River Rafting & Tubing • Bike Tours • Climbing Tours • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing

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Riverside Outfitters

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.

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5.0

604 reviews

Excellent

574

Very good

20

Average

4

Poor

3

Terrible

3

Jean S

Virginia Beach, VA7 contributions

Labor Day family trip

Sep 2022 • Family

Although the river was low, we had a great time. We wanted a faster current, but early in the summer is recommended. This is our second time with Riverside Outfitters and extremely happy with their business. You get what you pay for and you leave feeling your experience was important to them. Will go back again.

Written September 4, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Catherine B

1 contribution

Fantastic activity for a summertime afternoon

Jul 2021

My friend and I rented paddle boards through Riverside Outfitters and had an absolute blast. We arrived at the shop on time and checked in with no issues; they gave us a few minutes to put on suntan lotion and get ready before we got back in our car to follow their vehicle (which had the boards on top) to the entry point at the river just a few miles away. Our rental included two boards, two paddles, and life jackets for two hours, and we had no issues with any of the equipment. The river level was pretty low so there were more rocks to avoid than normal, but even so, the hardest part was just pulling our boards up the slip to the shore at the end (they were kind of heavy). Even being amateurs (I had been paddle boarding twice, my friend had never been), we found the experience super easy, super fun, and well worth the cost.
We will definitely be back in the future!

Written July 21, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

tiyoga

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania3 contributions

You Won't Be Disappointed

Jul 2021

I'm a Girl Scout leader from PA who brought our co-leader and 6 teen girls with us for our Lower River rafting experience. I can't express how wonderful this trip was. Everyone was extremely nice, helpful and fun! Our guides took the time to talk to us about safety, what to expect and what to do while rafting. They also made time to talk about the history of the James River and of our surroundings. Everyone in our group said this was the highlight of our trip to Richmond. Riverside Outfitters went above and beyond to make sure our experience was truly amazing. I highly recommend them for anyone considering a rafting experience. A big THANK YOU to Eric and Bryce who where our guides for the day.

Written July 13, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

TJs

1 contribution

Great Mental and Physical Therapy

Sep 2020 • Family

Where do I begin? Let me start by saying I am a disabled veteran and a law enforcement officer and I would recommend this outing to those that fall into this category and their families. The staff at RO are friendly and professional and a joy to go out to the river on. As a disabled veteran I was concerned that my ailments would stop me or slow me down, Scott and Liz we understanding and accommodating and I can tell you, it was the best physical and mental therapy I could have received. Let me explain. As a disabled veteran and a law enforcement officer I have "struggles and battles" (those who know understand), by getting down on the river, having to work as a team with my family towards a common goal, was amazing. The rapids provided the challenge, (we peaked on a rock and almost flipped in a Cat 4 area but only by working together listening to our guide, we got through it) and the calm provided the rest in between. Sitting on the raft and looking back up river at what we had done, felt great and brought a calm to the fight inside. Everyone is going to experience something different, but to my fellow veterans and LEO'S in the area, please consider doing this as a way to help fight the struggle within, get in contact with Scott (a fellow veteran) and if possible Liz, you will not be disappointed.

Written September 13, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Amanda M

1 contribution

Perfect pre-wedding activity

Sep 2021

We had an amazing rafting trip today with our guide, Kyle Carney. This was the first time my fiancé and I had ever been rafting and Kyle made us feel at ease instantly. He made sure we understood all instructions and safety protocol. He also made sure to remind us of what was coming ahead and pumped our group up after crushing some tough rapids. He provided lots of factual information about the landmarks down the river and threw in some pretty epic jokes to keep us on our toes. We highly recommend Riverside Outfitters and Kyle!

Written September 26, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

IanT

1 contribution

Repeat Customer

Sep 2021

I've lived in Richmond over 30 years, but never rafted through downtown until last month, and now I've done it twice in 30 days with Riverside Outfitters. On both trips I enjoyed the trip leaders and guides. They are knowledgeable and friendly. The first trip the water was about 6 feet and it was a relaxing, fun ride. My second trip the river was close to 10 feet and we had a ton of fun. Just as important, I was comfortable because our guide clearly explained the fast-water before we got there, and made sure we knew what to do in all circumstances - in and out of the raft. No one (unintentionally) went in the river, but we were prepared if we spilled out.
I'll be checking the river level and coming back for more trips.

Written September 27, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Bill R

Raleigh, NC2 contributions

Great First Raft Experience!

Apr 2021 • Family

We had a beginner group and Riverside accommodated us without us even requesting with a separate tour to meet our experience level with younger kids(12). Scott Schumann was an amazing guide - tons of knowledge and made our low key adventure a lot of fun. We will be returning for a next level challenge hopefully later this year and look forward to another great rafting trip. We would recommend Riverside Outfitters to any group with any level of experience if you want to white water raft a great location!

Written April 4, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

vahokie93

virginia10 contributions

Second Time Around

Jun 2022

This is the second time our family has done the lower James rafting trip, both times on Father’s Day. Each of the guides are friendly and knowledgeable and made it a relaxed enjoyable experience and the professional photos really look great although a little steep in price. Highly recommend going on this trip to experience the river in a different way.

Written June 20, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Meghan

Arlington, Virginia, United States3 contributions

Great for novice rafters - amazing company - organized and fun!

Sep 2021

This was my first time rafting and it was SO MUCH FUN! The river was at around 6'9" deep and our guide, Rob, helped us learn what to do and kept us safe as we whooshed through the rapids. It was a blast and I strongly recommend anyone considering going to use Riverside Outfitters. They were COVID-safe, fairly priced, organized, and laid back. How is it possible to be so chill but so GOOD at doing this intense sport? If you're on the fence, do it now!

Written September 27, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

SueVanB2015

Hampton, VA130 contributions

Great Bonding Time for Families

Jul 2021 • Family

We had a blast rafting with Riverside Outfitters down the James River. We had a large group (family reunion) and they made it so easy for us to pay individually in advance and obtain a large group discount. Each raft holds 5-6 people. Our guide was Ben and he was great! You could tell how much he loves this sport. It was quite an adventure, especially when one of our family members was thrown from the raft! Thankfully, we were fully prepared for the possibility and had been briefed on what to do. Plus, other rafts were there to help. We never felt in danger. It was all pure fun. It was a beautiful setting! I would definitely do this again. It is especially neat that the rapids go right through the city.

Written July 29, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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