Ava Christensen

Ava Christensen grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she first discovered her love for whitewater kayaking at the US National Whitewater Center. It all began at a kids’ kayak camp. Between taking her first strokes at age nine and now living in the Columbia River Gorge, Ava has traveled across the world paddling iconic sections of river. She has thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the Dagger Kayaks and Kokatat teams for the past six years. Kayaking has given Ava a strong sense of direction and a constant goal to work toward, whether that is a new river or a technical trick. While the Southeast is home to most of her favorite rivers—such as the Watauga, Elk, Raven Fork, and Gauley—if she had to pick just one, it would be Cherry Proper in California.

Outside of kayaking, Ava studied Digital Marketing and Photography at Appalachian State University while competing as a member of the university snowboarding team. During her summers, she spent her time instructing whitewater kayaking in California, Washington, Idaho, and most recently, Italy. A major highlight of her whitewater career thus far was safety kayaking on the Kern in 2023, a year defined by high water and great times. Ava is looking forward to joining the Marketing Team here at Wet Planet. You’ll be able to find her in the office, on the water, or up at Mt. Hood!