The North Fork Championship is back!
NFC is back! After a brief hiatus, the North Fork Championship XI returns as the crown jewel of extreme whitewater competition. June 9th – 11th, 2026 the world’s best paddlers will again compete on the legendary North Fork of the Payette River for a chance to race down Jacob’s Ladder and win the ultimate title of King and Queen.
For over a decade, NFC has been universally recognized as the most prestigious event in class V kayaking. The jaw-dropping performances of elite athletes in the wildest rapids attracts thousands of spectators and hundreds of thousands of impressions. More than a race, NFC creates community around a shared love for the river. Lifelong friendships are forged, future generations are inspired, and the world’s best push the boundaries of what is possible.
NFC XI is a new chapter with the event hosted entirely on the North Fork Payette River at Wellington Snow Park in Smith Ferry, ID. While past NFC’s owe much gratitude to the lovely town of Crouch, this new venue offers improved accessibility with the campground and festival grounds situated directly across from the river. It’s a convenient put-in for the North Fork’s class V and the take-out for the Cabarton section’s Class III. This year’s event will also shift to a mid-week format to avoid the weekend traffic on Highway 55 and maximize time reveling in the electric atmosphere that defines NFC.
To handle the tremendous challenge of producing this event, a new non-profit organization was recently formed for NFC XI and beyond. Event founders James and Regan Byrd return with paddle sports industry veterans Aaron Pruzan, Cheyenne Rogers, Carli Beisel and Stan Prichard to create the next iteration of this world class event. With initial funding provided by the Grossman Family Foundation and Rendezvous River Sports, NFC is partnering with Idaho Rivers United (IRU) to facilitate these generous donations made to sustain an unmatched celebration of whitewater culture and promote the stewardship of the Payette Rivers.
Whether you’re a dedicated paddler, an adrenaline-seeking spectator or simply a fan of athletic excellence, the return of NFC XI promises to be “the rowdiest whitewater week of your life” in the rugged beauty of Idaho’s North Fork Payette River.
For more info, visit: northforkchampionship.com
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