Me and my absolute boys I met 3 days ago went on this tubing excursion and my life will never be the same. This bro soak had everything: bros, tubes, beers, water, rocks, thrills (small rapids), and more. On the way there, I suggested we stop for sunscreen. I took a considerable amount of shit for this (looking at you, Lance - thanks for driving though). Lance brought me to a CVS and I got 3 sunscreens: spray, cream, face. I lent the spray to Eddy and never saw it again. The cream was confiscated at the airport for being too large. I still have the face one and wear it everyday to remember my absolute boys whomst I love. Most people besides me got insane sunburn, I remain smug about this to this day. Anyway, the tubing was great. I would consider it a team building activity. On the way to the water, the handle on the cooler I was carrying got detached and the beers/ice went everywhere but nobody made fun of me. This meant a lot to me because most would consider me to be on the sensitive side and I felt like an absolute loser AT FIRST until I realized that my boys accept me no matter what. So we got on the water, tied up, floated, listened to music. It was truly v Zen. We laughed, cried, sang. We were at the mercy of The River; I believe it deemed us worthy. The river/spiritual guides say that the graffiti bridge marks 30-40 minutes left. This is not true. The water basically stopped moving so it was like an hour plus. We all got separated but reunited on shore and got sick tacos from White Duck Taco. Neil and I got like coconut margs and they slapped. One thought I had is that it's kinda weird that they sell dry bags and other tubing related necessities at the finish line and not where you drop off your car. Like we got to the end and I see this shop and I'm like damn I wish we could've purchased this stuff BEFORE my adventure. That's my only gripe. I will take my other friends here and test their resolve. I don't believe they have what it takes, but now I know to let The River be the one to judge read more

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This place is a fun way to spend a few hours. The tubes have bottoms so your butt stays dry-ish. They say not to bring a phone or anything you don't want to get wet, but I was mostly dry except for my feet and the water I splashed in from the paddle. If you wanted to take a phone, don't get a fancy dry bag; use a ziplock bag. This is not white water rafting. The trip took just a little less than 2 hours. The business was affected by the hurricane, so they need your business. read more

10/10 experience so helpful and accommodating. Very professional and made sure everything was explained and that help was available if needed. read more

Super great experience today on the French Broad River. Suitable for kids of all ages. Safety is first. Equipment is great. Lots of help getting in and out of the water if you need it. The river is lovely with only minor reminders of hurricane. You can do the river in under two hours or make a day of it. Enjoy. read more

We chose to do a little tubing while visiting Asheville, NC. After questioning some friends and acquaintances, we were lead to Zen Tubing. Right of the back, the first person we had an interaction with had on the Brooks Launch 8 tie dye which matched his shirt perfectly. I was impressed to say the least. The staff at parking/check in were quick, efficient, and friendly. Our shuttle driver was kind and friendly as well. We may have gotten a tad friendly as when we arrived at the launching area, the staff member there was waiting on us to finish our conversation with the shuttle driver. It was only an extra two minutes at most, but if there was a large group with us I can see how that is not efficient. Luckily it was the three of us and one other couple whom we had a nice banter going with on the shuttle as well. We all might be besties now. Launching was easy and the straps attached to each tube to hook onto each other is such an ingenious idea. We go tubing often back home and have to always remember a pocket knife and rope to attach us all together. Kuddos for the team member who suggested that to be put on all of the tubes. My son is nine and is required to wear a life vest. He is a fish, but wore his vest with no complaints. This was a good thing as within the fist 30 mins of us being on the river, my child "fell" into the river. read more

Zen Tubing - "Uh oh. I fell in." 10 June 2021 - Tubing Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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My girlfriends and I visited Asheville in August 2021 just for a few days. We enjoyed our time tubing on the French Broad River with Zen Tubing's equipment so much that we went two days in a row! Signing up for a trip online is really simple, and the staff was flexible and understanding when we changed our launch time by a few hours the second day. The river is a slow-moving, shallow one, which is perfect when floating (and likely enjoying a few beverages) and making memories with loved ones. read more

Zen Tubing - Tubing Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

I was not happy with this experience. Hanging tree branches that hit you in the head if you are not careful. The tubes are big and fat. When you need to get off the tube to wee, it is very strenuous. The tubes I have been on before have an open bottom. Very easy to relieve yourself. My foot sunk in to my knee in muck. Probably silt from the flood. It was hard to get it out and the water kept pushing me. I almost went under. And it smelled like manure. They say to keep to the left, but that is nearly impossible if you want to "zen". So, constantly trying to get back to the left side of the river. When we got back, the porta potties were all locked except one. We had to wait in line to change. When leaving the parking lot, the exit gate was closed when I got there. Had to turn around, go back to the entrance and use that gate. The only thing that made it halfway enjoyable was being with my two grown daughters and their friends. I would not recommend this company. read more

