NRS has been stoking river adventures since 1972, when founder Bill Parks – a college professor and avid rafter – invested a humble $2,000 to start a boating supply company in his garage. His goal was simple: help others get out on the water safely and comfortably, with gear they could trust. Fast forward 50+ years and NRS is a paddler-owned, Idaho-based outfitter that’s known worldwide for its rugged rafts, kayaks, PFDs, and dry bags built to handle the gnarliest rapids. The company runs on a culture of “people first, river always” – a reflection of Bill’s belief that business can and should be a force for good. In 2014, NRS became 100% employee-owned, ensuring that the folks designing your gear are just as invested in its quality as you are. That quality shows in products like the legendary Bill’s Bag dry sack, trusted from the Grand Canyon to the North Pole for keeping gear dry and safe. NRS also gives back by championing free-flowing rivers and supporting river conservation and outdoor access initiatives. In short, NRS has grown from a one-garage operation into a community of river enthusiasts dedicated to gearing you up with the best, so you can “get out and stay out” on the water with confidence and care for the environment.
