Me, wife, and 2 daughters (16 & 11) went the last week of July '25 and it was a great time. I never knew there was rafting in Richmond but will def be going back for a quick trip on the water that is quite fun. Tom was our guide, Hailey, was the other rafts guide, and both were awesome. Tom knew so much about the area history and is very experienced guiding. Such an easy trip to make with fun rapids (III's and sometimes IV's). I'm sure all the guides are great, but we will ask for Tom and Hailey first next trip. Pretty impressed with this outfit. (Wish they had more merch to purchase though, just imo). read more

The experience was super thrilling and entertaining. The rapids were amazing on our Lower Rapids ride!! Ty, our guide, made it more enjoyable and interesting -- but don't plan on staying dry! read more

Haven't whitewater rafted in 20 years, so I was a little nervous about getting back on the water at nearly 50 now, but we had a blast! The rapids on the lower section were just thrilling enough, but not too bad. Goal of the day was to stay in the boat and happy to say that I achieved that goal! It's a bit of a hike to the put in, but an easy hike. The take out is a bit of a chore, you and your raft mates have to hoist the raft over your head and haul it up about a dozen stairs. Best part of the trip was our guide Hayley!! She is a gem full of knowledge not only about Richmond, but the James River, its history and its wildlife! Her passion for river conservation is enlightening, and she does a pretty good osprey call! We even got to participate in a bit of rescue as we came upon a couple of swimmers that got pushed a little too far from the shore in the higher than normal waters and couldn't make it back. Under Hayley's experienced direction our boat maneuvered over to the stranded swimmers, loaded them up and took them to the Reedy Creek take out safely. Overall, a great way to spend a hot day and the most unique way to see Richmond! read more

I wanted to do a team building experience for our new team members at work. The folks at Riverside were easy to work with through the booking process. Our guide, Carrie, was awesome. Her energy was infectious and knowledge of the city was fun. I highly recommend Riverside and definitely suggest requesting Carrie read more

Riverside Outfitters - Great time with our Great guide, Carrie - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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We had a blast today on the river with our first white water trip. Hayley was a wonderful guide and very knowledgeable!! Thank for a fun day!! read more

Riverside Outfitters - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I am writing my review as a parent of a summer camp participant. I cannot recommend Riverside Outfitters enough for its camp program. My child had the best week attending the Sapling level (the youngest program) day camp. Every day, he came home exuberant and completely exhausted from his adventures climbing trees, traversing tall tree limbs, swimming in the James River, swinging on the gorilla swing, jumping off rocks into the water, rafting, climbing cargo nets and rope ladders, and playing games like "evolution," "elbow tag," and "froggy murder." (Keep in mind, these games were enthusiastically recounted to me by a six year-old, so my understanding is vague.) Campers receive plenty of individualized attention from counselors, the ratio of which is approximately 1:4-5. At the end of the day, I always had great, individualized feedback on my child's progress from multiple supervisors who love these kids. Everyone from the counselors to the camp director plays games and plays with the campers while waiting for drop off and pick up at the start and end of the camp day. There are dog participants too--well-loved mascots who accompany the campers and are part of the team rafting and swimming and barreling about with enthusiastic children. The vibe at Riverside Outfitters is one of pure joy. The people there love the river, the trees, nature, and kids. Nature lessons, safety, and positive outlook are all infused into the program. My child returned home daily with confidence, knowledge, and enthusiasm for camp every day. He wants to continue the program each year until he can train to become an instructor and teach people how to do the same--he was that into it. We will definitely be returning next year! read more

Thank you Charles and riverside outfitters for the most fun I have had in a long time. First of all Charles was amazing in so many ways - told us how to white water raft which we never done, made sure we had as much fun as possible and where to swim, made sure everyone had snacks and water and told us so much about the river and surrounding neighborhood ( thanks for the food recommendations they all where 5 stars). I would recommend this company for ease of everything and also for the great guide. read more

Riverside Outfitters - On the James river - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Excellent rafting experience and excellent guides. Two big rapid hits. One Hollywood and the other at the end. The stop at the end everyone gets off the raft and watch those who want to surf the rapids or flip the raft. read more

