Cascade Raft and Kayak

What Cascade Raft and Kayak does

Cascade Raft & Kayak is a privately held, family-owned outdoor recreation outfitter operating since 1985 from a purpose-built riverside facility at 7050 Highway 55 in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho. The Long family — founders Tom and Debbi Long alongside their sons Kenneth, Chad, and Tren and their wives — runs the company across three generations, with no external investors or venture capital. The business is positioned as the oldest and largest outfitter on the Payette River and serves a primarily Idaho and Boise-area customer base, with drive-time markets extending to McCall and Sun Valley.

The company's revenue model is built on per-person unit pricing across five activity verticals: guided whitewater rafting on four Payette River sections ($69-$149 per adult), whitewater kayaking instruction and youth camps ($120-$650), a 17-element zip line and ropes course ($60), guided fly fishing on multiple rivers ($145-$3,500), and professional swiftwater rescue and wilderness first aid certification courses ($45-$495). Ancillary revenue comes from an on-site Rio Cafe (food and beverage including draft beer), a gift shop, and a professional photography department; gift cards and a dedicated group sales function (25-425 guests) handle corporate retreats, weddings, reunions, and youth organizations. Booking is handled through the RESMARK tour operator platform with Stripe payments, and a referral network of 60+ lodging and transportation partners captures tourist demand. Guides are State of Idaho licensed, and the kayak school is led by former US Slalom Team member Chad Long, supporting a strong instructional talent base.

Name

Cascade Raft and Kayak

Legal name

Cascade Raft & Kayak

Website

https://cascaderaft.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Cascade Raft and Kayak is a family-owned outdoor adventure outfitter operating since 1985 on Idaho's Payette River, offering guided whitewater rafting, kayaking instruction, zip lines, fly fishing, and swiftwater rescue certification courses for families, thrill-seekers, corporate groups, and professional rescue personnel.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outdoor Adventure & Recreation Services

NAICS

Tour Operators (561520)

akta.pro primary industry

Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking & Canoeing Outfitters (THAAADAB)

Keywords

• Whitewater rafting trips
• Kayaking instruction
• Guided fly fishing
• Swiftwater rescue training
• Zip line adventures

Headquarters

HQ city

Horseshoe Bend

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Outdoor Adventure Activities: The company generates primary revenue through per-person fees for guided outdoor activities including whitewater rafting trips (ranging from $69-$149 per person depending on trip duration and difficulty), kayaking instruction classes and camps, zip line/ropes course adventures, and guided fly fishing excursions. Trip pricing varies by activity type, duration, and participant age.
2. Retail Operations: On-site retail revenue from the gift shop offering apparel, accessories, and convenience items such as Chums glasses retainers and waterproof phone cases. The Rio Cafe provides food and beverage sales including sandwiches, cookies, milkshakes, smoothies, and draft beer.
3. Professional Training Services: Revenue from professional rescue and first aid certification courses including CPR ($45), Recreational River Rescue ($310), Swiftwater Rescue Technician ($495), and Wilderness First Aid courses ($175-$255). These courses serve both recreational boaters and professional rescue personnel.
4. Group and Event Services: Specialized services for large groups including group rafting adventures (25-425 people), professional catering for riverside dining, and custom corporate retreat packages. Group services include transportation coordination, catering options, and individual payment arrangements.
5. Gift Cards: Gift cards valid toward any of the company's activities, allowing recipients to select their preferred experience.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Cascade Raft & Kayak operates guided whitewater rafting trips on four sections of Idaho's Payette River (Main Payette Class II-III, North Fork Cabarton Class II-III, South Fork Class III-IV half-day, and South Fork Canyon Class IV full-day) ranging from $69 to $149 per person. Beyond rafting, the company sells guided kayak instruction (group classes, private lessons, kids' camps) through the Cascade Kayak School, zip line and ropes course adventures ($60), guided fly fishing excursions ($145-$3,500), and NFPA-compliant swiftwater rescue and wilderness first aid certification courses ($45-$495). Operations are delivered from a private riverside facility (River Center) in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, with on-site cafe, gift shop, professional photography, and changing facilities.

Product overview

Cascade Raft & Kayak is a family-owned outdoor adventure company operating since 1985, offering a portfolio of experiential tourism products centered around Idaho's Payette River. The core offering consists of guided whitewater rafting trips across four distinct river sections (Main Payette, North Fork Cabarton, South Fork half-day, and South Fork Canyon full-day) ranging from family-friendly Class II-III floats to adrenaline-focused Class III-IV adventures. Adjacent products include the Cascade Kayak School providing instruction through group classes, private lessons, and kids' summer camps; zip line and ropes course adventures; guided fly fishing trips; and swiftwater rescue certification courses. The company operates a riverside facility with cafe, gift shop, and photography services, and offers group booking packages for corporate events, weddings, and organizations. Activities are coordinated through RESMARK-powered tour operator booking software with Stripe payment processing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cascade Kayak School: Idaho's Premiere Whitewater Kayak School offering lessons, classes, and camps for all skill levels on the Payette River. Operating since 1991 under the direction of Chad Long.

