Guest Testimonials

I want to express how genuinely impressed I was by the two day intro to white water kayaking course at Wet Planet. Of all the instructors in all the sports I've received instruction in over my 34 years (including windsurfing, SCUBA, skydiving, sailing, snowboarding, rock climbing, and mountaineering) Jonathan and Christina are the two best that come to mind ... Thanks again, we'll definitely see you soon.

Ezra, Portland, OR

This course is similar to our three-day beginning kayak instruction, only condensed into two days. It is designed for the beginning kayaker who does not have time to commit to three consecutive days and feels comfortable moving at an accelerated pace.

The goal of the course is to provide novice kayakers with the fundamental skills to begin kayaking on Class I and II whitewater. This includes:

• Outfitting a kayak
• Wet exits
• T-rescues, swimming and self-rescue
• Body positioning
• Stroke, edging and bracing techniques
• Reading rivers and hydrology
• Eddy turns, peel-outs and ferrying across the current
• Scouting rapids
• Basic safety precautions
• Paddling through class I-II whitewater

What happens during the Rapid Progression Kayak Course?

The course is based out of our riverside headquarters in the Columbia River Gorge. On the first day, we will introduce students to the equipment necessary for kayaking and assist them with equipment selection and boat fitting. We will then spend time in our private pool learning the basics of safe boat exit and practicing the fundamentals for the Eskimo roll progression. We will also begin exploring edge control and balance through exercises and drills. 

After the pool session, we are off to the lake to work on the basics of kayak handling and maneuvering. We spend time covering different strokes, bracing and the four keys to running rivers.

The second day of the course is spent on one of the rivers of the Columbia River Gorge developing fundamental paddling skills. Progressing from slow moving water to class II whitewater, we will practice basic boat handling, eddy-turns and peel-outs, ferrying, water reading, self-rescue techniques, scouting and safe paddling techniques.  All this in one of the country's top paddling destinations, we won't forget to remind you how incredible it is to be able to kayak through the most spectacular places on earth.  

Our Instructors

At Wet Planet, we believe good instruction is the key to success for new kayakers. We maintain a teacher to student ratio of 1:4, or less, to allow for plenty of individualized attention.  Our instructors conclude the course with a personal summary of your progression over the 2 days, which you can take home. He or she will review skills learned and highlight areas to work on in the future. We will also provide you with resources to continue this incredible sport on your own, including coupons for gear and lists of local clubs and organizations. 

Mostly, we want to share our passion and enthusiasm for whitewater kayaking with you.

Your course includes all equipment necessary (although feel free to bring your own if you have it), lunch and transportation.