Press release from Headwaters Outfitters and Z-Z-Zip!:
Paddle down the French Broad River, then zip through the treetops to see where you’ve been and what lies ahead. It’s all in a day’s adventure thanks to a new collaboration between two local businesses.
Headwaters Outfitters and Z-Z-Zip! have teamed up to create what is believed to be the only combined paddling/zipline experience in the area.
“How cool, to drift a canoe or kayak along the third-oldest river in the world and take a paddling break to zip above the water?” says Allie Kozak, director of operations at Headwaters Outfitters which is located at the juncture of Hwys. 64 and 215 in Rosman.
While Headwaters Outfitters has been a Transylvania County fixture for 21 years, Carl and Lois Ganner, owners of Z-Z-Zip! on the East Fork of the French Broad, are new to the outdoor recreation business. After selling their 110-bed assisted living center in Fountain Inn, SC, the Ganners bought an old farm along the East Fork.
“For years, we’ve watched and waved to paddlers from Headwaters Outfitters as they passed below our cabin,” Carl Ganner says, hiking from the riverbank up through rhododendron and stately hardwoods. “Working with Headwaters Outfitters for an expanded outdoor experience just seemed a natural.”
The Ganners turned to Jim Fox, founder and lead designer/builder of Fox Frameworks in Pisgah Forest, to build a suspension bridge across the East Fork. After realizing the land was ideal for a treetop canopy tour, Z-Z-Zip! was formed. Construction is now complete on the course including the 850-ft. Long Man (the Cherokee name for the French Broad) and the 450-ft. Screamer that zips you over the river in a thrilling finale. An authentic teepee will serve as Z-Z-Zip’s welcome center. A low R.O.P.E.S. (reality-oriented physical experiences) course complements the zip line tour by building positive group dynamics. All tour participants must be at least 10 years old and weigh 70-250 lbs.
Prices for the paddling/zipping adventures start at $99 per person. For more information, contact Headwaters Outfitters, 828-877-3106, www.HeadwatersOutfitters.com; or Z-Z-Zip at 828-855-7913, www.z-z-zip.com.
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