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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Now Viewing: Beginner Kayak Courses

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  • A woman smiles while kayaking on a beginner river kayaking course.

    This three-day beginner kayak course is designed to introduce beginner paddlers to the sport of white water river kayaking.


    3 Days May - Sept
    • h

      Difficulty: No experience necessary!

    • h
      Includes: Lunch and all equipment
    Learn More Reserve Now

    Price: $445

    This 3-day whitewater kayak instruction course is designed to introduce beginner paddlers to the sport of whitewater kayaking. Our goal is to provide beginner kayakers with a solid foundation of basic kayaking skills necessary to kayak in Class I and II whitewater, with the option to run your first Class III rapid at the end of the third day.

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  • A kayaking student smiles while running a rapid on a beginner river kayaking course.

    This 2-day beginner kayak course is designed for the beginning kayaker who does not have time to commit to 3 consecutive days and feels comfortable moving at an accelerated pace.


    2 Days May - Sept
    • h

      Difficulty: No experience necessary!

    • h
      Includes: Lunch and all equipment
    Learn More Reserve Now

    Price: $335

    This course is the first two days of our 3-day Beginning Kayak instruction. The goal of the course is to provide first-time kayakers with the fundamental skills to begin kayaking on Class I and II whitewater.

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  • An instructor leads two kayakers through a rapid on a beginner refresher kayak course.

    The next step after the 2- or 3-day Beginner Kayaking Course. Refresh on the basics and keep practicing with professional instructors.


    1 day May - Sept
    • h

      Difficulty: Beginner Level II

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      Includes: lunch & all equipment

    Learn More Reserve Now

    $140 Mon-Fri,
    $170 Sat-Sun

    A one-day kayak refresher is the perfect way to practice the fundamentals of kayaking before jumping back into the river on your own. This course is for students who have been introduced to basic skills of whitewater kayaking but want to keep practicing to get comfortable in class II. This refresher course typically joins the 3rd day of a beginner kayak course. Weekend courses are separate from the beginner kayak courses.

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  • A woman leads a group of kayakers on a sit on top trip.

    If you just want to try whitewater kayaking and have fun on the river for a day while following the lines of Wet Planet's experienced and entertaining guides through the rapids, this is your trip.


    1 day May - Sept
    • h

      Ages: 10+

    • h

      Difficulty: No experience necessary!

    • h

      Includes: lunch & all equipment

    Learn More Call to Reserve

    Groups of 6+: $165
    Groups of 1-5: $235-$295

    This guided trip on the Wild & Scenic section of the Lower Klickitat River includes mostly class II whitewater with a fun class III rapid known as Ishy Pishy, creating a grand finale at the end of the day. It’s perfect for families, youth groups, and anyone interested in learning whitewater kayaking but not yet ready to take a 2-day beginner kayaking course.

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