ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — See you on the river has a different meaning in Asheville. If you’ve ever driven across one of the French Broad River bridges in the summer, you’ve probably seen plenty of people floating in colorful inner tubes below.
At Zen Tubing, the river trips are a way to have fun and appreciate the natural beauty of Asheville.
“We believe tubing isn’t just an activity — it’s a chance to unwind, connect with friends and family, and embrace the laid-back spirit of the river,” Zen Tubing owner Aubrey Anderson said.
“Our mission is to create a safe, accessible and enjoyable outdoor adventure for everyone, while also being good stewards of the river and our community. We are committed to sustainability, local partnerships and providing top-notch customer service — because whether you’re a first-time floater or a seasoned tuber, we want every guest to leave with a smile, great memories and a little more Zen.”
The river trip business
Heath White and his wife Jennifer Ditzler launched Zen Tubing in 2012. The tube rental and shuttle service on the banks of Asheville’s French Broad River is a family-owned business dedicated to sharing the beauty of the river.
Anderson took over the business in 2023 after her brother died from complications from a heart transplant. Ditzler died of cancer in 2021.
“Zen Tubing was born from my brother Heath’s love for the French Broad River and his vision of creating a space where people could relax, connect with nature, and embrace the simple joy of floating. He saw tubing not just as an activity, but as an opportunity to slow down, unwind, and share special moments with friends and family,” Anderson said.
“Since Heath’s passing in 2023, I have taken the helm and am honored to carry on his legacy. His passion for the river and the Asheville community continues to inspire everything we do. Zen Tubing remains a place of joy, adventure, and connection — just as he intended. It’s more than a business; it’s a tribute to Heath’s spirit and a way to share the love of the river with others for years to come.”
She said Zen, which has locations in South Asheville near the North Carolina Arboretum and another in the River Arts District, offers guests a unique way to experience different sections of the river.
“We make tubing effortless and fun by handling everything — tubes, transportation and safety — so guests can relax and enjoy the float. Our South Asheville location is also the only outfitter on a pristine, undamaged stretch of river post-Hurricane Helene, ensuring a clean, safe and scenic experience,” Anderson said.
Floating on the French Broad
Beyond the trip, the Zen Tubing team fosters a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere while prioritizing sustainability by keeping the river clean and educating guests on responsible floating. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful nature escape or a fun tubing adventure near Asheville’s vibrant arts district, Zen Tubing offers the best way to enjoy the river — at your own pace.
Zen Tubing keeps it simple with all-inclusive tubing experience.
Services include:
- High-quality tubes (with and without backrests)
- Cooler carriers so your drinks and snacks float alongside you
- Shuttle service to make your trip seamless
- A fun, laid-back atmosphere with friendly staff ready to help
The tubing season usually runs from May through September, depending on river levels and temperatures.
Although Zen doesn’t host large-scale public events, it specializes in group reservations for a variety of occasions, including corporate outings, team-building events, birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties and school or college group outings. Zen also caters to summer camps and youth groups.
Please note that our River Arts District location will remain closed for the 2025 season due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, which brought significant urban debris and damage to this section of the French Broad River. While the river is resilient, it needs time to recover, and ensuring a safe, clean, and enjoyable experience for our guests remains our top priority. We look forward to reopening when conditions improve, but in the meantime, our South Asheville location at 1648 Brevard Rd. which is the “flagship location” will be rolling right along and welcoming guests.
Zen will reopen at 1648 Brevard Road, which is the South/Biltmore location, on May 16 and plans a grand reopening party on June 14 to celebrate rebuilding after Tropical Storm Helene!
“It’s a perfect opportunity for our community to come together and enjoy the river at its best — clean, safe and ready for a great season,” Anderson said.
It’s not just the clients who enjoy the river.
“Being part of the Zen Tubing team is more than just a job — it’s an opportunity to spend the summer outdoors, meeting great people and creating unforgettable experiences for our guests,” Anderson said. “Instead of being stuck inside, you get to work alongside the beautiful French Broad River every day.
“Every day on the river is different, whether it’s spotting wildlife, meeting new guests or just soaking up the sunshine. If you love the outdoors, enjoy working with people and want to be part of a fun, high-energy team, Zen Tubing is the perfect place to spend your summer!”