Jen Kjellesvik
Immediately upon graduating high school, Jen found an ad in Outside magazine to river guide in Alaska. She called Alaska Raft Adventures, packed her backpack, and headed north. 24 years later, she has truly earned the status as a lifer guide. She guided through two pregnancies, met her husband on the river, and is now raising her children on the river. She has also raced outrigger canoes, whitewater raft raced, and pro SUP raced.
One of Jen’s greatest loves is to share her passions with others. When she’s not in the back of a raft or raising her children, both she and her husband dedicate time to coaching their kids’ volleyball and rugby teams and local snowboard teams, leading wilderness therapy trips, and being a personal trainer. She’s created several youth paddling teams to engage the next generation in life on the water, which her son has helped coach and her daughter aspires to when she’s old enough.
To pass on her love of the river to not only her own kids, but to all kids in the realm & adults as well, is a true honor. Jen is grateful everyday for life’s natural meanderings, much like the river that flows through her soul. She can’t wait to see you on the water!
Certifications:
– Professional River Guide 24 years
– ACA white water SUP instructor
– WPA SUP instructor
– Swift Water rescue certification & educator
– 1st Aid/CPR instructor
– Personal Trainer
– Bend Paddleboard Union OG
– Booster member & mentor at Bend Senior High
– Coalition for the Deschutes advocate & river health crusader
Join Jen on the river for both half day and full day trips on the White Salmon River!
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