They advertise as a three hour tour and it was. Hard to imagine what three hours feels like floating down a shallow river with not much to see except trees until you do it, bring a cooler and people who have lots to say for the trip and it will be enjoyable. read more

We had really good time. The river is really nice. It's not that far from downtown. $20 a person and 5 or 10 for extra tube for cooler if you desire. That take you by bus to drop off point, It's 3 hour nice lazy ride back to your car. Real good mid afternoon event while in town. read more

Today was one of the most terrifying experiences in my life, my best friend and I decided to celebrate our 50th birthday trying a new experience, we were a bit nervous but due to "Zen" being in the name we decided to give it a try. Upon arrival we weren't given a Waiver which was odd considering the fact that I would hope that they should at least know our names due to us partaking in an activity that they're showing. Come to find out after that on the website they said that a waiver is required to be able to participate in this activity, we then asked a guy who works there in worry if we would need a life jacket just in case to which he said "not really the water will only reach your waist in a majority of the places". We also didn't get any instructions on how to maneuver our way through the river as well as using the paddle that was included. The only thing that they told us is that we should pass under the bridge that has a graffiti sign that says "snake", and thirty minutes after would be the exit, as much as we tried to paddle and kick to get towards the exit which was impossible, the current was too strong and too far to be able to reach the guy who was at the exit who then yelled "it's okay in one hour, the other exit checkpoint is there" after that we kept on trying to reach the right side of the river to find a way out, we asked for help from other customers but the current was too strong to help us get out, I also called "Zen Tubing" where I left many messages asking for help because the time keep going by and we couldn't get to the right side of the river where we needed to be. When we were closer to the second exit, a very nice and old man who was an employee of "Zen Tubing" risked his life to get us but ended up almost drowning with us in his attempt to rescue us, fortunately two younger men who were also guests helped risked their lives to rescue us but also the older employee. Honestly I felt that the river was taking us all down and we wouldn't be able to get out , the lives of five people where in danger due to "Zen Tubing" didn't taking the time to explain the importance of safety in the river and what we needed to do in case of an emergency, as well as they didn't push the need for a waiver, they would not even knew our names or who to call if we drowned and die . We are extremely grateful that things didn't go to far and no one got hurt but it was truly a terrifying experience to be in. Please be aware when you come here, "Zen" my ass. read more

Zen Tubing - Tubing Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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Tubing was a blast!! The details: -You arrive, park in their lot, fill out a waiver and pay. It is $20/person and $5 for each cooler float. -You will go over to the area to get on the shuttle. There was no line so it was a tad disorganized on our visit. -Zen Tubing shuttles you to your starting point, this is where you get your float(s). Once you grab it you walk down to the spot where you get into the river. There was nobody down there helping so make sure you attach your floats here. -It is now time to float away, check out their facebook page for trip times that day. The average is 2 hours. You can stop along the way. -When your trip is done you will be back at the parking lot for departure. The staff members were not very helpful with us getting out. read more

This was so much fun. Principle is simple- you rent a tube and enjoy an afternoon on the river. Bring a cooler and you can relax and float. Don't forget water and sunscreen because this is a couple hours float. If you're adventurous there's even a rope swing along the river to jump off with. Went with friends and we had a blast. Definitely a great thing to do in hot weather. read more

This was so much fun! Everyone who worked there was nice and knowledgeable. We did this on a girls trip and had a blast. Bring your drinks, food and speaker for music. We cant wait to go back! read more

My two best girlfriends from college and I really enjoyed Zen Tubing. We floated down the French Woman river in Asheville, NC. The river was calm. At times, our inner tubes had trouble catching the current. We decided to rearrange our configuration of being hooked together. That bright idea worked like a charm. We felt like we were a million miles away from civilization. Yet, we heard the white noise of the nearby highway. We saw plenty of other tubers pass us. We soon realized we were the only ones with out an oar. As we floated into river scum and garbage. We got lucky and found a tree branch to maneuver ourselves out of that yucky mess. I highly recommend Zen Tubing as a fun, relaxing diversion, while visiting Asheville, NC. What I ding the operation on is a very unsafe, lax attitude toward boarding the inner tubes. We called the young gentleman back to help us because we are spry 60-year-old ladies. Plus, he really need to be more diligent in making sure we had an oar. read more