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Had a blast today even though it was raining a bit! I've been down many rivers and the staff here were the best from any other establishment I've been to. From the front desk to the driver and our tour guides 5/5! Definitely check these guys out for a great time! read more

Riverside Outfitters - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Wow! What a fun trip down the James river today!! Our guide Caleb was amazing - especially when he pulled me out of the rapids when I fell in at the end of the Hollywood rapids! Shew, that was scary but fun! My husband and 12 year old son had a blast too!! I highly recommend them! read more

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 ou read more

Riverside Outfitters - River rafting - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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My fiancee and I were invited by a co-worker to go kayaking down the James about a month ago. Having only kayaked once (but enjoyed it!), and on a lake, we thought it sounded pretty fun, so we decided to go. As the day came closer we weren't sure how dangerous kayaking down rapids were (lakes are much more calm!), but we were excited all the same. And what a blast it was! We did one of those guided tours where a small group of 5 - 10 people kayak down the river together with one or two guides showing you where to go to avoid certain death (kidding) and in general how to get the most out of kayaking. Our guides were Amelia and Mary and both of them were fantastic! They taught us the basic paddle strokes to maneuver around the river, best ways to face the rapids, how to avoid the rocks, and what to do when you still hit them anyway. Not that kayaking itself isn't fun, but having guides who really enjoy doing what they do is a fun thing. Cost wise, the experience was fairly light on the wallet. It was roughly $50 a person which covers the shuttle from their building to the river, kayak rental, beverages, and a snack break mid way. The whole experience was about 3 hours with a good couple hours of river time. For anyone unsure if they should do the Upper River or the Flat River course, do the upper river. This is the one that contains rapids, and while they're only Class I and II, they're really fun and anybody should be able to handle them, I really don't have anything bad to say about the company. Besides kayaking, they also offer Stand Up Paddle Boards, White Water Rafting, Tubing, and a shop. If you don't want to do a group / guide thing, you can also rent the boats too. People were also hanging around the building because it seems like a pretty laid back and chill place to spend a couple hours after boating on the river. If anybody is looking to do something a little adventurous and fun and Kayaking sounds fun, by all means give Riverside Outfitters a go. Tons of fun and I know they'll be seeing me again in the future. read more

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Ty rocked with his one liners and random bits of RVA history us locals didn't know! Kid's 11 and 6 and husband's first ride! Perfect reason to get outside! Such a positive vibe from the minute we were greeted with the sweet girls at the front desk! The Modelo's after were a nice treat! Checked out the Galley (shopping center next door) for more beers and shrimp tacos (as Ty recommend) perfection! We will be back for the lowers!! read more

We loved our experience here!! The staff was incredibly kind and helpful. Our two hour kayaking trip (tandem) was fun, affordable, and easy. Highly recommend. read more

Riverside Outfitters - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

We loved rafting with these guys. We've done the Lower River and the Upper River. We did the Upper River with our kids and highly recommend this as a first time experience for the young ones. It's a very gentle experience and best of all you get to swim in the River for a bit too. Our guide Tim was kind and quite informative, pointing out things of interest. Would definitely recommend read more

For someone who has lived in Richmond all of my life, Riverside Outfitters is definitely somewhere everyone should come with a few friends or family to enjoy. It was peaceful, tranquil, and also adventurous and exhilarating all in one! My family had the BEST guide, Caleb (ask for him). He was really informative on the river and the wildlife, he was also very friendly and lots of fun. We left the raft feeling like true explorers and rafters. There is a chance to hop off the raft and to float around in the river and swing of a rope into the river too, furthering the experience! The experience was truly priceless. Will be returning with more friends and family. Please try this place, I don't think you'll be disappointed. read more

I took my 8 year old white water rafting for the 1st time and we had the best day!!! Our guide John was so patient, knowledgeable and Safe! Definitely recommend and would go again. Laod back place, with just a real (and chill) vibe. read more

Riverside Outfitters - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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My 3 friends and I did a lower river rafting trip. Overall the experience was very fun! The rafting guides are very knowledgeable and friendly! The guides gave easy to follow instructions which made anyone, even someone with no experience, feeling comfortable going over the rapids! The only reason I took off one star was because even though I came with 3 friends but we signed up separately and they only placed people who signed up together, on the same raft so unfortunately we were not on the same raft. read more

If I could give the bike shop 10 stars I would . You're not walking into this big commercial shop where all they're trying to do is make a sale. It's a tiny little shop, very personal. I'm not super bike savvy, but he broke everything down and was extremely patient in showing/ explaining his recommendations. He even had a few parts in stock he offered to throw on at a discounted price instead of me having to buy them brand new. What a stellar little shop you guys run here, thank you!! read more

I love this place! My friends and I went rafting through the James river and it was the most fun and amazing thing ever! The guides were very throughout with the instructions and safety matters. Amazing experience! read more

Riverside Outfitters - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

First tubing experience on the James! Highly recommend making reservations for the bus before you go for the tubing. Bus was packed (even with reservations) and some people had to stand in the back. Also wasn't exactly sure when bus would be coming back to pick us up and we actually had to wait about 30 minutes. Come 30 minutes early as they state as you have to fill out paper work, repark your care in a neighboring lot and then come back. Also think about what you want to bring because there are no lockers (you can only drop off keys at the store). A lot of people rent an extra tube for a cooler and when you get dropped off it is like Survivor everyone figuring out how they want to bring their cooler down. Best idea was someone who brought a boogie board and put the cooler on top (and duct taped it on). Another gathered sticks and made a raft top..haha. Good times. There is one rough spot at the end in Pony Pasture where most of us flipped over (and lost glasses!) but otherwise the first 2 hours or so is very slow/relaxing and requires some arm paddling. Good first experience if you are unfamiliar with the river, and next time I think we will either buy tubes or rent it and set up our own ride. I have also seen people rent kayaks and go on rafting trips. read more

This was my first time rafting, and Riverside Outfitters was the perfect choice. I planned a trip for my best friends birthday with a couple of mutual friends. We got there about 20 minutes early to fill out waivers and kind of just prepare ourselves. It started off by everybody getting their personal flotation vest and a helmet. Once we were all fitted, we got on the bus that took us to the river. It was a quick walk/hike to the river from there, where one of the guides gave us a couple of guidelines on how to sit on the raft and general things to do while rafting. Our group of 6 ended up splitting up where four of us stayed together, and the other 2 joined another group of 2. Our guide, Tyler, was awesome, and we could not have asked for a better tour guide. He was hilarious and catered to our sense of humor. He spit out a lot of facts about Richmond and kept it interesting. He took us through the river and kept us all calm. There were class 3 rapids and we got to raft through downtown Richmond. It was a lot of fun and exhilarating. I do wish there were more rapids to go through. We got to get off and swim in parts of the river. Floating along the river was super relaxing, but there were certain areas where the water was shallow and there were rocks sticking out, and I kept scraping myself against the rocks. They provided us with some trail mix and water in the middle of the trip. At the end of the trip, once we got back, they gave us a cold beer or other non-alcoholic beverages. We got to hang out and talk to our guides for a little bit. All of us had a great time. Riverside Outfitters is well organized, and their staff are well trained! I can't wait to come back! read more

We had a blast! Our tour guide was phenomenal! James "on the James" made it fun and educational with rafting knowledge but light hearted jokes to keep it fun! Would definitely recommend and do it again! read more

Great way to get out on the river for newbies to experts. They are friendly and affordable. Family fun friendly too. Took my 10 year old with us on an awesome kayak ride. read more

Totally wowed by the guided SUP on the river! I had an amazing first SUP experience with Andrew and Ben, who were awesome instructors!! They made sure each of us got through the rapids okay however we decided to go through (standing, sitting, kneeling, or in the water) and we all has a great time! It took us all day so plan for it. I did the 3pm tour and we got out of the water around 6:45. I was expecting to float around the calm waters for a few hours but NOOOOOO! We went down the river through a few (okay, 11) small rapids class 1 & 2. We learned to handle our boards before we got going by practicing navigating, turning, dropping to the knees, and falling so we were ready to go. They tell you to not bring anything however, being an experienced water sports person (just not SUP yet), I decided to bring my waterproof iPhone case that I had on my neck to take a bunch if great shots. Not recommended for people who's not used to being in water because you do need to pay attention to your surroundings while paddling. I wish I have known of this place long ago! Now that I'm leaving VA in a few weeks I got to finally try SUP... I'm soooooo glad I did it!! They had beer, water, & Gatorade afterwards if you want to hang out but unfortunately my time has ran out having a three year old waiting for me at home. Maybe next time!! read more

