Rendezvous River Sports

Rendezvous River Sports is Jackson's paddle-sports operation, running guided whitewater trips on the Snake, kayak and SUP instruction, multi-day expeditions, and a full rental and retail paddle shop on West Broadway. Now in its fourth decade, it is the call for travelers who want to learn to paddle, get on the river without buying gear, or hire a guide for the Snake's whitewater section. The wrong fit is anyone wanting a single scenic float on the calm water through Grand Teton, where scenic-float operators are a closer match.

Jackson Hole Kayaking, Canoeing & SUP Activities

Three operations under one roof. Guided trips on the Snake's whitewater section between Hoback Junction and the Astoria stretch (single-day and multi-day). Instruction across kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, beginner through advanced. Rentals and retail for kayaks, canoes, SUPs, rafts, and the gear that goes with them, run as a working paddle shop rather than a storefront. They are a certified Teton County outfitter, with permits across the relevant Snake River sections.

Why people book here

Three reasons. First, depth. A single shop covering guiding, instruction, and rental at this scale is rare; you can come in for a beginner kayak lesson and end the week on a Snake whitewater trip with the same outfit. Second, longevity. Thirty-plus years on the river means the staff actually know it: where the eddies sit at different flows, which put-ins favor which trips, what level a beginner can handle on a given week. Third, real instruction. Lessons here are taught by paddlers, not seasonal labor with a script.

Other similar businesses

For Jackson-area scenic float trips on the calm water inside Grand Teton, scenic-float operators based at Moose are the right call. For Snake River whitewater day trips, Rendezvous sits in a peer group with the dedicated whitewater outfits south of town; the difference is that Rendezvous also runs instruction and rental, so you can paddle your own boat after a lesson rather than sitting in a guided raft. For multi-day river expeditions and SUP lessons, this is the most complete option in the valley.

How to plan a visit

Season runs roughly mid-May through September, tracking river flows. Whitewater trips and lessons should be booked ahead, especially in July and August. Rentals can sometimes be picked up on shorter notice but reserve in advance for weekends. Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit and quick-dry layers, river shoes or sport sandals, a hat with a strap, and water; the shop covers technical gear. The shop is at 945 W Broadway in Jackson, easy to reach from anywhere in town.

The catch

Two honest tradeoffs. First, this is not a scenic-float operator. If you are looking for a flat-water 10-mile drift through the Tetons with eagle-spotting and zero rapids, book that elsewhere. Second, river conditions drive everything; high-flow weeks in early summer move trips to different sections, and weather can shift the day's plan. Build in flexibility.

Heads up

For a quieter river day, ask about early-morning or evening rentals on the calmer sections near town. Light is better, traffic is lower, and wildlife shows up on the banks more readily than in the middle of a peak afternoon.

Bottom line

For learning to paddle, getting on whitewater with a guide, or renting gear for the Snake, Rendezvous River Sports is one of the right calls in Jackson. Book early, accept the season, and let the river decide the day.

FAQ

Do they run scenic floats through Grand Teton?

Their core is whitewater and instruction. For calm-water scenic floats inside the park, book a Moose-based operator.

Can beginners take a kayak lesson?

Yes. The lesson program runs from beginner through advanced, on flat water before moving to moving water.

What about multi-day trips?

Yes, multi-day expeditions are part of the program; book well ahead.

Where is the shop?

945 W Broadway in Jackson, on the way out of town toward Highway 22.