Riverside Canoe And Tube Rentals
Opens For the Season

Spring Has Sprung And The Water Is Fine

By Dennis T. Johnson C/O MountainTimes

Three years ago Terry and Susan Kepple decided that it was time for a change. Terry, a civil engineer, and his wife, Susan, owned an engineering firm in Florida and spent many of their vacations in the High Country especially along the New River.

They came upon the property at Riverside Canoe and Tube Rentals in Crumpler and decided, “This might be a nice change.” Thus started this adventure on the New River. On May 1st, they opened full time for their third season providing a variety of outdoor activities for those who want to experience the free flowing waters on the National Wild and Scenic New River.

Terry is no stranger to the paddling world having raced canoes for over 35 years. He tried out for the 1976 Olympics and trained for the 1980 games before the US pulled its teams as part of a boycott. Keppel has competed in numerous downriver events and his partners have included his mother, his father, and his daughter. In a local race sponsored by the 4-H Club, he and his daughter took home first place in their division.

These days Terry and Susan share their love of the outdoors with visitors to the High Country from places such as Ohio, Michigan, Florida and, of course, North Carolina. Guests can enjoy the river by canoe, kayak, or tube. Trips are available for two to eight hours as well as guided overnight excursions. Shuttle service is provided for the convenience of visitors.

For those new to the sport, paddling lessons are also available and equipment is available to match the needs and skills of paddlers. For the younger paddlers ages 9-14 Kids’ Canoe Camps will be offered in three sessions through June.

Visitors can enjoy the river from dry ground bicycle rentals, which are available as well as picnic tables where visitors can relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch watching the river and the paddlers go by.

Families wanting to extend their stay on the river can do so through BLUE RIDGE FOR RENT: