From the banks of the North Fork Payette just north of Boise to the Boise River Park, the top kayakers in the world come to Idaho every year to paddle and compete. Idaho, know throughout the country, as the Whitewater State, is home to some of the best whitewater in the world. From a leisurely paddle down the Boise River to the intensity of the North Fork, virtually every type of kayaking is available within minutes of the North End.

The Boise River Park is a favorite for park and play freestyle kayakers. The two features that can be adjusted to fit the flow and style of boating spot wanted for paddling – a wave or hole. Freestyle kayaks are short, compact and designed specifically for “surfing” a wave and doing tricks like loops.

Quinn’s Pond and the Boise River are great for recreational kayaking (and canoeing). Rec kayaks are longer, more stable and adapted for moving downstream in fairly swift water, what may be considered class II at the most.

Idaho has produced some world class freestyle and all-around kayakers. From Boise’s Jim Wade who represented the U.S. on the U.S. Canoe/Kayak Team, to Alec and Hayden Voorhees who are on the U.S. Freestyle Kayak team, the effort is underway to continue producing competitive kayakers and canoeists.

For more information about kayaking, rentals and equipment, contact Idaho River Sports.