Sunny, lazy day in Asheville and don't know what to do? Zen tubing is what you do! Mom and I went here on a whim after some of my friends had gone the precious weekend. They have two locations to catch shuttles from which is convenient. At the shuttle site, there are changing rooms, porta-potties, and apparel and refreshments for sale. You pay, park, and leave your keys here. The staff were all super friendly and chatted with us before we left for the river. The shuttle ride was 10 minutes to the starting point where you get a quick tutorial and get to pick which size tube you'd like. Then you're off! It took us about 3 hours to get to the end point and that was stopping once for a shade break. You're allowed to take food and drinks and can rent a tube for your belongings/cooler. They have kid rafts, life jackets, and paddles too. It's $20 per adult which is a little pricey in my opinion, but we had a lot of fun and were really relaxed so it was worth it. Will definitely be doing this again. read more

Zen Tubing - Tubing down the French Broad - Tubing Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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Relaxing Relaxing Relaxing.... my wife and I along with our three teenager kids had a blast. We brought along a cooler with cold beverages, both adult and kid approved. I also smoked a great cigar, ate a sandwich and relaxed all the way down the river. $100 for 5 people, 3 hours long was well worth it. Bring sunscreen! read more

Wait till Covid is over before going. Not clean and they are packing people into busses and not enforcing mask rules on the bus.

Jackson was amazing! He saved our whole trip! Call ahead and make sure he is working before booking a trip. The kid deserves a raise!

Excellent time!! Very well organized! We really enjoyed it!! All the tubes were in great shape and the parking was nice and organized. The river was very calm and I never felt like I was going to flip out or anything. Really liked how wide the river was and how different groups could pass each other. This was my first time, but will definitely not be the last! I also loved how the tubes have bottoms and they have a separate tube to purchase for coolers. We will see you again before the season is out!! read more

First time tubing, and damn, did I get burnt. I'll know next time that my stupid Anglo-Saxon heritage *will* screw me over, and try to prepare better. We took an Uber down to Zen Tubing, where we were redirected to the overflow lot down the street. The check in process is super easy - one waiver per household, and then you pay at the front of line. You can get extra tubes for coolers, as well as snacks and waterproof bags right there in line. Put your name on the list for a shuttle, and you get whisked off to the drop-in site. Once you're there, somebody tells you the rules, and you grab your tube and cooler tube (you can get either a large, small, or a double tube). The individual tubes have bottoms to them as well as headrests, but the double tubes are open-bottomed. The tubes also have buckles on each handle, as well as one cup holder! The length of the trip depends on the speed of the river, but as you'll see, a lot of people bring ropes and carabiners to tie off on the side, to just hang out a little bit. Bring tons of sunscreen, and water! You'll need it :) Anyways, the route was nice, all employees were helpful, and the actual tubes were comfortable! Highly recommend using Zen, made my first experience tubing a great one! read more

This is a great tubing place and I had a great time going. We went for about 2 and a half hours and had a great time. The staff was friendly and helped answer and questions. We experienced a little bit of rain so be sure to check the weather. Overall, If you are looking for a good outing come to Zen tubing. read more

The facility's parking was full. Someone gave us very thorough directions to overflow parking, where someone directed us into a parking spot. We signed a release (one per household) and a shuttle took us down to the river. This was my first time tubing so I didn't know what to expect. It consisted of sitting in an inner tube and letting the river carry you down stream (without cameras or cell phones) for two hours. Dragonflies landed on my leg. Ducks came up to our feet. We sipped beer. There was nothing to do but talk and prop your feet or head up on the one you love and float. That is how I want to remember the south. read more

Other location is much better. The info on this is very misleading. Don't put you float past breweries when none of them have an area to get out at them. The road goes past the breweries too and you get actually get there that way. The staff is NOT friendly. The girls at check in and picking up the keys seemed liked they would have rather been anywhere else. The guy at the put in location said "you guys are our last group today, thank god" Any questions you asked you received a smartass answer. The other location was staffed with friendly people who seemed excited to have your business. Our group of 10 should have went back there. read more

This was my first time doing tubing out in nature, and it was a blast. The way it works is that you start off at the end point of the river and take a shuttle to the starting point, where you embark on some tubes, and ride the river all the way to the end, where you began. The staff here were great. Friendly and informative, from the people who run the merchandising stand, to the shuttle driver. In all, we spent about 2 hours on the river (we did get stuck early on, but were able to walk back to where we started. Best of all, it cost only $20 dollars per person, plus you are allowed to bring drinks in aluminum cans and rent a cooler so you can enjoy the ride with a beer or soda if you wish. read more

This was my first time doing a river float and it won't be my last! We got checked in, stored our keys behind the counter, and boarded the van to the drop off location. After a quick overview of the route we grabbed our tubes, a cooler tube, and an oar, and hopped in the river. The cooler tube is worth the extra $5 so that you can bring drinks, sunscreen, etc with you while floating. The oar isn't that helpful for actually rowing because in a tube you just spin, but it did help us push off some logs here and there along the way. Obviously they can't control the weather, that was my only complaint, that it was cloudy and a little rainy during our float. The exit was well marked with a rope in the water to help guide you in. read more

