2014 Payette River Games – $105,000 prize purse

The Payette River Games are back and they are going to be even bigger and better than last year. Launched in 2013, the Payette River Games are one of the most talked about events on the world kayaking circuit. Set at the Kelly’s Whitewater Park, in the small town of Cascade deep in the heart of Idaho, the PRG’s will see hundreds of competitors come together to take part in 3 days of non-stop action sports. The number of activities on offer over the weekend is impressive, with everything from kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and river boarding to volleyball, fitness comps and dog jumping, to name just a few. A master piece of Mark and Kristina Pickard, who built the park, with the help of Jeff Banks and the Board of Directors, in memory of Kristina’s sister Kelly, the Payette Rivers Games are a massive celebration of sport and the outdoors.

Not only is the Payette River Games one of the biggest river based sporting festivals in America, it is also home to one of the biggest prize money events of the year for paddle sports world wide. The organisers have just confirmed that there will be a massive $105,000+ prize purse. With $50,000 set aside for the Kayaking events and another $50,000 for Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP). This is by far the largest prize money paddle sporting event in history, making it a must attended event for all the biggest names, talents and top athletes in the sport, from across the world.

This is not only a must attend event for the Pro’s, it is a must see event for spectators and sports addicts alike. There are so many sports available to watch and take part in over the weekend, plus live music in the park. This really will be great weekend out.

Kelly’s Whitewater Park is one of the leading freestyle kayaking venues out there, so its no surprise that it has become home to such an impressive event. The waves the Kelly’s Whitewater Park team have built and created at the park are perfect for everyone to learn and develop their skills. There’s beginner friendly surf waves, a great section of class 2 whitewater and then at the very top of the course the main freestyle feature, a wave that has already proved itself as one of the best in the world. The main freestyle feature has already been used for National Championships and large international events. It is made up of a hole, with a perfect wave shoulder on its side. On which each and every move can be thrown. During last years PRG’s event Stephen Wright used the mixture of the wave and hole to throw down a massive 2,000+ point ride. It really is a perfect venue for a competition of this size.

‘Kelly’s Whitewater Park is the new hot place to be! With the world famous North Fork of the Payette River just a few miles away and my favourite freestyle feature right in the park its no wonder top athletes from around the world are making there way there this summer. The feature allows just about any freestyle move you can think of which is quite rare when it comes to wave and hole moves. Competition wise I cant wait to defend my title for the 3rd year running, it only gets harder each year it seems!’

Emily Jackson – Womens Freestyle Champion 2013

Now don’t be thinking, well this is just an event for the Pro’s. The organisers have put a lot of work into showcasing this event as a festival of paddle sports. Not only did they build the perfect whitewater course in a beautiful destination, they also made the decision to payout prize money all the way to 10th place, in both mens and womens, in the Freestyle and the Boater X event and down to 3rd place in the ‘8 Ball’ event. This gives everyone a chance to get their hands on some of the massive prize purse. Not only all of this, there is also a junior and cadet freestyle tournament too and an expression session with loads of extra awesome prizes to be won. Plus theres loads more on offer for the athletes than just competing and having fun. The guys and girls at Kelly’s are going to look after everyone with free camping, airport shuttles*, t-shirts, live music, a funday sunday free beer from the Payette River Brewery and a free admission ticket to the Roxy movie theatre in town. Plus every athlete gets entered into a comp to win an iPad 4. The organisers have really thought of everything in making this event one that will be enjoyed by everyone involved.

So what do I need to do to be in with a chance to win? Well, just check out the website and enter online. You can enter everything from the 8 Ball, Boater X and Freestyle, to the Expression Session and if your young enough the cadet and youth tournaments. Entry is limited in some classes so make sure you book your place soon.

And what if I don’t want to compete. Then, just come along and be part of the fun. This is a weekend not to be missed. See all your favourite athletes compete. Take part in the many free activities going on in the park. Listen to loads of free music. Enjoy life in Boise and meet and hang out with your favourite boating stars.

The event takes place on the 20th – 22nd June. All the information is now online
www.payetterivergames.com

Check out the video from last years Payette River Game’s http://vimeo.com/72108039