The Pend Oreille Rowing and Paddling Association exists to promote safe and responsible rowing in the Pend Oreille River valley of Idaho and Washington. We are located in Priest River Idaho and currently row from the Priest River Recreation Area “The Mudhole” in Priest River, Idaho. 

"The Pend Oreille Rowing and Paddling Association (PORPA) acknowledges that we are in the homelands of the Kalispel people. Today, we offer our respect for their history and culture, and for their wisdom in caring for this place for the generations to come.”

PORPA is a non-profit organization that exists to promote safe and responsible rowing in the Pend Oreille River valley of Idaho and Washington. We base our operations at The Mudhole Campground in Priest River. We have a fleet of six singles, 3 doubles, a four, a quad and two eights.

PORPA rowing in 2025

PORPA celebrated 10 years as a rowing and paddling organization in 2024. We are now gearing up for our second decade of existence and operations.  Join this small, friendly, welcoming group to learn a new water sport, improve your rowing skills and enjoy some fantastic social events!  PORPA owns a fleet of four single rowing shells, two doubles, a quad, a four, and an eight and we can teach or re teach most anyone how to enjoy this lifetime sport!

2025 PORPA Sprints on the Priest River

The Pend Oreille Rowing and Paddling Association (PORPA) announces that the third annual PORPA SPRINTS on the Priest River at the Priest River Recreation Area (Mudhole) will be held on Saturday August 9th 2025. 

Want to learn to row?

PORPA provides opportunities for all levels of experience. We have taught many brand new rowers the sport with our free introduction to rowing courses, consisting of one session to review safety and basic rowing technique on a rowing machines, and two additional sessions (depending on progress) in our stable single or double sculling shells, all in a friendly, personalized atmosphere. Find out more by sending us an email at: [email protected]

PORPA and Long Bridge Swim Association Offer

Free Swim Lessons to Kids!

PORPA has partnered with the Sandpoint Long Bridge Swim Association (LBS) to provide free water safety/swim lessons to kids in the Priest River/Oldtown/Newport area again in 2025.  In 2024, over 100 kids ages 1-15, gained valuable water safety and swimming skills. If you have a child age 1-17 who needs to become more comfortable and capable in the water, find out more about these free water safety and swim lessons at https://www.priestriverswimlessons.com/.

Donations are welcome.

Updated March 5th, 2025