A great experience, my first time tubing, the staff was friendly. I found it quite affordable and relaxing. read more

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The owner, Keith, tried to fight me. Came at me, fists balled up, ready to throw a punch. His employees had to hold him back. Why you might ask? Because I expected them to honor the loyalty stamps they issued. I have been a loyal customer for two years and have collected several loyalty cards. They refused to honor them. When I challenged them they began talking down to me and asked if I was dumb. I naturally became angry by their rude, condescending insults and when I threatened to write a bad review the owner got mad. I said his business was bullshit and loudly said that no one should support this jerk. The owner then threw down his stuff and came at me with his fists balled up. I dared him to hit me and said I'd have the police there. Employees held him back. I demanded a refund and left. We ended up going to Sky Tubing. I asked the owner there if they were in any way affiliated with Zen and she said no, then told me I'm not the first person to experience this type of behavior from Zen. Apparently Keith has a bad temper and has even made racial remarks before. In short, save yourself a headache and some money and just go to Sky Tubing. They treat their customers with respect and appreciation. And they're cheaper to boot! read more

Zen tubing is a blast! They make tubing down the river so easy by providing the tubes and transportation to the drop off location. It's $20/person, which is a little steep but worth the cost for how simple the process. We went with a group of nine and floated for about 4.5 hours. I thought it might be too long of a float, but when we were ending no one was ready to leave! I would highly recommend Zen tubing just make sure to bring drinks (they have cooler floats for just $5), snacks and sunscreen! read more

VERY DISAPPOINTING! The website says they run tubes until 3, that was not the case. We drove to the place and we were told that the parking lot and over flow lot had been filled up. They said they were no longer letting tubes down the river. We were very let down because it was only 2:30. I don't think we will be ever using this tubing company. read more

We loved tubing the river. We showed up after they opened and signed up without any issues. They have you sign a waiver which is pretty standard. $20 per tube and a cooler tube for $5. We were able to leave our car keys at the location so that we did not lose them in the river. The float took us around 3 hours and it was a super relaxing day on the river. We pulled up on a rock to eat lunch and jumped in a few times to cool off. I recommend having one paddle per person. We only had one and really wished that we had the second one to help out. The signs of where to pull of are well marked and the driver gave us tips on where to stop and swim/have lunch/etc. read more

Was in Asheville for a bachelorette party and went tubing for the afternoon. It was amazing! The staff is so nice and very helpful. You can rent rafts for coolers which makes it easy to bring refreshments! Highly recommend doing this if you're in Asheville! read more

Awwwwwwwwwsommmmmmeeeee!!!!!! The float down the river was as easy and relaxing as we could have dreamed of. The staff was awesome, the driver on the ride to the drop-off point was cool/funny/talkative/informative. The float (northern trip) took 2:45, we wish it could have taken another 2 hours. Just a great experience, family/kid friendly. I'd give the entire day a "10" if I could! read more

We had a blast. They take you several miles up the river. We rented a cooler float too.

Crappy staff. Tubing down the river was great, but this company could have better customer service. At the put in, one of the employees threw one of our bags over the water into our cooler float. They didn't help at all with linking up tubes for any groups. Then at the end, again, no help at all as hordes of people are trying to climb the stairs out of the river while carrying the tubes, coolers, and other personal belongings. When we got back to our car in the overflow lot, we found that they had parked another row of cars too close behind our row, making almost impossible to get out of the lot. I think I'll try the other company in town next time. read more

We just did the Zen tubing trip. So much fun!!! We even saw a bald eagle!! Very relaxing!!!

My son and I truly enjoyed our experience with Zen. Water was moving a bit slow but was still a ton of fun. We arrived at 9:40 on a Saturday and the process was quick and seamless. read more

We love Zen tubing. We travel from Charlotte No just to go tubing. They do a great job!

Have been tubing here for years and can say this place is great.

AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE! Our first time and instructions were explained very clear. Everyone was super friendly and accommodating. My friend brought his own tube and we hit a rough patch and his tube popped and the zen tubes did not. Great day on the river!!!! read more

Our family went tubing yesterday and had a great time! The staff is very helpful and couldn't be nicer. Took a bus a ways down then got off and into the water. Water was fairly calm and the waterway is broad. A relaxing experience and perfect for a family outing. After floating down the waterway you get out where you parked your car. There are changing facilities and drinks,sunscreen ,etc. for sale. Would recommend to my friends. Enjoy! read more