What we are grateful for? So many things, as we, each day feel fortunate to do what we do in this beautiful environment and community. But we want to specifically express a HUGE thank you to our entire 2024 team here at Wet Planet, for an incredible season and the outstanding job everyone has done creating such amazing experiences for our guests and each other!
This fun and amazing 2024 season was a result of an exceptional group of professional individuals. We had many returning staff and also welcomed many new faces to Wet Planet. We are so thankful to our year-round office team who worked tirelessly and joyfully to help our guest plan their trips. The always busy base operations team made sure our guests were caffeinated, well fed, and decked out in Wet Planet schwag. And the photographers were always there to capture those once-in-a-lifetime memories. Not to mention our cheerful bus and shuttle drivers who got everyone to the river. And of course, we have to give a big cheer to our trip leaders, guides, and instructors who fulfill our guests’ hopes and dreams, and create these fantastic experiences on the river. Our guest reviews were out of this world. Thank you!!
Learn more about the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes, and put their heart and soul into making the Wet Planet operation run smoothly and create incredible experiences.
Our Base Operations Team
The Wet Planet base – aka world wide Wet Planet headquarters – is the place to be before and after your rafting adventure. Not only do we offer delicious coffee and treats (courtesy of our local partnerships with Randonee Coffee and the White Salmon Bakery), but it is also the place to go for the coolest Wet Planet T-shirts, photos, and other souvenirs. Not to mention a place to find tips on exploring the surrounding area.
Our base team is a crucial part of our operation – the glue that keeps it together – and we are so grateful to have had a killer team this past season. Not only can they sling a tasty coffee, but most of our base crew did double duty by heading out on every raft trip to take photos along the White Salmon River.
Get to know our awesome base staff below:
- Danika Cuchetto
- Moss Moskowitz
- Connor Hayes
- Whitney MacIntyre
- Madalyne Staab
- Alan Richards
- CJ Hays
We also want to give a huge shoutout to our high school and college team members Jade, Julia, Camden, and Cole. The Wet Planet operation seriously would not have run so smoothly this season without the help from each and every one of you! You have made all of our rafters, kayakers, and guides so happy with all the delicious lunches you prepared, and the coffees you made. Deep bows to you!
The Wet Planet Office Team!
They are masters at our daily game of Tetris, and love helping our guests plan their trips. You may be surprised to know just how much dedication goes into getting our rafting trips and kayak courses out on the water. Luckily, we have the A-team when it comes to our office staff. Led by owners Jaco and Todd, and office manager Kali. Our “indoor” team are the people who answer each and every question that comes our way via the phone and emails. They also organize our camps, make sure our multi-day trips have everything they need, and keep our headquarters running like a well-oiled machine. Meet our office staff:
Our Bus Drivers (Klickitat, WS)
While our guides might be the ones getting guests down the river, we couldn’t actually make our trips happen without the help (and skills) of our amazing bus drivers. Huge thank you to our drivers Bill, Skip, and Petra. And a special shoutout to Todd, Steve, and Dave Rhodes – three guys who truly embody the idea of “jack of all trades” by stepping up to drive when needed!
Our Goofy-but-so-pro White Salmon Trip Leaders
Being a trip leader isn’t for everyone and we have the highest respect for these guides! Besides years of guiding experience, they must have a good head on their shoulders, and on a swivel at all times! From welcoming the guests and getting the river adventure started, to managing the guide team and the whole floatilla on the river. These senior guides have the ability to combine a focus on trip logistics and guide team, while navigating our trips down the river. They also connect with our guests and create smiles during these amazing experiences with memories that last a life time. They truly perform magic.
Our amazing group of trip leaders, guides, and kayak instructors are led by our skillful River Operations Manager Steve Merrow, veteran kayak instructor and Kayak School Manager Paul Butler, and Wet Planet co-owner & founder – and general ‘can do all’ Todd Collins, all of whom have been boating and guiding on rivers around the world for decades. Read more about each of our “river commanders” below:
- Thomas Christner
- Marcus Tarzian
- Alex Taylor
- Giani Benevento
- Sydney Lynch
- Durham Jacklin
- Ryan DiNicola
- Ethan Passant
- Denison Weidman
- Dave Rhodes
Special Thanks
A special shoutout goes to a couple crew members who really stood out and made a positive impact this year: White Salmon guide Dalton Klein and whitewater kayak instructor Connor Hayes.
Dalton Klein really stepped it up this season and became a strong leader within our guide team. His high energy, slightly groan-inducing dad jokes, and positive attitude always brought a smile to our guests (and fellow crewmembers).
“We did the full day rafting trip today and it was absolutely stellar. Our guide, Dalton, was the best white water guide I’ve ever had. He was super knowledgeable, kept us safe, and had very funny jokes that I will be retelling forever. Overall, this trip is a must do! Thanks Wet Planet for an amazing day!”
Elizabeth Gaston
While Connor Hayes may have started his first year at Wet Planet as a kayak instructor, by the end he had added photographer, barista, zipliner, and resident sage to his list of jobs. And we couldn’t be more grateful for his flexibility, ability to step up when necessary, and desire to learn many different parts of the business. While we understand that Connor has a lot going on next year (like graduating with a degree in political science and environmental studies) we really hope he will make the journey back to Wet Planet come summer of 2025.
Last but not least – our awesome women guides and strong leaders on the river for Wet Planet. You are amazing and role models for all.
Thank you again to our wonderful 2024 staff. Each and everyone of you was amazing, we couldn’t have made the season happen without you! This season was full of so many amazing highs – from epic multi-day trips in Idaho and Oregon, to incredible adventures on the Klickitat, Wind, Hood, and White Salmon Rivers, to our amazing kayak courses and camps. Cheers to each and every one of you.
During the 2024 season, we went from a group of individual strangers to becoming a lifelong team of friends and family.
We miss your faces already and cannot wait to see y’all return in the spring, hear stories about your winter shenanigans, and create new memories next season!
Want to join our team for a fun season, and make working in the outdoor industry a fun life goal and professional career? Many people do! Check out our Employment Opportunities page and apply now!
