The Wet Planet Whitewater Kayak School: Just Outside of Portland, Oregon

Surrounded by whitewater rivers rated class I – class V, Wet Planet is located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, just over an hour from Portland, Oregon.  Based on the White Salmon River, a Northwest classic, we offer the essential kayak instruction needed to learn how to kayak and improve your existing whitewater kayaking skills.

Wet Planet is one of Washington and Oregon’s premiere kayaking schools.

We combine world class kayaking instructors with low student to instructor ratios, comfortable riverside facilities (including dedicated rolling pool and classroom space), an incredible variety of rivers, and well developed curriculum to provide industry leading whitewater kayak instruction for all levels. Wet Planet is your destination for whitewater kayak lessons in Washington and Oregon.

Essential Kayak Courses and Clinics for Beginners and Advanced Students

Are you new to whitewater kayaking and looking for a beginner kayak course? Looking for kayak lessons close to Portland, Oregon?

Our 2 and 3 day beginner kayak lessons are taught by industry experts and teaching professionals. Using different learning methods and years of teaching experience, our instructors help more students become kayakers.

Interested in improving your skills with private kayak instruction?

With a personal instructor, the day is all about you. A private kayak instruction session allows instructors to hone in on your specific needs, helping you rapidly evolve your skill level. Both beginners and advanced whitewater kayakers benefit from the expertise of our experienced teaching staff.

Are you looking to practice your roll with a pool session?

Shaded under a canopy of trees and sitting next to a small creek, our private pool makes for a comfortable and convenient learning environment. Learn to roll or brush up on your foundation skill set.

Why Learn to Kayak at Wet Planet?

Our instructors will work with you to improve your paddling skills. At Wet Planet, we recognize that not all of our students learn the same way and at the same pace. For that reason, our world-class instructors utilize a variety of different techniques to insure the greatest opportunity for success. Creativity meets experience.

Our low student to instructor ratio (no more than 4:1) on all of our Oregon and Washington kayaking lessons will provide you individualized instruction, whether in a group or private lesson. Check out our Kayak Instructor Staff bios for a better idea of our experience and passion for the sport.

The goal for all of our kayak instruction is to teach paddlers to kayak safely with good judgment, while having a great time out on the river. During all courses at the Wet Planet kayaking school, we focus on river reading, self-rescue, and safe paddling techniques, in addition to technical paddling skills.

Check out the different classes, or call our office daily to discuss which course fits your needs best. Reservations can be made online or by phone.

Join the Wet Planet Family of kayaking enthusiasts and see the world through the eyes of your boat.

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  • A group of kayakers gathers below a large rapid on the Main Salmon River multi-day kayak trip.

    A 6-day kayak adventure with rafts hauling all of your food and gear.


    6 DAYS | 80 MILES August 17-22, 2025
    • all ages icon

      Ages: 12+

    • beginner rapid class icon

      Difficulty: Class III

    • meal provided icon
      Includes: All meals and group camping gear
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    Starting at $2,295

    Join the Wet Planet Kayaking instructors for a multi-day kayaking journey down the Main Salmon River in Idaho. Over the course of six days and 80 miles, Wet Planet instructors will work with you to improve your skills and provide constant support. Rafts assist the trip by carrying all personal gear, food, and camping equipment, allowing you to focus on the incredible experience of an Idaho multi-day kayaking course.

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  • An instructor helps a student with their kayak roll during a pool session.

    Develop the fundamentals of the kayak roll, or improve on the roll you already have, in our private, on-site pool with coaching from our professional instructors.


    2 hours May-September
    • all ages icon

      Ages: 13+

    • beginner rapid class icon

      Includes: All necessary equipment

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    $95 (Private)
    $55 (Semi-Private)

    We offer two-hour sessions tailored to your specific goals. Our students find pool sessions to help:

    • Master the roll
    • Increase comfort with being upside down in a kayak
    • Improve specific stroke technique
    • Increase boat awareness and ability to maintain edges
    • Regain confidence before heading out to the river
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  • A kayaker follows his instructor through a rapid on a Washington river kayak instruction course.

    Maximize your time on the river. Working with your instructor one-on-one, you can paddle at your own pace and choose what you want to focus on during your day(s) of instruction.


    1 or more days April - Sept
    • beginner rapid class icon

      Previous kayaking experience required

    • meal provided icon

      Includes: Lunch and all equipment

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    $235 – $295

    Working with your instructor, you can paddle at your own pace and choose what you want to focus on during your day(s) of instruction. In many ways, you are designing your own time on the river! This one-on-one attention allows you to challenge yourself and your skills while feeling secure. Plus, our professional instructors are enthusiastic, highly skilled, and a blast to be around.

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  • An instructor stands in the water and holds a student practicing a kayak roll during an ACA kayak instructor course.

    A hands-on, dynamic, kayak instructor certification course through the American Canoe Association.


    5 Days (New Certification) or 2 Days (Recertification) April
    • 18 and older icon

      Ages: 18+

    • warning icon

      Difficulty: Class III Kayaking Skills Required

    • beginner rapid class icon

      Certification: Whitewater kayak instructor certification through the American Canoe Association

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    $625 / $300

    The ACA Kayak Instructor Course is for whitewater kayakers interested in working as professional kayak instructors or simply developing proficiency in kayak teaching techniques. This instructor training course leads to certification as a whitewater kayak instructor by the American Canoe Association.

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