The first day consisted of a qualifier event down the Payette River and the NFC Film Fest at Payette Brewing. If an incident was to happen, the financial burden of medical costs are covered by NFC’s event insurance. Knowing the dangers and challenges of the course, NFC also carries insurance for each competitor during the event. That way, there is always an extra set of hands there to help if something goes awry. To ensure everyone’s safety, not only does the NFC have its own in-the-water response team, but they also require competitors to stay in their kayak waiting until the next competitor completes their ride. Each competitor knows the danger of Idaho’s extreme rivers. This tight-knit community of kayakers look out for each other. On the first morning of the competition, all competitors gathered for a safety meeting. Each kayaker, men and women, was there to compete in Idaho’s unmatched whitewater. Although traveling internationally is still hard to come by due to COVID-19, there were still competitors from England, Peru, and various parts of South America. The side of the highway was filled with camper vans and other adventure vehicles from around the USA - all accompanied by brightly colored kayaks. This year, on June 17, 18, and 19, over 100 kayakers gathered at the Mile-Post 90 on Hwy 55. Starting on Thursday, June 17, you can see these dangerous but exhilarating competitors take on the roaring spring waters of the Payette for yourself.

The North Fork Championships is an annual event just north of Idaho’s rafting hub, Banks, Idaho. These rapids are distinct to Idaho and allow competitors to showcase their daring skills. The North Fork Championships is a 3-day international competition about whitewater kayaking in Idaho’s treasured Payette River. Did you know that Idaho has over 100,000 miles of river flowing through it? Naturally, our unique rivers have become an attraction for international rafters and kayakers.

Fork boise