Products and services

• Main Payette 'Splash' Half-Day Whitewater Rafting Half-day guided whitewater rafting trip on the Main Fork of the Payette River featuring Class II-III rapids, approximately 3 hours duration and 8 miles, suitable for ages 5 and up. Operates May through September. $69 per adult, $25 per child.
• North Fork Cabarton 'Escape' Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Full-day scenic rafting trip on the North Fork Cabarton section of the Payette River featuring Class II-III rapids with warm water, approximately 7 hours and 11 miles, including a sandy-beach lunch. Suitable for ages 5 and up. $119 per adult, $89 per child. Operates May through September.
• South Fork 'Rush' Half-Day Whitewater Rafting Half-day whitewater rafting adventure on the South Fork of the Payette River featuring Class III-IV rapids, approximately 3 hours. Minimum age 12, minimum weight 100 lbs. $89 per person. Operates May through August.
• South Fork Canyon 'Plunge' Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Full-day whitewater rafting day trip on the South Fork Canyon section of the Payette River featuring Class IV rapids, approximately 8 hours and 13 miles, with portage around Big Falls and riverside lunch. Minimum age 12, minimum weight 100 lbs. $149 per adult. Operates May through August.
• Cascade Kayak School Group Classes Weekend whitewater kayaking instruction classes including the 2-day Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking ($295, ages 12+), the 3-day Gold Medal Camp for intermediate to advanced paddlers ($585, ages 13+, Class II-III experience and ability to roll required), and the 2-day Packrafting Expedition Clinic ($585, ages 15+). Includes equipment and a 3-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio. Operates May through August.
• Private Kayak Lessons One-on-one or small group whitewater kayak instruction at any experience level. Half-day private lessons $165, full-day private lessons $295; small group lessons at $120 per half-day or $195 per full-day per person.
• Kids Kayaking Summer Camp Whitewater kayaking camps for youth, including the Day Camp for ages 9-12 ($350, 7.5 hours daily) and the Overnight Camp for ages 13-18 ($650, 4 days/3 nights with tent camping). Includes equipment, lunch, and snacks. Operates June through August.
• Zip Line & Ropes Course Adventure Two to three hour high ropes challenge course featuring 17 elements (10 ropes obstacles and 7 tree-to-tree zip lines) suspended 20-40 feet above the forest floor, built to ACCT standards. Minimum height 54 inches, weight 60-250 lbs. $60 per person. Operates April through September.
• Swiftwater Rescue & Wilderness First Aid Training Professional rescue and first aid certification courses including CPR ($45), Recreational River Rescue ($310), NFPA-compliant Swiftwater Rescue Technician SRT-1 ($495), SRT-A Advanced ($495), and Wilderness First Aid & CPR 16-hour ($255) and 8-hour ($175) courses. Certifications issued through Rescue3 International (SRT) and Sierra Rescue International (Wilderness First Aid). Serves professional rescue personnel and recreational boaters.
• Guided Fly Fishing Trips Guided fly fishing excursions on the Payette and Boise Rivers targeting Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Mountain Whitefish. Includes full-day floats ($749), Duck Valley full-day floats ($750), Boise River walk-wade trips ($495), women's clinics ($145), StreamTech River Rescue & Rowing Workshops ($830), and multi-day Grand Ronde fishing expeditions ($3,500 per person). Equipment provided from Waterworks Lamson, Maravia, Patagonia, and Simms.
• Group Rafting & Event Packages Customized group rafting experiences for 25-425 guests, including corporate retreats, weddings, family reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and youth groups. Includes professional riverside catering, transportation coordination, and individual payment options.
• Cascade Raft & Kayak Gift Cards Gift cards redeemable toward any Cascade Raft & Kayak activity, including whitewater rafting, ziplining, fishing, kayaking instruction, or water safety courses. Provides an entry point for new customers and a repeat purchase mechanism for existing customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Rated 5.0 by 1,670+ guests on their platform with additional 175 reviews on Yelp
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• ZET KayaksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCascade Kayak School is a ZET Kayaks demo center, allowing customers to try equipment before purchasing. This partnership provides hands-on product experience for kayaking students and supports purchasing decisions.
• Waterworks LamsonminorOthersRods and reels used on guided fishing trips are made locally in Boise by Waterworks Lamson, supporting local craftsmanship and quality equipment.
• MaraviaminorOthersRafts used for guided fishing float trips are made locally in Boise by Maravia, a regional raft manufacturer. Supports local business and ensures quality equipment.
• Patagonia and SimmsminorOthersWaders and boots provided for fishing trips are sourced from Patagonia and Simms, premium fishing gear manufacturers known for quality outdoor apparel.
