Paul Butler
Our Kayak School Manager since 2022, Paul traded a corporate accounting career for a van and a paddle, and we haven’t let him leave since. With over 25 years of experience across the Southeast, the Rockies, and the PNW, Paul holds an ACA Level 4 certification and is an RRC Pro. Whether he’s wrangling our instructor team or teaching an advanced clinic, Paul’s mission is to keep you out of the office and on the water. When he isn’t on the White Salmon, he’s likely mountain biking in Colorado or hiking the PCT.
Ella Suduth
Ella joins us from the Northeast with a wealth of experience in both kayak instruction and guiding. From serving as President of the UVM Kayak Club to leading programs for new paddlers, they are dedicated to making whitewater more inclusive and accessible. Ella is also a talented filmmaker who loves capturing the magic of adventure. Ella is passionate about meaningful river experiences and sustainability, and is always ready to share their technical knowledge (or a great story) with their students on the White Salmon River.
Luke Lubchenco
Luke believes that the bow of a kayak should be pointed towards inspiring landscapes. Originally finding his footing in the sport at age 11, Luke credits kayaking with helping him navigate the challenges of youth and discover a deeper connection to himself and the world.
With a BA in sociology and a background as a Mental Health Advocate and Life Coach, Luke brings a unique, holistic perspective to the river. He is an ACA Level 4 Kayak Instructor and holds certifications in Swiftwater Rescue and Wilderness First Response. For Luke, the river is more than just a place to paddle; it’s a space for transformative conversation, personal growth, and building resilience. When he isn’t on the river, you’ll likely find him immersed in a book or exploring new ways to foster human connection.
Toto Silva
Joining Wet Planet in 2024, Ernesto “Toto” Silva brings a global perspective and a deep-rooted passion for whitewater to our team. Originally from the river mecca of Pucón, Chile, Toto earned a degree in adventure tourism before embarking on a guiding career that has spanned the Trancura in Chile to the technical Six Mile Creek in Alaska. With experience across South America, Mexico, Italy, and the American West, Toto’s coaching philosophy is simple: prioritize the guest experience and foster a genuine love for the sport. He believes that when you’re having fun and trust your team, the skills follow naturally. Whether he’s dreaming of his next multi-day expedition in Nepal or navigating Washington’s White Salmon River, Toto’s mission is to make every day on the water an unforgettable adventure.
Whitney Mclntyre
Whitney joins the team with the belief that the river is a powerful space for connection and growth. With a background in Education and experience working as a safety kayaker and raft guide on the Payette, Whitney brings a calm, determined presence and wealth of adaptability to the Wet Planet team. She views her role as more than just a instructor; she is dedicated to increasing accessibility to outdoor spaces and fostering environmental responsibility through safe, fun, and educational experiences. Whether she’s drawing on her background as a swim instructor to coach new paddlers or utilizing her communication skills to lead a team through a technical rapid, Whitney is focused on ensuring every guest feels confident and connected to the water.
Connor Hayes
A third-generation paddler, Connor’s love for the water started on Seneca Lake and hasn’t slowed down since. Connor joined the Wet Planet team in 2024 with a great resume of Northeast runs under his belt, from the New Haven Ledges to the Beaver. With a background in environmental advocacy and years of experience as a kayak instructor and leadership coordinator, Connor brings a perfect blend of technical expertise and a deep respect for the river ecosystems he calls home.
Lauren Chapplee
A Colorado native with a degree in Education, Lauren is just as comfortable teaching in a river eddy as she is in a snowy backcountry hut. She’s been river guiding since 2018—navigating everything from the Grand Canyon to technical creeks—and joined Wet Planet in 2025 as an ACA-certified instructor. Whether she’s coaching your first combat roll or guiding you down the White Salmon, Lauren’s focus is on building your confidence and sharing the contagious stoke of a day on the water.
Peter Frazer
Originally from Georgia, Pete traded ranch life in Montana for the river in 2018 and hasn’t looked back. From the technical creeks of Ecuador to the legendary Gauley, Pete’s “off-season” is spent as a ski instructor at the Yellowstone Club. He lives for the “mission”—the kind of river day that involves a bit of suffering, a great crew, and a lot of stoke. Whether he’s helping you nail your first roll or leading a charge down the White Salmon River, Pete’s goal is to give you the confidence to feel as inspired by the water as he is.
Chris Smith
Originally from the Arizona desert, Chris has spent the last fifteen years embracing the Pacific Northwest as a dedicated whitewater kayaker and professional instructor. He brings a “less is more” philosophy and a progression-focused coaching style that turns intimidation into confidence. Whether you’re tackling your first moving water or lining up for Husum, Chris’s calm, steady presence ensures a rewarding and supportive experience on the river. When he isn’t paddling, you’ll likely find him camping or sneaking in a round of golf.
Thomas Christner
Growing up around the forks of the American River in Northern California, Thomas was inspired to start guiding by one of his high school teachers. After getting his start at age 19 on the South Fork American and a brief stint in the aggregate mining industry, he realized his true calling was on the water. In 2019, Thomas uprooted his life to join the Wet Planet team in Washington and hasn’t looked back since.
When the rivers freeze over, Thomas heads to Big Sky, Montana, where he averages over 100 days a year on his snowboard. Whether he’s navigating a technical rapid or planning his next big adventure, Thomas is fueled by his passion for the outdoors and sharing the river experience with friends and family.
Ava Christensen
Ava’s love for the river started at a kids’ kayak camp in North Carolina when she was nine years old. Since then, her passion for the sport has taken her from the rivers of the Southeast to instruction roles in Idaho, California, and even Italy. While she’s officially joining our Marketing Team this season, her seven years of teaching experience mean she’s always happy to jump in on a course. Whether she’s in the office or on the water, Ava is all about helping others find the same sense of direction the river gave her.
Interested in building your kayal skills, or getting started for the first time? We’ve got a course with great instructors for wherever you are at in your whitewater kayaking journey. Find the right course for you.
