Diversify Whitewater Completes the 2025 Kayak Progression Program

Diversify Whitewater is a nonprofit on a mission to expand access to kayaking, rafting, and paddlesports among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and other underserved communities. The Kayak Progression Program builds skills and confidence to continue paddlesports long-term.

By Emma Renly

Itʻs a crisp October day along the White Salmon River. The water is low, the salmon are running, and leaves on the surrounding trees are turning red, a pop against the lush corridor. On the river, a bright orange kayak is making its way downstream to the mouth, where the White Salmon meets the Columbia. 

The boat, recently purchased by Johan, is on its maiden voyage with its new owner. Over the summer, Johan joined Diversify Whitewaterʻs Pacific Northwest Kayak Progression Program with twenty-four other participants. The six-week session, split into the Columbia Gorge and Puget Sound cohorts, leads newcomers through all stages of learning to kayak - from how to put on a skirt at Drano Lake to paddling through the Class III rapid Ishy Pushy on the Klickitat. 

Day 1 at Drano Lake, learning how to wet exit. Photo by Kallie Kurtz.

“I completely fell in love with the sport from day one,” said Johan, who added that he‘s wanted to try kayaking since moving to Portland three years ago, but always felt it was out of reach. “Just a month later, I’ve already bought my own kayak and gear so I can keep getting out on the water.”

The Kayak Progression Program was spearheaded by Kallie Kurtz of White Salmon, Washington in 2024, after she previously volunteered at one-day and weekend events for Diversify Whitewater. Based on feedback, it wasnʻt enough time for people to stick with whitewater kayaking. 

All smiles on the Klickitat River.  Photo by Kallie Kurtz.

“Within the progression, specifically, the goal is to give an immersive experience into paddling so folks actually gain the skills and community to continue in kayaking,” Kallie said. She noted that there is a high barrier to entry for paddlesports due to the cost of equipment and instruction, as well as a lack of representation for marginalized communities. 

“The impact of the program really is inclusion,” Kallie said. “Not just based on demographics, but also on making everyone feel welcome and celebrated as we spend time outside on incredible rivers.”

2025 Columbia Gorge Cohort.

Through Kallieʻs large local network in the Pacific Northwest, sheʻs able to bypass some of those barriers by finding paddlers to volunteer for safety and instruction, who then often end up doubling as mentors. She sources loaner gear from friends for each participant as well for the programʻs length.

“I can't say enough how much this only happens because of fellow paddlers' support, and I am so grateful for that," added Kallie. 

Each week, participants and volunteers gathered to run introductory sections on the Clackamas, Klickitat, and White Salmon, and met for roll practices in the calm waters of the Columbia River. On one evening, Immersion Research hosted an after-hours talk for both cohorts, going over the technical gear needed to be successful on the river.

Gear Talk at Immersion Research with both the Columbia Gorge and Puget Sound cohorts. Photo by Kallie Kurtz.

“Over the two months, I learned from at least fifteen different people,” Johan said, recalling the first time he was able to get his roll with the help of volunteers. “Each offered unique insights that made a huge difference in how quickly I progressed.”

Kallie teaches the steps on how to roll on a Wednesday evening on the Columbia. Photo by Elizabeth Lopez-Hernandez.

Celi, another participant of this yearʻs Columbia Gorge cohort, shared similar sentiments, saying it was also very cute to see so many adults try something new. 

“The program is a gift,” she said. “The beauty of it was learning with a group - being able to push ourselves, because when you would see somebody else get after it, you wanted to get after it.”

Paddling on the Klickitat River.  Photo by Kallie Kurtz.

One aspect Celi noted she really enjoyed about kayaking was overcoming the fear of big rapids. She remembers her first flip, which happened on the lower section of the White Salmon River - the very last day of the program. 

“I checked out for a second and then waited patiently [for a T-rescue]. I was like, no, it’s okay - she’s going to rescue me. And she did! It took a minute, but it was cool because it was fun to challenge myself in that way and get scared,” Celi said. “That was probably one of the moments that stood out -  pushing myself past my fear in this new sport and seeing what I was capable of.”

Celi paddles down Ishy Pushy on the Klickitat River.  Photo by Kallie Kurtz.

Both Celi and Johan are now planning to get the proper gear in order to continue paddling this winter, and hope to join back as volunteers for next yearʻs cohort. 

Celi added that the whole experience was amazing. “It’s really cool to see so many people from different backgrounds…I hope that Kallie can do this for a long time and get a lot of people out there.”

Johan paddles down the lower section of the White Salmon River.  Photo by Kallie Kurtz.

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Diversify Whitewater is a nonprofit organization with the mission to expand access to kayaking, rafting, and other paddlesports among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and other underserved communities. For more information, visit diversifywhitewater.org.