$495
Kids’ Summer Kayak Camps
Get your kids on the river in a kayak this summer!Overview
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Ages: Ages 9+ (See specific level for age ranges)
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Includes: Lunch and all equipment
The Columbia Gorge is home to many different water sports: kiteboarding, windsurfing, whitewater kayaking, and rafting. At Wet Planet, we believe a child’s development is enhanced with exposure to various sports at a young age. In line with our philosophy of sharing our passion for river running with our guests, we have developed 4-day kids’ kayaking camps that will help build paddling skills, confidence, and an appreciation for the beautiful area we live in.
Let us help your kids learn invaluable knowledge necessary to play safely in the river environment!
These 4-day kids programs are designed around the sport of whitewater kayaking. Each day we will review and progress whitewater kayaking skills, focusing on “river safety” and using fun and interactive games to develop paddling skills and confidence.
We’ll also work hard to challenge the students’ creativity, both on and off the water, with engaging projects throughout the camp. Our goal in this program is to encourage each child to play outdoors and practice their paddling skills long after our camp has ended. Some of the world’s best paddlers, who live right here in the Gorge, will tell you that continuity, repetition, and persistence are the best way to develop solid skills and good paddling habits. Although we may focus on paddling, there will still be plenty of time for everyone to create good friendships. This connection is what rivers do for all of us.
Wet Planet’s Unique Facilities and Outdoor Setting
At Wet Planet, we have the unique opportunity to utilize our private outdoor pool for instruction. Located right on the Wet Planet property, the pool is the perfect place for a comfortable introduction to whitewater kayaking. In addition, our facilities are located on 4 acres of river- and creek-side property right along the White Salmon River. Our location makes for the perfect outdoor classroom!
Wet Planet Kayaking Instructors for our Youth Program
Our professional instructors love what they do, have a passion for running rivers, and love getting younger paddlers hooked on their favorite sport. We work with kids during our youth kayak program and other well-known camps and youth groups. Our lead instructors are certified by the American Canoe Association or BCU, have First Aid and CPR or Wilderness First Responder training, and are River Rescue certified.
Level 1
Level 1 Kids Summer Kayaking Camp
Level 1 camp is for children ages 9-12 who are brand new to the sport or are still becoming “comfortable” in a kayak on the water. Our instructors take extra care not to let the skills or experience of others disrupt a child’s learning experience. We strive to have every child leave camp prepared with new skills and knowledge, and excited to be on the water more.
- Ages: 9-12
- Prerequisite: Good health and a positive attitude!
Sample of a Day’s Schedule:
9 AM: Drop-off at Wet Planet
9:30 – 3:00: Head to the Klickitat River to kayak and have a blast!
3:30 – 4:00: Project Time (example: tie-dye shirts to remember their fun times at camp)
4:00 PM: Pick-up at Wet Planet
On the last day of camp, we will close with a celebratory awards ceremony. All parents are welcome to join us for awards!
Level 2
Level 2 Kids Summer Kayaking Camp
Level 2 camp is for children ages 10-13 who have previously taken a Wet Planet Kids Camp and want to take it to the next level! This is a chance for your kids to refresh the skills they’ve learned, advance their progression, and maximize their time on the river. We strive to have every child leave camp prepared with increased confidence, new skills and knowledge, and excited to be on the water in a kayak.
- Ages: 10-13
- Prerequisite: Have previously taken a Wet Planet Kids’ Camp
Sample of a Day’s Schedule:
9 AM: Drop-off at Wet Planet
9:30 – 3:00: Head to the Klickitat River to kayak and have a blast!
3:30 – 4:00: Project Time (example: tie-dye shirts to remember their fun times at camp)
4:00 PM: Pick-up at Wet Planet
On the last day of camp, we will close with a celebratory awards ceremony. All parents are welcome to join us for awards!
What’s the difference between Level 1 and Level 2?
Kids who have already taken Level 1 will have a foundation and increased comfort level in a kayak and on the water. We want these kids to be able to push themselves and progress, so we have designed a Level 2 curriculum that allows these students to refresh the skills they have learned previously and spend more time on the water applying and refining their skills. They will be able to challenge themselves in Class I-II whitewater while retaining an emphasis on learning through fun and play.
