Good flows, warm sunny weather, three catered meals a day, free camping – life at the Payette River Games. Quinn and I lived the high life in Idaho. We descended on Cascade with our eyes on the $50k prize purse. Just kidding: we were there more to participate than compete.

Both the boatercross and 8-ball divisions kept the crowd happy with plenty of carnage in the main hole
Quinn threw his hat in the ring for boater cross and eight ball. I went for the river surf comp. I’m glad we entered. Athletes were treated like royalty. Besides the generous SWAG, food, and camping, the best part was the two hot tubs for competitors only.
We both had a great time in our events and as far as we could tell so did the 10,000 people who showed up for the weekend. No prize money but good times.

Elijah Mack organized a great river surfing competition which drew competetors from around the world. Blind brazillian surfer Derek Rabelo cheers after competing in the surfing competition
It was rad to see all the world-class athletes throw down in kayaks, SUPs, and surfboards. Thanks to Kelly’s Whitewater Park, the Picards, and town of Cascade for an amazing weekend.