Idaho River Surfing - Surfing Whitewater Waves
In the heart of Idaho desert, and over 400 miles from the nearest Ocean surf break, you can find a premier surf destination. Boise is one of Idaho’s premier vacation destinations, due to endless miles of hiking, mountain biking trails, and nearby ski resorts.
However, I bet you didn’t know it also hosts two man-made surf waves for river surfers. The Boise Whitewater park, and Kelly’s whitewater park located in Cascade, offer man-made surfable river waves.
The two Idaho Whitewater Park’s are open for river bodyboarding, river surfing, tube floating, whitewater kayaking, and whitewater paddleboarding.
I have been river surfing for the last 5 years, but I have been boogie boarding at Kelly’s and the Boise Whitewater Park since I could put on a life jacket. A decade ago, both parks were adventure zones for kayakers, tubers, and boogie boarders.
In the last few years the Idaho river surfing scene has blown up! If you’re used to surfing ocean waves, come try out these Idaho river waves.
Boise has the best standing wave to explore, with a green wave in session multiple days a week. Kelly’s Whitewater Park is only surfable with high water levels, at certain times of the year. Check out both Idaho River waves if you’re looking for ocean surfing inland.
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Boise Whitewater Park:
Surfable year round – rain, sun, or snow (if you can handle the cold), the Boise whitewater park is the best wave park in downtown Boise. The Boise Whitewater Park is located in garden city, along the greenbelt, and right across from Quinn’s pond on 36th street.
Phase 1 (the upper wave) is a previous overflow dam that was turned into a recreational area by the City of Boise. Originally used by mostly kayakers, and boogie boarders, this has quickly become the local surf spot.
The Phase 1 wave is created by a hydraulic system that creates a wave shaper. The City of Boise makes sure to alternate wave hole and green wave days throughout the week.
For the current wave schedule at the City of Boise website (click here). Wave hole days are primarily for kayakers, and the green wave days you’ll find surfers and stand up paddle boarders.
Either way it makes for a great summer day, whichever wave you choose. The Boise River Park Phase II and the lower rapids have been undergoing development for some time now. This year the City of Boise has contracted with new engineers to fix the wave shaper.
The mixture of underwater grading and rock placement, as well as the wave shaper, creates an expert only surf wave. The lower rapids are great for boogie boarding and kayak practice. The wave shapers make a predictable-ish wave year round to enjoy!
I personally kayak and surf at the Boise river wave. If you’re a beginner and looking to rent a surfboard, wet suits, or boogie boards you can check out The Corridor Surf Shop or sometimes Idaho River Sports will have some gear.
If this is your first time river surfing don’t worry. Everyone in the lineup is super helpful and willing to get you up on the wave. This area has an amazing group of surfers looking to have fun, and enjoy the surf-able waves!
Just make sure that if you’re not a strong swimmer you wear a lifejacket. The eddy can be strong on the regular side, and most people aren’t used to swimming in cold water with a current. I also recommend at least wearing a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit, gloves, and booties so that you can stay in the river longer.
After you’re finished with your surf sesh, check out The Yardarm. This fun outdoor bar, owned by Guy Midnight, is the best place to enjoy a taco and beer after a dip in the river.
If you’re looking to join an amazing group of surfers, check out the Boise Whitewater Park Facebook Page. Every year The Corridor Surf Shop also puts on a contest called Kings of Bummer
– check out my husbands video from last year!
I grew up playing in the river at Kelly’s Whitewater Park. Built in Cascade Idaho, within the Payette River, and right below Cascade Lake.
This park is a free theme park for families camping and staying nearby. It has three distinct large rapids that during high flows are a blast to surf. The upper wave is the largest, with high-powered rapids during high flows. It is unpredictable as there is no wave shaper, but rather underwater rock placement. This is only surfable during certain times a year…. usually early Spring.
The rest of the year the 3 rapids are primarily used for kayaking, boogie boarding, and stand up paddle-boarders.
The second wave (middle wave) has a consistent green wave across the stretch of the river. This is ideal for kids and beginners as the eddy is easy to swim out of, and the flow isn’t too fast. It’s always a good idea to wear a life-jacket when in the river, as the upper and lowest waves do have stronger eddy lines.
If you don’t have your own gear, Kelly’s has a small shop that offers rental tubes, boards, and kayaks. There is also a large lodge with public bathrooms, and a sitting area. The surrounding area features a grassy hill, picnic tables, a volleyball court, and bocce ball court.
It has plenty of parking for day use only. Kelly’s is open year-round for kayakers and white water enthusiasts, however the flows drop significantly in the winter. The best time to visit is Spring and throughout the Summer.
The water here is significantly warmer, as the Payette river is partially fed from Lake Cascade. If you’re driving thru or camping in the area, this park will give the kids a fun adrenaline rush you don’t want to miss.
While you’re in cascade make sure you check out the local shops, and stop at The Cascade Store, a popular spot for tasty ice cream.
The sport of Idaho river surfing is a relatively new hobby in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve been doing it for five years, and every year it continues to grow. With these two amazing wave parks in Idaho, more and more people are bound to get into the sport. Make sure you have your surf board, a wet suit, and maybe some booties/gloves and check out these fun water parks.