Cascade Kayak School is located in Idaho’s whitewater mecca! Just 1 hour from Boise, Idaho the Payette River is an amazing classroom with sections of whitewater from class I to class V. All classes meet at the Cascade Raft River Center. Where you will kayak depends on which section is best suited to your experience and goals. Introductory classes often take place on the Main Payette starting at the Cascade Raft River Center and heading downstream toward Horseshoe Bend. Located in Horseshoe Bend is the Horseshoe Bend Hydroelectric diversion, locally known as "the gutter." This is a dynamic river environment that is an excellent spot for surfing as well as focused skills development at a variety of levels. The Main Payette upstream of the Cascade Raft River Center is a solid class III run, and class IV sections can be found on the South Fork of the Payette.  No matter your level, there’s a section of the Payette for you!

We’ll get you set with everything you need! Kayak instruction includes the necessary equipment (boat, paddle, helmet, life jacket, spray skirt) as well as appropriate gear for the weather and water conditions (wetsuit, booties, splash jacket). If you book a full day class or lesson, lunch from our café is also provided. And, of course, we’ll take care of the ground logistics, like shuttles, as well. If you wish to bring your own equipment, you are more than welcome to.

It is usually wise to bring sunscreen and water, a hat, and perhaps a towel. If you plan to wear glasses or sunglasses, we recommend a strap to keep them on. We offer Chums glasses retainers as well as waterproof phone cases for sale in our gift shop. Anything you take with you is likely to get wet, so plan appropriately. If you want to bring your water bottle along, you can clip it in your boat, or your instructor would be glad to carry it for you. We have free lockers at the River Center so you can stow anything you need to keep secure and dry. 

Clothes you don’t mind getting wet – swimsuit, nylon shorts, t-shirt, and river sandals or tennis shoes you can get wet. Except in the heat of summer, it is best to avoid wearing cotton clothing. We have changing rooms with lockers and rest rooms at our river center, so don't forget a change of clothes for after your kayaking session. For full day classes and lessons, we’ll return to our center for lunch, so you’ll have a chance to get dry and relax a bit before heading back out on the river.

Since its inception in 1991, Cascade Kayak School has been well-known for the quality of its instruction and instructors. All instructors are licensed by the State of Idaho, which requires a specific standard of competency and skill as well as first aid and CPR certifications. In addition, Cascade Kayak School instructors complete a rigorous training course to fine-tune their instructional methods and thoroughly understand our curriculum and approach. They are also up to date on river rescue and safety protocols. Many of our instructors come from a whitewater slalom racing background and bring a wealth of technical knowledge. All this comes with top-notch kayaking skills, engaging personalities, genuine enjoyment of the sport, and the desire to share that with you.