BSU Grads Introduce World To Riverboarding

Riverboarding is a combination of surfing and wakeboarding

By Sarah Dallof

KBCI-TV

BOISE - While people are being warned to stay away from and out of the Boise River, three guys can’t enough of the high water. They’re riverboarders, who say the high water makes their sport safer. Kevin Veon, Cooper Kalisek, and Grant Kendall are all BSU graduates and are making it possible to surf in Idaho.

“Best job I can think of,” Kendall tells KBCI CBS 2 News.

The three run Banshee Riverboards, a simple idea that’s getting a lot of attention.

“There’s first a look of confusion, as they’re going ‘There’s no boat.How’s that working?’ ” Veon, the company’s CEO, tells KBCI CBS 2 News.

The riverboard, which is somewhat similar to a wakeboard, hooks to a bungee cord. The bungee cord is anchored to a tree or rock on the river bank.

The rider hangs onto the board and lets the current pull them downstream. Once the bungee cord is maxed out, the rider kicks the board to the surface, and is shot upstream at about 30 mph.

“I would say the learning curve is similar to snowboarding or wakeboarding. In an afternoon you’re able to get the concept of riding on your knees and belly,” Kalisek tells KBCI CBS 2 News.

Riverboarding is gaining popularity. Banshee Riverboards were just named the coolest new summer product at iSPO, an outdoor trade show in Munich.

Now the company is working with reps in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, to show the world a product developed and perfected on the Boise River.

“Essentially what we’re trying to do is chase summer,” says Veon.

Riverboard demonstrations, and lessons are offered every Monday 4:00-7:00 PM, behind Albertsons Library at BSU.

They’re sold locally at Eco Lounge and online at www.bansheeriverboards.com