• Sierra Rescue InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWilderness First Aid courses are accredited through Sierra Rescue International, providing standardized certification recognized in the outdoor industry. This partnership enables professional-level training certifications.
• Rescue3 InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT-1) and Advanced (SRT-A) certifications are provided through Rescue3 International. NFPA-compliant courses for professional rescue personnel. Core certification partnership.
• Idaho Fish and GameminorOthersPartnership for fishing license sales - Idaho fishing licenses available for purchase at Ray's Country Store in Horseshoe Bend or online. Supports regulatory compliance for guided fishing trips.
• Idaho Parks and RecreationminorOthersVendor for Idaho Invasive Species Fund stickers - anyone launching a boat in Idaho waters must purchase this sticker. Cascade serves as a vendor for visitor convenience.
• Caldwell TransportationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMotor coach transportation provider recommended for group transportation to the River Center. Addresses logistics for large groups and visitors without vehicles.
• Harlow's School Bus ServiceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSchool bus transportation provider recommended for group transportation. Cost-effective option for youth groups and camp transportation.
• Diamond Limousine and Showcase LimousineminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLimousine and car service provider recommended for smaller groups or premium transportation needs. Options for small buses, vans, or car service.
• Local Hotels (60+ options)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership network of 60+ lodging options in surrounding Boise and Horseshoe Bend areas. Information shared through company's helpful resources page for visitor convenience.
• El Sonora Mexican RestaurantminorOthersLocal restaurant recommendation in Horseshoe Bend for dining options near the River Center.
• The Locking Horns Riverside RestaurantminorOthersRiverside dining option in Horseshoe Bend for post-rafting meals with scenic river views.
• Corner CafeminorOthersLocal cafe in Horseshoe Bend recommended for casual dining near the River Center.
• Ray's Country StoreminorOthersVendor location in Horseshoe Bend for purchasing Idaho fishing licenses. Convenient option for fishing trip customers.
• Boise National ForestminorOthersFederal land management partnership - the Payette River flows through Boise National Forest, enabling access to premier whitewater sections.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• ROW Adventures: ROW Adventures is an Idaho-based whitewater rafting and adventure outfitter operating on the Salmon and other Idaho rivers, directly comparable in geography, activity mix, and family-owned operator profile to Cascade Raft & Kayak.
• Western River Expeditions: Western River Expeditions is a multi-river, multi-day whitewater outfitter based in the western US, comparable in guided rafting services and destination tourism focus, though with broader river access than Cascade.
• Confluence River Outfitters: Confluence River Outfitters is an Idaho whitewater rafting outfitter offering guided trips on the Salmon River, comparable in product offering, customer base, and Idaho-based regional operating model to Cascade.
• Austin Adventures: Austin Adventures is a US family-owned active-adventure tour operator offering rafting, hiking, and multi-sport packages across multiple states, comparable in family ownership and guided outdoor adventure product mix to Cascade.
• Holiday River Expeditions: Holiday River Expeditions is a Utah-based multi-generational family-owned whitewater outfitter running trips on the Colorado, Green, and Yampa rivers, with comparable multi-day guided rafting offerings and a similar family business heritage to Cascade.
• Idaho River Adventures: Idaho River Journeys (and similarly branded Idaho rafting outfitters) operate guided rafting on the Payette and Salmon rivers in direct competition with Cascade, serving the same Boise-area tourist pool with similar whitewater product.

Others

• Rescue3 International: Rescue3 International provides the SRT-1 and SRT-A certifications that Cascade delivers, and serves overlapping customer segments (fire departments, SAR teams, professional river guides) — comparable as the certification partner but not a direct competitor.
• Sierra Rescue International: Sierra Rescue International is the certifying body through which Cascade offers Wilderness First Aid courses, and is comparable as an outdoor safety training provider — they sell directly to similar professional rescue and outdoor recreation customers.
• Maravia: Maravia is a Boise-based raft manufacturer supplying Cascade with rafts for guided fishing trips; they are a key equipment supplier and adjacent ecosystem participant in the Idaho whitewater industry rather than a direct competitor.

Broad incumbents

• OARS (Outfitters): OARS is a long-established multi-river whitewater rafting and outdoor adventure outfitter operating across the western US with a broader portfolio and multiple geographies. Comparable to Cascade in core guided rafting and instruction but with significantly larger scale and geographic diversification.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cascade Raft and Kayak