Level 3
Level 3 Kids Summer Kayaking Camp
Level 3 camp is for children ages 11-14 who have previously taken a Level 2 Kids Camp and want to take it to the next level! These kids are stoked about kayaking, feel comfortable in Level 2, and are ready to step it up. This is a chance for your kids to refresh the skills they’ve learned, advance their progression, and maximize their time on the river. We strive to have every child leave camp prepared with increased confidence, new skills and knowledge, and excited to be on the water in a kayak.
- Ages: 11-14
- Prerequisites: Have previously taken Level 2 Kids Camp. They must be comfortable paddling with a spray skirt on.
Sample of a Day’s Schedule:
9 AM: Drop-off at Wet Planet
9:30 – 3:00: Head to the Klickitat River to kayak and have a blast!
3:30 – 4:00: Project Time (example: tie-dye shirts to remember their fun times at camp)
4:00 PM: Pick-up at Wet Planet
On the last day of camp, we will close with a celebratory awards ceremony. All parents are welcome to join us for awards!
What’s the difference between Level 2 and Level 3?
For kids who have already taken Level 2 and feel comfortable in a hardshell kayak on Class I/II whitewater, our Level 3 curriculum will allow kids to hone their kayaking skills and step it up to more challenging sections of whitewater, such as the Lower White Salmon. Level 3 kids are on their way to making kayaking a lifelong passion.
- NOTE: If your child took Level 2 but is still nervous about paddling with a spray skirt, they should retake Level 2
Age Limits & Prerequisites
Course Requirements:
- Level 1: Good health and a positive attitude!
- Level 2: Have previously taken a Wet Planet Kids Camp
- Level 3: Have previously taken Level 2 Kids Camp. Must be comfortable paddling with a spray skirt on
Ages:
- Level 1: 9-12
- Level 2: 10-13
- Level 3: 11-14
What’s the difference between Level 1 and Level 2?
Kids who have already taken Level 1 will have a foundation and increased comfort level in a kayak and on the water. We want these kids to be able to push themselves and progress, so we have designed a Level 2 curriculum that allows these students to refresh the skills they have learned previously and spend more time on the water applying and refining their skills. They will be able to challenge themselves in Class I-II whitewater while retaining an emphasis on learning through fun and play.
What’s the difference between Level 2 and Level 3?
For kids who have already taken Level 2 and feel comfortable in a hardshell kayak on Class I/II whitewater, our Level 3 curriculum will allow kids to hone their kayaking skills and step it up to more challenging sections of whitewater, such as the Lower White Salmon. Level 3 kids are on their way to making kayaking a lifelong passion.
- NOTE: If your child took Level 2 but is still nervous to paddle with a spray skirt on, they should retake Level 2
Can my child repeat the same level they did before?
Yes, and sometimes they should! It’s not uncommon for kids to retake the same level they took the year before. Here are a few reasons to repeat a camp:
- A younger sibling or friend is taking the camp
- It works best for your family’s schedule
- Your child was extremely nervous or apprehensive in last year’s camp and is still getting comfortable on the water
The beauty of the rivers we paddle on is that we can challenge the more advanced kids with new strokes and maneuvers while still having an appropriate playground for those who are getting the hang of the basics. No matter which level camp your child takes, they will have a blast!
Dates & Pricing
2023 Youth Summer Kayaking Camps
All camps are 4-day camps running Tuesday through Friday.
Level 1
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Level 2
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Level 3
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Pricing:
All camps cost $495/person + tax. This cost includes all of the gear needed: wetsuit, footwear, splash jacket, fleece if needed, personal flotation jacket, spray skirt, helmet, kid-sized kayak, paddle, and lunch each day of the camp. The only thing kids need to bring is a bathing suit or something to wear under a wetsuit.
TRIP REVIEW
“Kids Kayak camp is amazing – My two daughters ages 9 and 12 attended the kids kayak camp this summer and they absolutely loved it. They both repeatedly said that it was the best summer camp that they have ever attended. They attended that beginner camp and had no previous kayaking experience. Their instructors Jair, Mikey, Naomi, and Haley were absolutely wonderful. They were fun, knowledgeable and wonderful with kids”
- Journey537558Read Full Review:
TRIP PHOTOS
