ORIGINS
The North Fork of the Payette River is steeped in legend—a proving ground for the world’s best extreme whitewater kayakers and a springboard for river advocacy. Since the first modern descent in 1977, its powerful rapids have shaped world-class athletes, demanding precision, courage, and endurance.
In 1990, a proposed dam united paddlers and advocacy groups—Idaho Rivers United, Idaho Whitewater Association, and Friends of the Payette—in defending the river’s free-flowing character. Over the past three decades, the North Fork has continued to forge legends and inspire countless stories along its hallowed banks. Races on the North Fork have played an important role in bringing the importance of this river to the public eye.
Driven by a dream to create the most physically and mentally demanding kayak race in the world, James and Regan Byrd turned that vision into reality on the North Fork’s iconic whitewater. Through hard work and an infectious enthusiasm, they built one of the sport’s most prestigious competitions.
To carry this legacy forward and promote stewardship of the river, a nonprofit was formed for NFC 2026 and beyond. Paddle sports veterans Aaron Pruzan, Cheyenne Rogers, Stan Prichard, and Carli Beisel have joined the Byrds to form a cohesive team dedicated to both the event and the river that makes it possible.
Our mission is to protect the race’s legacy, support the paddling community, and safeguard the free-flowing nature of the North Fork of the Payette. This event exists thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, and fellow paddlers. Contributions directly fund the infrastructure and logistics that keep the NFC alive—from safety crews to permits—and inspire the next generation of athletes.
Your support ensures future paddlers will launch off the legendary ramp into Jacob’s Ladder and take on one of the greatest challenges in the sport.
Board Members
James & Regan Byrd
Board President & Founders | northforkchampionship@gmail.com
James and Regan founded the North Fork Championship while working full-time as nurses in Boise, Idaho. As leaders in the kayaking community, they embody the “work hard, play harder” spirit—bringing love, energy, and passion into everything they do. Whether on or off the river, their enthusiasm is contagious. They are building their dream home and life in White Salmon, WA.
Carli Beisel
Executive Director | carli.d.beisel@gmail.com
Carli’s paddling journey began at age five, perched in the bow of her dad’s canoe before graduating to a kayak of her own. That early connection to rivers sparked a lifelong passion, carrying her to whitewater destinations around the world. Over the past fifteen years, she has held just about every role in the kayaking industry, from guiding to instruction to T-shirt sales at kayak races. After many years living out of her car down by the river, she now resides in White Salmon, WA.
Today, Carli focuses on giving back to the paddling community—working to protect river ecosystems, expand access to the outdoors, and inspire the next generation of river stewards. She holds a Master’s degree in Hydrologic Sciences from Boise State University, focusing on the impact of urbanization and climate change on surface water supply.
Aaron Pruzan
Board Members | aaron@jacksonholekayak.com
Aaron Pruzan (also known as “AP”) is the owner & founder of Rendezvous River Sports in Jackson, WY and has introduced thousands of people of all ages to the sport of kayaking during the past 32 years. He has been involved with numerous whitewater expeditions, exploratory descents and competition in a variety of whitewater disciplines. Including being a regular at the North Fork Payette since 1992.
In addition to river running, Aaron is at the forefront of river conservation and ecosystem stewardship. He helped lead the successful Snake River Headwaters Wild & Scenic Campaign, was a founding board member of the Snake River Fund, founder of the Jackson Hole Kayak Club, former board member of American Whitewater and is currently board chair of Protect Our Waters Jackson Hole. Aaron and his family live in Wilson, WY – a mile from the Snake River and 13 miles from the Idaho State Line.
Cheyenne Rogers
Board Members
Since she skipped her high school prom in favor of Bigfork Whitewater Festival, Cheyenne has centered herself in the river community of the Northwest. From the historic dance parties on the Lochsa River to the recent discos of the Little White Salmon Race, Cheyenne (aka “DJ Bella Flow”) plays the parties and paddles the rivers. The North Fork of the Payette, South Fork of the Salmon River, and the Green Truss are a few of her all time favorites. Contributing to the next chapter of this most legendary event in whitewater kayaking is her dream come true.
Stan Prichard
Board Member
Rob Lesser
Honorary Board Chair
Rob is the living legend within the kayaking community, with stories retold and rivers rerun all around the world. Rob was a pioneer of expedition paddling, getting the first descent on infamous rivers like the Stikine, Devil’s Canyon of the Susitna, the Braldu River in Pakistan, and many more. He was not only an avid paddler, but worked to protect free flowing rivers across the US. He founded the Idaho Whitewater Association which protects Idaho rivers from dam development.
The organizers of the NFC work to make this event something that Rob is proud to support, celebrating the skill, grit, and the vibrant community that thrives on the North Fork.