Still Rolling: 2025 Recap & What’s Ahead for 2026
This season was a big one. After Hurricane Helene we rebuilt, we reimagined, and we got people back on the water! And thanks to you, Zen Tubing was voted BEST again in Mountain Xpress’ Best of WNC and #1 in Asheville Media Group’s Best of Asheville. Your support means everything. Thank you for choosing us, voting for us, and cheering us on.
2025 in a nutshell
- South Asheville stayed strong. Our flagship location since 2012, remains clean, scenic, and a guest favorite.
- Same route, same amazing float and all new equipment. Same great experience with new tubes and equipment.
- Upgrades you noticed. A new outpost, better flow at check-in, great merchandise and an overall elevated guest experience from start to finish. We continue to deliver a premium, professional, and welcoming tubing experience in Asheville.
- From families and friend groups to schools and teams, seeing you back on the French Broad is why we do this.
River Arts District (RAD) update for 2026
Safety and guest experience guide our decisions. The RAD section will remain paused for the 2026 season while significant work continues in that corridor, including:
- The I-26 Connector bridge project over the river,
- Construction of the metropolitan sewer facility
- Ongoing park and riverfront recovery in that area.
We’re monitoring progress closely with an eye toward safety, access, and overall quality of experience. We’ll share updates as soon as the RAD run is safe and viable again.
What’s not changing
- Our South Asheville float. Same put-in, same take-out, and the same beautiful stretch of river.
- Focus on enjoying the river. Streamlines guest experience, friendly staff, solid gear, and a relaxed experience on the water.
Looking ahead to 2026
- Opening Day: Saturday, May 23, 2026
- Book early for peak dates. Holiday weekends go fast, groups should reserve as soon as dates are set.
- Groups welcome. Schools, teams, camps, reunions, and bachelor/bachelorette crews.
- Pro tip: Sign waivers before arrival and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early for an on-time shuttle.
Thank you, truly
Winning both community awards again this year is an honor. But the real win is seeing the smiles at take-out, the high-fives, and the “let’s do this again” at the end of a float. We’re grateful for your trust and can’t wait to host you next season.
See you on the river in 2026!