Guest Testimonials

Last summer I enrolled my two granddaughters, 9 and 10, in Wet Planet's Kids' Kayak Course. They loved it! The instructors, Jonathan and Heather, were great with the kids. They had patience, and did a great job getting the girls comfortable with the kayaks by playing games in the pool for the whole first day. They kept the girls safe, kept them entertained, and had a wonderful time with them. By the time the girls got to the river, they were ready for it. I would definitely recommend Wet Planet for anyone looking to get their children into an outdoor sport ... They want to come back and do the kids' course again next summer!

Ruth Dye, Underwood, WA

Get Your Kids On the River in a Kayak this Summer | Monthly Kayak Series Info

The Columbia Gorge is home to many different water sports: kite boarding, windsurfing, whitewater kayaking, and rafting. At Wet Planet, we believe a child's development is enhanced with exposure to a variety of sports at a young age.  In line with our philosophy of sharing our passion for river running with our guests, we have developed a 4-day kids' kayaking camp that will help build paddling skills, confidence, and an appreciation for the beautiful area we live in.

Take advantage of the Wet Planet Kids Kayak Camp, and let us help your kids learn invaluable knowledge necessary to playing safely in the river environment!

This 4-day kids program is designed around the sport of whitewater kayaking. Each day we will review and progress whitewater kayaking skills, focusing on "river safety" and using fun and interactive games to develop paddling skills and confidence.

We'll also work hard to challenge the students creativity, both on and off the water, with cool projects throughout the camp. It is our goal in this program to encourage each child to playing in the outdoors and practicing their paddling skills long after our camp has ended. As some of the world’s best paddlers – who live right here in the gorge – will tell you: continuity, repetition and persistence are the best way to develop solid skills and good paddling habits. Although we may focus on paddling, there will still be plenty of time for everyone to develop good friendships. It is what rivers tend to do for all of us.

Wet Planet’s Unique Facilities and Outdoor Setting
At Wet Planet we have the unique opportunity to utilize our own private outdoor pool for our instruction. Located right on the Wet Planet property, the pool is the perfect place for a comfortable introduction to whitewater kayaking. In addition, our facilities are located on 4 acres of river and creek side property right along the White Salmon River.  Our location makes for the perfect outdoor classroom!

Who is the class for?
This camp is for children brand new to the sport or those who are still becoming “comfortable” in a kayak on the water. Our instructors take extra care to not let the skills or experience of others disrupt a child's learning experience.  We strive to have every child leave camp prepared with new skills and knowledge, and excited to be on the water more.  

Ages Groups:
- Ages 9-11
- Ages 12-15

Sample of a Day's Schedule:
9 am – meet at Wet Planet
9.30 – 11.30 am Morning Kayak Session
12.00 – 12.45 pm Lunch and Free Time at Wet Planet
1.00 – 3.00 pm Afternoon Kayak or Pool Session
3.15 – 4.00 pm Project Time (example: work on writing a blog for their camp experiences)
4.00 pm Departure

During the camp, we will reserve time to experience other river crafts, such as rafts and stand-up-paddle boards. On the last day of camp, we will close with a celebratory lunch and awards ceremony. All parents are welcome to join us for the luncheon!

Kayak Camp Project:
The students will be given the opportunity and responsibility to work on the following project:
- Create and upkeep an internet blog in which they can show all their friends what they have done and learned that day, with pictures and descriptions in their own words. Wet Planet guides and instructors who have maintained blogs while travelling with their kayaks will assist the students with this project.

Wet Planet Kayaking Instructors for our Youth Program.
All of our instructors love what they do, have a passion for running rivers, and love getting younger paddlers hooked on their favorite sport.  We work with kids during our winter kayak camp, as well as other camps and youth groups.  

Experience ……
Our professional instructors are certified by the American Canoe Association or BCU, have First Aid / CPR or Wilderness First Responder training, and are Whitewater Rescue Technician certified.