Riverside Outfitters Youth Programs
Riverside Outfitters, 325 S 14th St, Richmond, VA 23219
About
Riverside Outfitters Youth Programs include whitewater rafting, tubing, kayaking, recreational tree climbing, paddleboarding, and youth programs led by professional recreation staff. The company’s initial offerings included recreational tree climbing, boat rentals, and bike rentals, and it continues to offer boat and bike rentals as part of its activities. Riverside Outfitters invests in top-of-the-line rafts and expedition equipment for its river-based programs.
Riverside Outfitters Youth Programs are part of a company that has been providing award-winning adventures since 2005. The organization describes itself as an outdoor community center first and a commercial outfitter second, with a focus on fostering meaningful connections between people and each other, and between people and Richmond’s James River and urban forest. Its mission is to “significantly and responsibly increase recreational use of Richmond’s natural landscape by providing world-class outdoor experiences and inspiring a return to natural fun.” Riverside Outfitters highlights its commitment to the environment, the river, and the community, and is a member of America Outdoors, an equal opportunity provider, and an equal opportunity employer.
Owner Scott Turner, who also owns Truetimber Arborists, transformed his passion for the outdoors into a gateway to the James River Park System in 2005, starting with two rafts, a pickup truck, a trailer, and the foundations of a tree climbing camp. He rehabilitated an old farmhouse in Stratford Hills and used it as a neighborhood hub for the park system built on core values and simple, natural recreation. In May 2007, Matt Perry joined as co-owner and President and assembled a team of recreation professionals who expanded the business. Over nearly two decades, Riverside Outfitters has grown to operate 15 rafts, employ approximately 45 raft guides and 21 camp counselors, and serve thousands of customers annually, showing over 4,000 customers each year why they consider Richmond the best river city in the U.S.
Riverside Outfitters describes its guides and staff as top-tier, customer-focused, and part of a talented team of recreation professionals. The organization seeks exceptional individuals who share its values and want to make a positive impact on their community. It emphasizes a strategic position that offers a blend of accessibility and adventure, along with the ability to deliver a super-fun and convenient experience.
Parent and family testimonials describe experiences with whitewater rafting on different sections of the James River, including the Upper river, Lower James, and the Falls, often mentioning children under 12, 8-year-old and 11-year-old boys, a 9-year-old and a 15-year-old, and groups of 20–25 people. Families report that guides such as Matt, Katy, Kyle, Ty, Scott, Noah, and Hayley were knowledgeable about the river and local landmarks, shared Richmond history, and led trips that included swimming, jumping, and shore breaks. Multiple reviewers state that they felt safe and well cared for, that trips were smoothly run, and that they plan to return or have returned for repeat annual outings.
Last updated July 17, 2026.
Riverside Outfitters Youth Programs are part of a company that has been providing award-winning adventures since 2005. The organization describes itself as an outdoor community center first and a commercial outfitter second, with a focus on fostering meaningful connections between people and each other, and between people and Richmond’s James River and urban forest. Its mission is to “significantly and responsibly increase recreational use of Richmond’s natural landscape by providing world-class outdoor experiences and inspiring a return to natural fun.” Riverside Outfitters highlights its commitment to the environment, the river, and the community, and is a member of America Outdoors, an equal opportunity provider, and an equal opportunity employer.
Owner Scott Turner, who also owns Truetimber Arborists, transformed his passion for the outdoors into a gateway to the James River Park System in 2005, starting with two rafts, a pickup truck, a trailer, and the foundations of a tree climbing camp. He rehabilitated an old farmhouse in Stratford Hills and used it as a neighborhood hub for the park system built on core values and simple, natural recreation. In May 2007, Matt Perry joined as co-owner and President and assembled a team of recreation professionals who expanded the business. Over nearly two decades, Riverside Outfitters has grown to operate 15 rafts, employ approximately 45 raft guides and 21 camp counselors, and serve thousands of customers annually, showing over 4,000 customers each year why they consider Richmond the best river city in the U.S.
Riverside Outfitters describes its guides and staff as top-tier, customer-focused, and part of a talented team of recreation professionals. The organization seeks exceptional individuals who share its values and want to make a positive impact on their community. It emphasizes a strategic position that offers a blend of accessibility and adventure, along with the ability to deliver a super-fun and convenient experience.
Parent and family testimonials describe experiences with whitewater rafting on different sections of the James River, including the Upper river, Lower James, and the Falls, often mentioning children under 12, 8-year-old and 11-year-old boys, a 9-year-old and a 15-year-old, and groups of 20–25 people. Families report that guides such as Matt, Katy, Kyle, Ty, Scott, Noah, and Hayley were knowledgeable about the river and local landmarks, shared Richmond history, and led trips that included swimming, jumping, and shore breaks. Multiple reviewers state that they felt safe and well cared for, that trips were smoothly run, and that they plan to return or have returned for repeat annual outings.
Last updated July 17, 2026.
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