Flat Water Paddle By The Hour

Welcome to our Flatwater Paddle By The Hour experience in Front Royal, Virginia – where you get to explore our gentle river in your choice of boat!

Come to Front Royal River Adventures, park your car, gather your belongings, then select from a fun variety of boats, launch just feet from where you check in, and explore our scenic flatwater stretch of river.  When you’re through exploring, just turn around and paddle back to where you launched. Hang out for a picnic with your family or friends at our park like setting, or head home at your leisure.  No van/bus rides, this experience is truly on your schedule.  Very few experiences are sweeter.  Oh, and the fishing can be excellent!

Boat Options:

Sit-On-Top Kayak Rental:

• Open-Air Adventure: For those who crave an open-air adventure, our sit-on kayaks are the perfect choice.  We have selected 11’4″ Jackson Rivieras for our entire sit-on-top kayak fleet.  Awesome boats, they remind us of a convertible Alpha Romeos.  Easy to maneuver and play in current, yet nice for cruising flatwater.  Offering a relaxed seating position with a molded seat, these kayaks are great for paddlers looking to soak in the sun and enjoy the refreshing river breeze.  We use these boats during the warm season because guests will likely get wet, which is part of the fun and nice when it’s hot. If staying dry is your priority you might decide to try our Sit-In Kayaks.

Sit-In Kayak Rental:

• Precision and Comfort: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the river with our sit-in kayaks. Designed for precision and control, our 13′ Aqua Fusion kayaks provide a custom fit with adjustable seats and easily adjusted foot pegs to account for our variance in leg length.  These boats sit nicely in the water, are pretty fast for a river boat, and are dryer than our Sit-On-Top option.  They also have a convenient dry storage compartment for your gear built in.  These boats offer an intimate connection with the water, making them an excellent choice for paddlers seeking a more streamlined experience.

Canoe Rental:

• Classic Exploration: Ideal for couples, families, or groups, our canoes offer a lovely couples or family paddling experience. We’ve chosen the absolutely classic Old Town 158 series canoe for our fleet. These durable canoes provide a feeling of stability, are maneuverable and have ample space for gear, a young child or two, or your dogs.  Perfect for your leisurely cruise along the Shenandoah River.

Tour Highlights:

Quality Equipment:

• We spared no expense selecting our fleet of canoes and kayaks, and work to meticulously maintain them to ensure safety and reliability. Each rental includes paddles and life vests, meeting all safety standards for a worry-free experience. Also, we have selected NRS outfitter zip-on adjustable PFD’s which are a big step up in quality from much of what we see on the river.

Flexible Rental Periods:

• Tailor your river exploration to your schedule with flexible rental periods. From hourly excursions to full-day adventures, we accommodate your preferences for a personalized experience.

Convenient Pickup and Drop-off:

• Located just a couple minutes off Route 66, near Shenandoah National Park, we operate on our own riverfront park-like property in the northern part of Front Royal. Our rental hub makes it easy to pick up and return your watercraft of choice.  Want to try several boats, no problem. Spend more time on the water and less time dealing with logistics with our “Flatwater Paddle By The Hour” option.

Local Guidance:

• Benefit from our team’s local expertise. Receive insider tips on scenic routes, wildlife hotspots, and the best paddling spots along the Shenandoah River.

Reservation Convenience:

• If you prefer to guarantee your spot or wish to streamline your check-in, secure your watercraft in advance by making a reservation online or by phone. However, drop-ins are more than welcome and still the most common choice for guests choosing to paddle by the hour.

Professional Staff: Our experienced and friendly staff are here to ensure your safety and maximize your enjoyment. They will provide a brief safety orientation, equip you with all necessary gear, and direct you to the correct location to start your trip.

Wildlife Encounters: Keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that calls the Shenandoah River home. From herons gracefully gliding over the water to turtles sunbathing on rocks and logs, each moment on the river brings the possibility of a delightful wildlife encounter.

Group-Friendly: Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a family, or a group of friends, paddling Front Royal is an activity suitable for most ages. Create lasting memories as you share laughs and experiences with your paddlers.

Optional Add-ons: Enhance your paddling experience with optional add-ons such as dry-bags for your personal belongings, economical river shoes (available at check-in) if you don’t have a pair suitable for river use, insulated dry bag cooler for your cold food and drinks