ox∙bow
noun
A sharp, U-shaped bend in a river or stream formed as flow meanders around an obstruction, eventually resuming its original path or direction.
Our Story
The direction and shape a river takes tells a story of its life and journey. It bends, reverses, speeds, and slows – ultimately charting a unique path to where it is meant to be.
Oxbow’s inspiration comes from these meandering river formations we see across the Southeast and all over the world. We believe our greatest adventures (and lives!) are no different — the best and most memorable parts can happen in these detours. Change in course can lead to growth. Slowing down can lead to new perspective. A new direction may ultimately define the adventure.
Road travel, in all its forms, can be a powerful tool in creating these Oxbow moments. No matter where or why you are traveling, we believe the road offers an opportunity to change scenery, make memories, experience new places and things.
“Still, round the corner, there may wait a new road, or a secret gate.”
— J.R.R. TOLKIEN
OUR WAYPOINT
The Oxbow Waypoint serves as the heart of our gear rental operation, housing all of our outgoing vehicle equipment rentals for the week and serves as the customer pickup and return hub for rentals.
By skipping the storefront we can get straight to processing your rental and equipping your ride — getting you in and out as quickly as possible (without leaving your car if you prefer!)
We love to partner with local businesses to place our Waypoints in convenient locations that our customers also may also enjoy!
Interested in hosting a Waypoint? Contact us for more information - we’d love to chat!
CHET MORSE
FOUNDER & OWNER
Chet is a lifer in the Carolinas - roots in the foothills, 20 years in the lowcountry sand, and now raising a family in the Blue Ridge.
The evolution of Oxbow stems from his two decades working in travel/tourism and outdoor recreation industries. He’s served as trip coordinator, backcountry guide, naturalist, educator and outfitter to thousands of people seeking an unforgettable adventure in some of the most beautiful locations on earth — and he’s stoked to share the next one with you.
Chet is a proud graduate of both Virginia Tech and Clemson University and lives in Henderson County with his wife and daughter.
Where I’m playing: hiking & biking Pisgah, surfing Folly Beach (and beyond), paddling anywhere I can launch a boat, gardening with dirty hands, looking for cool birds in all of the above.
Favorite places to drive: WNC fire roads, lowcountry backroads, Skyline Drive in VA, Denver to Santa Fe, Park City to Moab, Portland OR to Cannon Beach, the coast of Maine.