North Fork Championship 2026

What happens when you invite the best river kayaking athletes from around the world to meet up for a 3-day race on the wild and rowdy Class 5 North Fork of the Payette River under the big sun and blue sky of Idaho? You get the North Fork Championship of 2026. After a multi-year hiatus, one of the favorite races among paddlers and fans is back, now with a solid foundation and strategic stability to return year after year. We talk with the founder of the race, James Byrd, and a board member of the newly established board of directors, Aaron Pruzan. These guests are deeply passionate about this race, paddling, this river, and bringing conservation of rivers to the culture of this wild race, all in a way that keeps stoke on high.  THUMBNAIL PICPhotographer: John WebsterPaddler: Jen Chrimes GUESTSJames Byrd Aaron PruzanRendevous River Sports / Jackson Hole Kayak School North Fork Championship   FILMSWild Water, Teaser, 2010 film Several North Fork Championship short films on Vimeo   SPONSORSPoudre River Fund NRS NRS PFD for Whale Foundation Whale Foundation THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree