Guest Testimonials

Hello Jaco, I spoke with the KINK fm group and they had so much fun and just went on and on about how wonderful you and your staff were. I want to thank you for taking such good care of them. I will happily send you more business!

Teresa Ellifritz, Sales & Marketing Director Columbia Gorge Hotel

At Wet Planet we have an amazing wealth of river experience. Our guides, instructors, and staff have lived and worked in river communities all over the United States and world. From ½ day commercial trips to remote multi-week expeditions, our passion for river travel and the whitewater industry has generated experience as both guides and educators. We love being on the river, and love sharing our river experience with future guides and river travelers.

Wet Planet Whitewater Guide School

Objective:

- To gain an introduction to raft guiding on class III-IV whitewater, with a focus on paddle rafting guiding (we have the option to row as well).
- To begin developing solid judgment in the whitewater river environment.
- To meet Washington State guiding requirements: 50+ hours of training, as well as first aid and CPR training and certification.
- To achieve a positive and rewarding introduction and immersion into the world of whitewater raft guiding and the community we live, work, and play in.

Who is the course for?

For those who wish to seek employment in the river industry and for those who wish to learn the skills needed to captain/guide their own raft.

Course Curriculum:

- Fundamentals of hydrology, river terminology, and water reading
- Technical skills required to maneuver rafts on a whitewater river
- River safety and communication
- River etiquette
- Basic rescue training including rapid swimming, raft flipping, and throw ropes
- Guest service, logistics, and dynamics of a commercial (or private) river trip
- Equipment and gear care and maintenance
- Risk Management
- First aid/CPR training

Rivers Utilized for Training: (depending upon water level)

- White Salmon River
- Klickitat River
- Hood River
- Wind River (depending upon attained skill level)

Price:

$500 Included: All instruction and course material, lunch each day, any gear and equipment needed, shuttle to each river, First Aid and CPR training is offered optionally during the guide school, and there is an additional $40 fee.

What to Bring:

Be prepared to be in the river in cold, wet weather. We recommend a dry-suit for maximum comfort. If you don’t have your own gear, we can provide wet-suits, splash jackets, and booties.

Location:

All weekends classes will be based out of the Wet Planet headquarters. You are welcome to pitch a tent and use the facilities. All transportation to and from rivers will be taken care of by Wet Planet.

Employment at Wet Planet:

Employment at Wet Planet after successful completion of the course is not guaranteed. Employment with Wet Planet depends upon attained skill level, personal dedication and the company's needs. For those wishing to work in the whitewater industry after the course, we will help you determine appropriate rivers. Please realize that not everyone develops the skills needed to guide a raft in their first season. School graduates may be invited to continue training with Wet Planet on our regular commercial trips, until both you and Wet Planet feel you have sufficient technical skills and are ready to carry the responsibility of guiding a raft commercially.

Other recommended training at Wet Planet, following the Guide School:

Swift Water Rescue training (WRT certification by Rescue3) – Highly recommended for graduates of the guide school.

Normal price: $325. Guide School graduates pay only $275.
Click for more info.

Headwaters Institute Seminar

An educational Seminar for the White Salmon Guide community with a focus on the river’s natural history and topics concerning the upcoming removal of the Condit Dam.

Highly recommended for guides or anyone who has an interest in paddling on the White Salmon River.