Starting this August, residents around the Columbia River Gorge will have a unique opportunity to learn whitewater hardshell kayaking for no cost this summer, thanks to a kayak progression program aimed at diversifying paddlesports in the region.
Starting this August, residents around the Columbia River Gorge will have a unique opportunity to learn whitewater hardshell kayaking for no cost this summer, thanks to a kayak progression program aimed at diversifying paddlesports in the region.
THE GORGE — Starting this August, residents around the Columbia River Gorge will have a unique opportunity to learn whitewater hardshell kayaking for no cost this summer, thanks to a kayak progression program aimed at diversifying paddlesports in the region.
Diversify Whitewater, a national nonprofit devoted to expanding access to kayaking, rafting and paddle sports among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and other underserved communities, is opening up applications for its 2025 Columbia Gorge cohort for the Pacific Northwest Whitewater Kayak Progression Program. No prior experience or personal equipment is needed, as all gear, boats and instruction will be provided at no cost to participants.
Selected participants in 2025 will take part in a series of river trips and flatwater practice sessions throughout August and September. Location will be dependent on water levels and group skill level.
Dates:
River Days (all day): Aug. 9-10, Aug. 17, Sept. 7, Sept. 13-14
Flat Water Roll Practice: (6-7:30 p.m.) Aug. 13, 20, 27 and Sept. 3 and 10.
Interested individuals living in the White Salmon, Hood River, Portland, Vancouver, and surrounding areas are encouraged to apply online by the May 25 deadline. Applicants will receive notifications regarding their application status in early June. Application form: forms.gle/nKpWzRVHfu7RQKEu7
Additionally, local paddlers who wish to volunteer as instructors or safety boaters, or community members who can donate kayaks or gear, are invited to support the program. Application form: forms.gle/qMd78BSMZaMPG2Pb9
The Whitewater Kayak Progression Program was first launched by Husum resident Kallie Kurtz in 2024. “The impact of the program really is inclusion, not just based on demographics, but also on making everyone feel welcome and celebrated as we spend time outside on incredible rivers,” she said.
Kurtz had previously volunteered at Diversify Whitewater’s single-day events in Portland and Seattle.
After hearing repeated interest from participants about wanting more time to grow in the sport, she rallied a team of local volunteers to make the multi-week Columbia Gorge program a reality.
“Last year was absolutely amazing and both volunteers and folks in the cohort expressed how life-changing it was,” Kurtz said. “To have an inclusive space to get to learn something that brings both joy and challenge, growth and community, despite barriers, was incredible for everyone involved.”
Kurtz emphasized that many of last year’s participants continued paddling beyond the program and are back this year to help the upcoming cohort. One of those is Hipolito Lopez, who emphasized how helpful the one-on-one coaching was in helping him step up into class 3 rapids, and hopes to help others reach their goals.
“Every day I’m in the water, I am grateful to have been chosen as a participant in the progression,” Lopez said. “Each and every one of the volunteers was incredibly attentive and supportive and we learned a lot and got the chance to be part of the whitewater community!”
The Pacific Northwest Whitewater Progression is part of Diversify Whitewater’s broader mission to break down barriers in paddling. The nonprofit was co-founded in 2020 by Lily Durkee and Antoinette Lee Toscano, and has since grown into a nationwide movement. The organization has now hosted more than 40 no-cost paddling events in 13 states, introducing more than 1,000 participants to rivers and lakes around the country.
The 2025 Columbia Gorge cohort is made possible by a broad coalition of supporters including RallyCrew, Immersion Research, American Whitewater and Next Adventure Paddle Sports Center.
For more information about Diversify Whitewater and its programs, visit diversifywhitewater.org. For questions specifically on the Pacific Northwest Whitewater Progression, reach out at kalliekurtz@gmail.com.
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