Our Mission
We are the Columbia Gorge Junior Kayak Club founded in spring of 2020. Our goal is to increase the number and diversity of youth paddlers in the Gorge. We aim to make kayaking accessible and inviting to all local youth. We recognize that whitewater kayaking can be a rather exclusive sport, and we want to break the barriers that prevent youth from pursuing it.
Within our programs, we seek to promote respect and love for the world around us. As a club, we aim to build a culture of sustainability and awareness. Our hope is to limit our environmental footprint, while also allowing youth to be fully immersed in their natural backyard.
We welcome all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or paddling ability. Our goal is to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, loved and appreciated for who they are. We hope to create a community that recognizes the value of our rivers and the connections they create.
FAQs
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For the pool a kid needs a kayak, skirt, and a paddle. For the river we require a kayak, paddle, PFD, helmet, skirt, closed-toed shoes, and appropriate dry-wear.
We have gear available for use and can bring the gear to events. We are only able to bring gear to events for kids.
We partner with the White Salmon Boat library to provide gear to kids. You can become a member of the White Salmon Boat Library and borrow gear for you and your kids if you have gear needs separate from our programs.
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Nope all events and programs are free of charge. If you or someone you know would like to support the club with a donation, use the Donation link above!
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Parents are welcome to come to the pool or the river, however, we do not currently have the capacity to teach both parents and kids. If you have kayaking experience and the appropriate gear you are welcome to join us for any of our events.
You can always watch at the pool or hop in to help your kid. Please let us know how else you would like to be involved!
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We are always looking for volunteer help and financial support!
To volunteer, please see our Volunteer page.
To donate, please use our Donate button.
If you have gear to donate, please reach out to the White Salmon Boat Library!
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Although kayaking is an inherently risky sport, we attempt to mitigate risk while teaching. When on the river, volunteers carry a first aid kit, a communication device, and a breakdown paddle. Every volunteer has a throw rope and a pin kit. We also buddy up and maintain a 3 to 1 ratio of kids to volunteers.
Lastly, we “huddle before we huck” to discuss hazards and ways to mitigate risk on the river. In this way, we do our best to make kayaking a fun learning environment for everyone.
Meet the Team
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Naomi Elyard
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
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Anna Wagner
PRESIDENT
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Anna Bruno
VICE PRESIDENT
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Sam Swanson
TREASURER
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Kristin Aligood
SECRETARY
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Michaela Phelan
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
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Alex Pinchot
PARENT LIAISON
Sponsorships and Partners
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Northwest River Supply (NRS)
A HUGE shoutout to NRS! They are a major supporter of the CGJKC! They single handedly fund the majority of our events and programs, as well as pay for many of our operating costs.
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White Salmon Boat Library
The White Salmon Boat Library is an organization based in BZ that helps provide whitewater kayaking gear to the local community. We are partnering with them to make our gear more accessible to families. Our gear is stored in the WSBL!
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The Missing Corner
The Missing Corner is a community space in BZ. We use the Missing Corner for a variety of events including board meetings, fundraisers, and movie nights.