As Boise’s premier paddle sports store, Idaho River Sports aims to provide a diverse range of whitewater & flatwater gear for all levels, beginner to expert. "We live what we love" and that includes doing our best to provide information, education and resources that will enhance your kayak, S.U.P., surf, canoe or raft adventures in Idaho and around the world.

Idaho River Sports has been Boise's premier paddle sports store since 1987.  We are open year-round and specialize in retail & rental of whitewater rafts, kayaks, fishing kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and surfboards. 

We carry a comprehensive array of paddling accessories and apparel to outfit any paddling adventure.  Our store is located in the heart of Boise, ID near the popular Boise Whitewater Park and Esther Simplot Park Complex which includes over 40 acres of flatwater & whitewater access.  In season, we host weekly classes and on-water boat/ board demos.  We enjoy working with local partners and nonprofits to provide exceptional outdoor experiences that aim to educate and foster a deep appreciation for nature through water sports.

We always have and always will prioritize top-quality equipment, expert guidance, unparalleled customer service and environmental stewardship in serving the community. 

Idaho River Sports was founded in 1987 by long-time Idaho residents, Stan Kolby & Jo Cassin.  Cassin and Kolby conceived of the idea of opening a river gear business in Boise while paddling the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River. As life-long river enthusiasts, they recognized that there wasn’t anywhere to buy boating gear in Boise at the time.  They decided right then and there that they would open a store in Boise!  They started their endeavor with enough money to buy a couple kayaks to sell and secured their original store front in Boise’s historic Hyde Park District. 

Stan & Jo did a lot more than open a store. They started the Boise Canoe Club to share flat-water adventure destinations with customers and friends. They hosted Idaho Whitewater Association (IWA) meetings after hours to talk about river-access and conservation issues. They hosted IWA used equipment sales & partnered with other local nonprofits and conservation groups to create community events and education-based paddling experiences for the public.

IRS became the center of the paddling universe in Boise, and that helped build the market for river gear, throughout Idaho and the Northwest.

Today, Idaho River Sports continues to foster Stan & Jo’s legacy from our location near the Esther Simplot Park Complex and Boise Whitewater Park, in Boise.  We continue to offer top-notch river gear and quality customer service, in both retail & rental departments and are committed to the same community and conservation efforts that Idaho River Sports originally evolved from.