Saturday, 21 June 2025
    Huguenot Flatwater at the James River -- on Saturday, 21 June 2025
    Huguenot Bridge

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    Huguenot Bridge
    Kayak Richmond

    Kayak Richmond

    5.0
    (3 reviews)
    10.0 km

    My friends and I were looking for something different to do so we decided to give kayaking a try. I…read moream SO glad we ended up with Spence! He's incredibly friendly, knowledgable and chill. He gave us all really good advice that we would not have known otherwise (watch the water for ripples, that's where you'll get stuck on rocks, hold the paddle exactly like this, make sure if you ever go on your own you have a life jacket on the boat otherwise you'll get fined, etc.). Best of all he's just great to be around; he's fun and chatty and you can tell he loves the outdoors and his job. I think the best way to sum it up is to say that everyone in my group left the trip and said they wanted to purchase kayaks of our own! Maybe another guided trip or two isn't a bad idea, though, as the James is a tricky river...

    This is so sad that I am the first reviewer...I hope more will review…read more I was looking for something different to do and saw a Living Social Kayak offer from KR...so, I figured "why not?" I called and Spence is just the nicest, most down-to-earth guy. Very calm...even after I told him that this was going to be my first time and I have no clue what I am doing or even what I should wear. 8am on a Saturday...I was not pleased...until I was in the water. Got to the site and the instruction was great! Brief, yet everything (I think) that we needed to know. He did everything...dragged the boats down the landing....held it while I cautiously got in....and off we went. I got into my own little zone and just paddled. Spence came and got me and we chatted for a bit....nice, nice guy. I cannot wait to go again!! So, for the suggestions...there are always suggestions. It would have been cool for Spence to have had everyone in the group introduce themselves. It was not until just before we ended that I found out that someone else on the trip and I work for the same company. I think the website needs some updating. Spence mentioned a moonlight paddle. This sounds wonderful to me, but I cannot find it on the site.I need to plan a bit further in advance than most people (I travel a lot) and knowing this schedule earlier would be helpful so I can plan my travel around events such as this. Low key, no frills, quality equipment, and nice guy!

    James River Runners

    James River Runners

    3.4
    (18 reviews)
    95.2 km

    Such a fun adventure. Definitely recommend…read more You drive through a little town and think you are there but you still have a little way to go. We drive down these windy skinny backroads and finally get to your destination. The staff helps you park and tells you to go to the office for your appointment. In the parking lot there are port a potties as well as changing rooms. Get yourself situated and head to the office for orientation. Make sure you apply a good amount of sun block. After the safety talk you get on a bus and head to the river. The bus was nice and bumpy and just the start of the adventure. When the bus parks you get your tubes and get into the river. There was a State Trooper sitting at the beginning so make sure you are following all the rules. You need to climb down a steep river bank and then get into the river. Make sure you are wearing water shoes. Plan on the adventure being a few hours long. The river wasn't too high so the water didn't move too fast. If we didn't stop it would have been about 2 hours long. Bring a lunch and hang out at the beach midway to extend your day. Get yourself a cooler tube. Bring a good size cooler. Look at the pictures. The one I brought was a little small. When we were looking for beers it was a little difficult because I had to more the food to get to them. It is tough to do when you are sitting in a tube.

    We pre booked a group of nine prior to arrival after calling directly to have a few questions…read moreanswered. I'm unsure who we spoke with over the phone but they were pleasant. First hiccup was check-in when the parking attendant couldn't find our reservations because she confused the first and last name of our reservation. We were frustrated trying to locate our reservation confirmation with spotty cell service and calling a similarly named company to confirm we were at the right location. She was apologetic after the mistake but didn't provide much direction after our waivers were signed. We walked to the building to confirm our reservation again and had to request life jackets for the children in our group. Life jackets are provided free of cost. We waited for other groups to gather for a brief instruction which included information on an island that can be stopped at, some points of reference for the tube float and instructions for exiting/ time to return by. The gentleman instructing was kind and personable. Transportation is provided upriver. The bus left after confirming everyone had a tube with no further instruction and no staff stationed at the entry point. We had no instruction that there was a basket with rope at the side to rope tubes together. This was pointed out to us by others tubers that were present. We spent the extra $10 for a 'cooler tube' which was a regular tube with two pieces of rope tied on to form an X in the center. We had to add ropes to our cooler tube to ensure our backpack cooler stayed in the tube. The entry point was nothing more than a step sandy path directly into the river. Shoes are required and a necessity as the depth varied and there were a lot of large rocks/ fallen trees that were difficult to see underwater. Once settled we joined many others on the river as it was a hot July day. The float was enjoyable for the most part although one of the ropes that I used to attach my son's tube to mine broke (not came untied) in the river which was frustrating. We opted not to stop at any islands and there was no signage for our float other than where to exit. The exit itself had some small rapids and I felt that the current picked up close to exiting. There were staff at the exit but they offered to cut ropes and take tubes to shore not to offer any assistance to those exiting. Again the depth fluctuated and there were large submerged rocks at the exit which were difficult to see/ navigate underwater. While this was my first time tubing, I have canoed and kayaked (in another state) before and was not as pleased with this experience as I have been with prior river rental experiences.

    Photos
    James River Runners
    James River Runners
    James River Runners

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    Virginia Outdoor Center

    Virginia Outdoor Center

    3.2
    (20 reviews)
    85.8 km

    This place is amazing! The staff if great and super friendly. The launch site is right there and…read moreyou escort yourself out. I like that because you dont have to wait for a bus or other people. The river portion is everything because it starts out slow then you drop into a few "just right" rapids. There is a spot to jump off some rocks, my son loved that! At the end you come out to a ricer beach area , where you can play in the water or walk your tube up to a shaded spot wnd wait for the bus. The bus is cool little way to end the trip! Plus you can get right back in the river and do it again!! Second time in a month I have come and keep getting new friends to experience it!

    It is a shame to give this facility a bad review. The owner, Bill, was wonderful. The land and…read morefacilities were beautiful. The point of this review is not just to inform potential customers of the abusive treatment of staff but to try to reach Bill to let him know that he needs to change his staff. Candy, the seeming manager of the outfit, was positively awful and noted as a 'Karen' in other reviews. As stated in other reviews, Candy's abusive attitude while in a leadership position has also permeated other aspects of this organization, sometimes putting children in danger. Candy's abusive behavior includes but is not limited to yelling while contradicting what the owner had told us the night before, demanding 30 minutes before time to leave that we were to do a mandatory service project that she had mistakenly left off the official paperwork, and was not explained to those present until pack out. Candy's response to being questioned about the contradictory information was to alter and resend official paperwork and change the website afterward. When Candy was allowed to communicate directly, she remained silent when proven wrong and instead sent false emails regarding conversations to other organization members. Other than that, our canoeing instructor was gruff but incredibly knowledgeable. The students had the most comprehensive canoeing instruction I had ever seen, and the instructor enabled them to meet their goals. That said, if you go for canoe instruction and get Mike, he will scare the students if they are not forewarned. Please help your students to be active participants and answer questions. Pre-education in canoeing may also help as he tends to ask questions about things he has not yet introduced.

    Photos
    August 2023
    August 2023
    Virginia Outdoor Center
    Virginia Outdoor Center

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    RVA Paddlesports - rafting - Updated July 2026

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