Leave the books, hit the river

With the advent of summer, the University of Idaho Outdoor Program shifts its focus from white powder to whitewater. 

Steve Mims, director of the rental shop in the Student Recreation Center, said he supplies equipment to individuals and groups.

“We serve the entire community,” Mims said.

People from all over the country, and Mims said even somebody from Australia, signed up to rent rafts, kayaks and other supplies.

“We’ve got one of the largest inventories of whitewater equipment in the country,” Mims said.

The inventory gets plenty of use because Idaho has the most runnable rivers in the country.

Mike Beiser, coordinator of the SRC’s outdoor program, said there are many rivers close to the Palouse, including the Clearwater River.

He said sections of the river are mild enough to tube, though others are more difficult.

Mims said the rental center helps tailor gear to the needs of the community. He said sometimes experienced rafters call and give detailed descriptions of what they need.

Other times, Mims said rafters are more vague. His experience can help determine what they need.

“Usually, we can spot people who need help,” Mims said.

He said his staff can also point out stretches of river appropriate for various skill levels.

Beiser said different rivers have different time frames. For instance, the Palouse River’s rafting season is almost over.

Other rivers have seasons that go into October, according to Beiser. UI’s whitewater classes end Oct. 12.

The Salmon River hits its peak in July, according to Beiser, though some experienced rafters run it earlier.

“We’re very fortunate to have the Salmon River in Idaho,” Beiser said.

He said it’s the longest free-flowing river in Idaho, meaning it runs through the whole state without dams.

Mims said the Lower Salmon, around Riggins, is one of the best non-lottery-permitted rivers in the lower 48 states.

Mark Nickodemus, who works at the SRC, said one of the nice things about the Salmon River’s undammed status is the sandbars that populate its sides.

These provide excellent camping spaces, according to Nickodemus.

Susanne Endsley, a BLM public affairs specialist, said they are particularly wary of underage drinking at camping sites this year.

“We’re not going to tolerate that because it’s illegal,” Endsley said.

An assault on an Idaho County Sheriffs officer last year was the last straw, Endsley said.

She said those caught violating alcohol laws will loose their alcohol and could face charges.

Apart from whitewater supplies, the SRC has all sorts of outdoor equipment available, from backpacks and tents to lanterns and stoves.

“We rent out anything you could possibly need,” Nickodemus said.

Beiser said outdoor programs slow down during the summer, but a special sailing clinic at Lake Coeur d’Alene, two kayaking clinics, a whitewater rafting trip and a mountaineering trip are offered in summer months. Beiser also said the climbing wall will be open throughout the summer, though with limited hours.

Visit uidaho.edu/outdoorprogram for more information.

Kasen Christensen can be reached at [email protected]


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Kasen Christensen News reporter Junior in journalism and history Can be reached at [email protected]

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