At Wet Planet, our guides don’t just hang up their paddles when the season ends. While some of our staff head for the mountains to chase snow, others follow the sun south to more whitewater in different corners of the world. Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, or paddling on new rivers, our team stays active and adventurous year-round.
This winter, Dylan Benson, one of our dedicated raft guides and kayak instructors, headed south Patagonia, Chile, where he’s been leading students on backcountry expeditions, instructing on world-class rivers, and stepping into new leadership roles on and off the water.
Leading the Next Generation of Outdoor Adventurers
Dylan has been managing the Patagonia Exchange Gap Program for Alzar School, an Idaho-based educational organization that provides leadership development through outdoor adventure and cultural exchange. Over the course of three months, Dylan and his team take students deep into Southern Patagonia’s rivers and mountains, immersing them in both the wild landscapes and the local culture.
The program is designed to build leadership skills, foster independence, and give students an unforgettable adventure—all things Dylan is passionate about. “I love working this program and seeing the students grow while also getting to share the magic of Chile with them,” Dylan says.
Beyond leading expeditions, Dylan plays a key role in developing students’ technical paddling skills and outdoor leadership, serving as a lead kayak instructor and assisting the kayak school manager in overseeing all instruction and logistics.
Stepping Up as a Trip Leader
Once the Alzar program wraps up, Dylan’s off-season adventure doesn’t stop there. He transitions into another incredible role: safety kayaker on the world-renowned Futaleufú River.
The Futaleufú, or “Futa” as it’s known to paddlers, is a high-volume, glacial-fed river famous for its intense rapids, striking turquoise waters, and stunning canyon walls. Dylan spends his days running two trips daily, ensuring paddlers stay safe as they navigate the powerful whitewater.
Beyond his safety kayaking responsibilities, Dylan is also stepping into the role of Trip Leader this upcoming season at Wet Planet. His experience leading groups on the Main Salmon River and his deep expertise in paddling instruction make him a natural fit for this leadership position. Whether running multi-day expeditions or guiding paddlers through challenging whitewater, Dylan brings both skill and enthusiasm to every trip.
Bringing It All Back to Wet Planet
Spending a season on the rivers of Patagonia isn’t just about adventure—it’s an opportunity to grow as a guide, a leader, and a paddler. Dylan’s experiences mentoring students, managing high-stakes safety scenarios, and leading complex river trips will only add to his expertise when he returns to the White Salmon River this spring.
We’re lucky to have Dylan on our team, and we can’t wait for him to bring back new stories, fresh skills, and plenty of stoke for another incredible season at Wet Planet!
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes looks at what our guides get up to in the off-season. And if you want to paddle alongside Dylan this year, book your next Wet Planet adventure today!
