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Northwest River Supply

NRS makes the finest rafts and boating gear on the market. Founded in 1972 by Bill Parks, Northwest River Supply is now a manufacturer and distributor of nearly anything you can think of to get you out on the water. Northern Lights and NRS have been partners in the business for over 30 years. We trust their products and carry an incredible selection of NRS brand items.

Based in Moscow, Idaho, a mecca for whitewater enthusiasts, NRS focuses on building the best paddling gear at reasonable prices. Founder Bill Parks' mantra has carried NRS through nearly forty years of growth and it still holds true today. "We didn't get into this business to get rich or to satisfy investors -- we're here because we love running rivers. You'll find our best efforts in your local paddling shop." With a focus on customer service and high quality gear, NRS will continue to be a staple for the river running community for decades to come.


Rafts

NRS rafts are made from the highest quality materials. Each raft is hand-built in the NRS factory and cured for 30 days. You may be used to hearing the term "hypalon" to describe NRS Expedition and Otter series rafts. Recently, however, DuPont ceased making hypalon and NRS has sourced a chemical equivalent coating for their Pennel Orca material called CP. Here is the story from the experts at NRS:

Hypalon is DuPont's name for the chemical compound chlorosulfonated polyethylene, or CP, which the company invented in 1940. In April 2010, DuPont stopped making Hypalon and Pennel needed to find another source of high-quality CP. They did; and extensive testing has shown that the newly sourced CP provides the same superior performance that our customers have come to expect from NRS boats.

For Mike Garcia's guide to selecting a raft, click here.

Raft Frames

This may be the most complicated part of building your raft package. But this is where NRS and Northern Lights makes it easy for you! You tell us what you want to put in your raft and we'll build and appropriate frame for you. Why go with an NRS Frame?

Top-grade, aluminum-alloy pipe, exclusive heavy duty LoPro cast aluminum fittings, custom made stainless steel U-bolts, combined with superior design has produced the world's leading, fully adjustable and customizable frames. All NRS frames are modular, allowing you to assemble and break down your frame quickly and easily.

For Mike's guide to selecting frame components, click here.

NRS Clothing & Boat Accessories

Getting wet is part of boating. But NRS strives to create products that help our bodies deal with the cold. NRS features laying systems that will protect you from cold water and, even when you do get wet, which inevitably happens when you least expect it, will keep you warm and comfortable.

NRS also manufactures a full line of boating accessories, rescue devices, PFD's and a whole lot more. They really are a one-stop shop for everything you could need on the river.

Click here for Mike Garcia's guide to What to Wear on the river.

NRS Hydrosilk Shirt - one thing that should be in everyone's gear bag.

NRS Staff Review

I've been working with NRS for a long time and I've never seen a river company with so much professionalism. NRS has continued to innovate where they need to and remained true where traditional materials and craftsmanship mean a better product. And what I really like about these guys is that they have stood behind their products throughout their lifetime. NRS is a true river company. From the best rafts in the business all the way down to PFD's and stuff sacks. You can't go wrong with an NRS product.