The Whitewater Center in the Gorge: 1 to multi-day kayak instruction for beginners to advanced, including a summer kids program. Our White Salmon riverside headquarters offers a kayak rolling pool, camping & steaming espresso. ACA/BCU certified instructors.
Classes, Camps and Trips:
Daily Kayak Courses:
2-Day Beginner Kayak Instruction – This course is similar to our three-day beginning kayak instruction, just fit into two days. It is designed for the beginning kayaker who does not have time to commit to three 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. Dates: Courses begin every Tuesday & Thursday June - September.
3-Day Beginner Kayak Instruction – This three-day whitewater kayak instruction course is designed to introduce beginner paddlers to the sport of white water kayaking. The goal of this course is to provide novice kayakers with a solid foundation of basic kayaking skills necessary to begin kayaking in Class I and II whitewater. Dates: Courses begin every Tuesday & Thursday June - September.
Intermediate Kayak Instruction – This course is designed for the kayaker who already has basic whitewater kayaking skills and wants to improve his or her technique or develop new skills. From refining stroke technique to mastering new freestyle moves, our instructors will work closely with each student to help them meet their goals. Dates: Varies April - September
Custom/Private Kayak Instruction – From a beginner to an experienced kayaker our instructors have the experience to cover it all, from explaining the theory behind the most basic strokes, to breaking down the movements behind the latest play moves. The individual attention available in our private instruction is the perfect way to improve your technique or master new moves. Dates: Custom based on participants availability
Pool Session – We offer two hour pool sessions designed to refine basic whitewater kayaking skills. You can finally master the roll you have been struggling with, improve your technique, or just regain your confidence before heading out onto the river. Dates: February 19th, March 12th, April 16th, daily May - September.
Clinics for Paddlers:
Creeking Clinic – This one-day clinic is designed specifically for intermediate/advanced paddlers who have the desire to work on their creeking skills in order to begin enjoying many of the amazing Pacific Northwest creek runs. Paddling in a supportive environment, we will focus on the skills necessary to get you and your paddling companions down technical whitewater runs. This clinic is designed to build your boating confidence and skills, allowing you to make wise boating decisions when out on the water. Dates: March 6th, March 27th, May 9th
Boofing Clinic – Running challenging drops, especially the style of whitewater that is common in the creeks of the Pacific Northwest, is all about your ability to keep your bow up and keep your boat on the surface at all times. In this clinic, we will focus on the techniques necessary to stick your boof every time: stroke placement, timing, body positioning, lateral momentum, edge transitions, and smooth and fast landings. August 7th
Women’s Kayaking Series – In a testosterone dominant sport, such as whitewater kayaking, we tend to forget our feminine side. This progression based series is designed for women to relax, paddle in pink, and have a fun-filled day on the river with just the gals! Dates: May 22nd, June 12th, July 17th, August 21st, September 18th
One Day River Rescue for Paddlers – The course is designed for private whitewater kayakers. We will begin by discussing basic rescue concepts, group organization, and gear. The course will then move through basic rescue techniques, such as aggressive swimming, boat towing, throw ropes, and simple rope systems (including knots, anchors, and mechanical advantage) in order to perform rescues on swimmers, entrapped victims, and pinned boats. Dates: March 5th, March 26th, May 7th
Swiftwater Rescue Course – This swift water rescue course meets the Forest Service and Washington State requirements for river rescue certification required of whitewater guides in the Columbia River Gorge. Typical topics for the course include: rescue gear and preparation, rescue organization, practice with rescue ropes, whitewater swimming, strong swimmer rescues, shallow water diving and wading, victim stabilization, boat retrieval, ropes systems, mechanical advantage systems, and strainer management. These rescue skills are practiced and refined during a series of realistic river scenarios. Dates: April 15th-17th; May 20th-22nd; June 10th-12th; Sept. 23rd-25th
Raft Guide School – This 8 day course geared toward introduction into guiding, learning the fundamentals of hydrology, river terminology, and water reading and acquiring the technical skills required to maneuver rafts on a whitewater river. Adding the element and dynamic of a multiday rafting trip on the Owyhee River to the guide school curriculum creates a very well rounded program, preparing participants for any guiding job or personal trips. Dates: April 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 28th, 29th, 30th & May 1st. (8 day course)
Kid's Kayak Course:
Kid’s Kayak Progression Series – The goal is to provide a fun, educational foundation for a child’s kayaking future. Each month (January - June) we will focus on a skill or technique used in kayaking while participating in a fun, action packed game! Dates: February 19th, March 12th, April 23rd, May TBD, June TBD
Kid’s Summer Kayak Camp – It is our goal in this program, to encourage each child to continue playing in the outdoors and practicing their paddling skills long after our camp has ended. Each day we 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 that will be worked on throughout the camp. Dates: August 9th - 12th
Multi-Day Kayak Courses:
6-Day Rogue River Kayak Instruction Course – With spectacular scenery, comfortable camping and gourmet meals, the Rogue River Multi-Day Kayak Instruction Course often results in rapid skill progression and increased confidence for the intermediate kayaker. Eventually progressing to class III rapids, the Rogue River begins with whitewater perfect for practicing skills and refining technique. Dates: June 22nd-27th, July 13th-18th, August 3rd-8th, August 15th-20th
5-Day Salmon River Kayak Instruction Course – This incredible wilderness stretch of river is a great place for beginner and intermediate kayakers to develop both river running and play-boating skills. Over the course of 5 days and 53 miles, the Wet Planet instructors will constantly be at hand to both support you in the whitewater and to help you improve your skills. Dates: August 8th-12th
12-Day Peru Kayak Expedition – The ultimate kayak expedition includes highlights such as going through the deepest canyon on earth, hiking past 400 foot Sepia Falls while donkeys carry your gear, sight seeing and resting in the Colonial city of Arequipa and Cuzco and the option to conclude your visit Machu Picchu! Dates: October 2nd - 14th
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