Kirk Larsen

Kirk Larsen joins Wet Planet as an incredibly seasoned and skilled river guide with over two decades of experience. He grew up deeply rooted in the picturesque landscapes of New England. His journey began as a young explorer, navigating the pristine rivers and lakes and mountains of his home, where he developed a profound appreciation for the natural world. Inspired by the beauty of his surroundings, Kirk embarked on a lifelong adventure, seeking out new rivers to conquer and new horizons to explore.

Kirk’s resume is impressive and littered with dozens of rivers all around the world. Throughout his robust career, Kirk has led expeditions in the canyons of Colorado’s mighty rivers, guided the best whitewater in California, Idaho, West Virginia, and explored the deep river valleys of and culture in Japan, New Zealand, and Norway. During his time guiding, Kirk has always sought out opportunities to share these remarkable places with guests and guides alike. We are thrilled that Wet Planet and the White Salmon, Owyhee, and Main Salmon Rivers are Kirk’s next great adventure.

In addition to his guiding prowess, Kirk is also a skilled craftsman, having honed his skills in traditional wooden boat building at the prestigious Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building in Port Townsend, Washington. There, amidst the scent of freshly hewn timber and the sound of ringing saws, Kirk learned the art of crafting boats with his own hands, instilling in him a deep respect for the timeless traditions of craftsmanship and a reverence for the natural materials from which his boats are made. Drawing inspiration from his New England roots, Kirk brings a unique blend of expertise and a spirit of adventure to his work. Whether he’s navigating treacherous rapids, crafting boats from scratch, or sharing stories of his adventures with fellow explorers, Kirk’s commitment to excellence and his unwavering passion for the outdoors shine through in everything he does.