By Eric Barton | March 15, 2025
Aubrey Anderson knows a thing or two about riding the waves—both literal and metaphorical.
As the owner of Zen Tubing, Asheville’s go-to river-floating outfitter, she’s seen the French Broad at its best and worst.
Last September, the region endured catastrophic, thousand-year floods, leaving many wondering if summer on the water would ever feel the same. Now, with tubing season around the corner, we talked with Anderson about river conditions, safety, and why nothing—not even historic flooding—can keep Asheville from embracing its favorite lazy-day pastime.
Q: You and your brother, Zen Tubing founder Heath White, grew up kayaking and canoeing the French Broad with your father. Did that leave you with an emotional attachment to the river?
Absolutely. Growing up on the French Broad with my dad and Heath created a deep connection to the river. It was more than just a place to paddle, it was where we spent time together, made memories, and developed a real appreciation for the outdoors.
That bond is part of what makes Zen Tubing so special to me. It’s not just a business; it’s a way to share that love for the river with others and honor Heath and Jen's legacy.
Q: After your brother's passing in 2023, you took over Zen after a career in the skin care industry. What has that been like?
It’s been a wild ride! Going from botox and skin lasers to paddles and tubes is definitely a shift. But in all seriousness, running Zen Tubing has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I've had to learn a lot in a short time, but at its core, this business is still all about creating fun, unforgettable experiences for our guests. That heart and spirit will always remain the same. Plus, trading in wrinkle treatments for river adventures isn’t the worst thing in the world.
Q: What was it like seeing the waters rise after Helene and then the condition of things afterward?
It was intense. Watching the river rise so quickly was both humbling and frightening. Zen Tubing has seen its share of flooding over the years and always came through relatively unscathed. In fact, all of our infrastructure, buildings, and a lot of our equipment were original from 2012—until Helene. This was truly unprecedented. No one could have imagined the sheer power and destruction it brought. Then after the waters receded, the cleanup was a whole different challenge. But if there’s one thing you learn running a river business, it’s resilience. The river always keeps moving, and so do we.
Q: What's your prediction for how things will look this year for river outfitters?
Going into the 2025 season, river outfitters are all in the same boat so to speak. We're rebuilding and recovering which has been a massive effort for everyone in the industry. We’re fortunate at Zen Tubing to have a location in the southern part of Asheville at 1648 Brevard Rd., which didn’t experience the same level of river destruction and urban debris that’s been a major challenge for the River Arts District. The RAD area not only saw more debris but also suffered significant damage to the riverbanks and surrounding businesses, making recovery more challenging. Despite the obstacles, I think we’re all focused on getting back to what we do best, which is putting people out on the river and enjoying one of Asheville’s greatest natural treasures. It’s going to take time and the ability to adapt and keep moving forward.
Q: What do you say to people wondering if it's safe and clean on the river?
I completely understand why people might have concerns about safety and cleanliness on the river this season and while the French Broad is resilient, it will take time to fully recover. I would definitely recommend people be cautious, especially in areas that experienced the heaviest impact, like the River Arts District. That’s why we’ve made the difficult but responsible decision not to open our RAD location this season. We want to allow time for recovery and debris removal so that when we reopen in 2026, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Our south location at 1648 Brevard Rd., however, is a different story! This section of the river is traditionally much cleaner because it doesn’t have urban debris. What we dealt with at this location was mostly downed trees. Opening day is May 16th and we're having an official "Open House" River Party on Saturday June 14th to celebrate reopening.
That said, there is currently a massive cleanup effort happening in the River Arts District, and lots of businesses have reopened. We’ll continue monitoring conditions and working closely with local officials to make sure we’re providing the safest experience possible. As always, our top priority is the safety of our guests and the health of the river. We’re committed to keeping guests informed and making sure everyone has the best and safest tubing experience possible.
Q: For a first-timer coming to Asheville, what's a perfect day look like experiencing local waterways?
It begins with fueling up for your adventure at Sunny Point Café. On your way to Zen Tubing, drop in the WNC Farmers Market to pick up fresh local produce and snacks for your trip.
Once you're on the river, settle in and enjoy a relaxing float with plenty of time to pause along the riverbank. This scenic stretch of the French Broad is one of the cleanest and most picturesque, making it a perfect choice for both first-timers and seasoned tubers.
Don't forget to pack a cooler with your favorite drinks, apply some sunscreen, and let the gentle current carry you through the breathtaking Blue Ridge landscape as you get in touch with your inner tube. On your float keep an eye out for river otters, native deer, and if you're lucky, you might even spot one of our two resident bald eagles.
In the afternoon, take a peaceful stroll through the North Carolina Arboretum, which is only a half-mile away. Soak in the beauty of seasonal blooms, native plants, and miles of walking trails. Take a short drive to the Folk Art Center to browse Appalachian crafts. Wrap up the day with a sunset beer at New Belgium. Adventure, relaxation, and the natural beauty of Asheville is what Zen Tubing is all about!
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