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What an amazing experience, Ryan was our guide and super knowledgeable about everything Virginia. So much fun I will go again while I'm here. Could not recommend more read more

Riverside Outfitters - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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My friends and I just finished the lower James raft trip with Riverside outfitters. It was fantastic! Our raft was led by Ty, whose sense of humor made things even more enjoyable. The other folks on the trip were nice and the James River was fabulous. I've been going across it all of these years and never really was able to appreciate its beauty like I did from the raft. Thanks to all of the friendly folks at Riverside! Can't wait to go again! read more

Addison was an amazing guide for our family's whitewater rafting adventure. He was fun and personable, but also very technically skilled and we learned a lot from his guidance. We had such a great time, and will definitely be back! Thanks so much for the great memories made today. read more

This place was great!! We had a wonderful time with our family. Next time I come out to visit I'm coming here but will try the lower level rapids. Our guide John was awesome. If you're in town I highly recommend this place. read more

Riverside Outfitters - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Terrific customer service and a special thanks to Scott who walked us through the map of the James River in preparation for a tubing experience! Thanks Scott! read more

This was my first experience rafting and I loved it ! Micheal was our guide and he was super nice and patient. Even though it was a super hot day and one of their busiest they made it fun and made sure everyone was hydrated. I might recommend to stretch before because I'm pretty sore the day after. But I definitely would love to go back ! read more

My family and I took a white water rafting trip today with Garret and Kevin and had a great time! They were both nice, friendly, funny and knowledgeable! I'd recommend them to anyone that wants to spend a few hours enjoying nature and having a fun time! read more

Doesn't look like much when you walk past, but is totally worth it to take the day and spend there. Had a great time and stayed safe!

John was an excellent tour guide. I throughly enjoyed my first time rafting and plan to go again. The only downside is the lack of parking and this location. read more

Riverside Outfitters - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Great surprise, didn't know I was coming here. Weather was perfect for the occasion.. Our guide Lewis was awesome, and very attentive. We did kayaking which I really enjoyed and plan on making kayaking a regular thing. This outing inspired me to kayak, go camping and enjoy the joys of the outdoors. Taking be back to my Army roots. Awesome day with awesome people. Thanks Erin for the surprise, your the Greatest. I really really appreciate it. read more

Very professional of like minded enthusiasts. Garret was our lead guide. Very knowledgeable, kind, cares about safety, even knows the history of RVA, and what building are in the skyline. Great escape from the hustle and bustle. Gave water and snacks during the trip and a nice refreshment afterwards. Highly recommend for kids, adults, beginners and advance. read more

Went out yesterday with Caleb and our group had such a good time. It was nothing but laughs and enjoying the water from start to finish. Loved the drink at the end of the day too. (But y'all should add hard cider to your collection ) overall great experience and highly recommend. read more

Riverside Outfitters is a great place for folks interested in trying out the James River and its rapids. They rent sit on top kayaks for the upper james and lead raft trips down the lower james through downtown. I recently took a group of students rafting and all of them had a great time and the staff were excellent as both guides and interpreters. read more

A friend and I bought the 3-hour paddle boarding package through groupon. We had both tried SUP before on the (calm) sounds of North Carolina, but never on rapids. Our main guide, Ben, gave really helpful instructions on the finer points of downriver paddleboarding beforehand as well as great guidance throughout the trip. Even in the drizzle, it was a fantastic trip through Richmond and an exciting workout through small rapids. Can't recommend this highly enough! Will definitely go again! read more

We came to RVA for the weekend from the Yorktown area. We had a party of 5 of us total. From the moment we got there, we were very well informed. The guides were very knowledgeable and helpful. We had Jon as our guide. We are all history buffs, so we really appreciated the historical facts and stories he told us as we went down the river. We had a blast, and Jon did an amazing job. If you want a tour filled with fun facts about the historical sites around the river, ask for Jon. He was great and we had a blast! read more