Stand Up Paddle
JET & DEVO TEAM
Stand Up Paddling is one of the best ways to be introduced to the water and gain water confidence. The sport teaches you how to read the water, balance, make real-time decisions, and gain strength. Founded in 2011, the JET & DEVO Team teach young kids the skills necessary to be confident and independent young watermen and women.
The DEVO (Development) Team is a Summer long team that introduces youth to the sport of Stand Up Paddling through teamwork, fun, water safety, and positive learning environments. The program aims to increase participant comfort in, on, and around the water and will have a large focus on personal water safety throughout the season.
The focus of the Junior Elite Team (JET) team has been to introduce and develop high-level stand-up paddling skills to youth in the Columbia River Gorge. As elite SUP skills continue to be a primary focus for the 2026 season, we will also be adding a major focus on water safety and water confidence by adding at least 30 minutes of water safety lessons and skill practice sessions to each practice. The goal of the water safety portion of the program is to be as hands-on as possible by allowing participants to interact with different safety equipment, learn different safety/rescue techniques through demonstration and practice, and interact with local emergency response agencies.
Sport is the conveyor belt to learn larger life lessons like being on time, being a strong and supportive teammate, learning how to positively face new challenges with humility and respect, all while gaining personal confidence. We run the JET & DEVO Team along with all Wylde Wind & Water programs with this ethos to provide growth opportunities for all participants.
The JET and DEVO Team will train together in 2026! The goal of combining the training schedule for the teams is to foster camaraderie, skills, water safety practice, and friendships. Instead of each team training twice a week, both teams will have the opportunity to paddle 3 days a week. The JET and DEVO Team will follow their individual learning goals, but work together each day. We are excited for both teams to train together in summer 2026!
DEVO TEAM
Focus:
Intro to SUP, building on-water skills, paddling in wind, reading the water, water safety skills.
Who can participate?
Participation is open to all youth between 9-18 years old, who have not been on the DEVO Team before or who have been on the team for only 1 year. You do not need any prior stand up paddle experience to be part of the DEVO Team. This program is available in both English and Spanish. All paddlers are expected to arrive on-time with a positive attitude eager for the morning ahead.
When & Where?
DEVO Team is a summer-long program. Training takes place at Wylde Wind & Water located at the Hood River Event Site. Training is weekly Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday between June 22 - August 19, 2026 from 7:00am-8:30am. We will begin promptly at 7:00am, so we suggest arriving early to prepare your equipment, even if you are using ours.
Cost & Equipment:
The cost of the DEVO Team is $350.00usd if you have your own equipment and $475.00usd to use our equipment for all training sessions. Equipment includes: High-end SUP board, paddle, fin, leash, and PFD (Personal Flotation Device).
Team members are highly recommended to bring their own PFD. A Type III Coast Guard approved wearable life jacket is required. Waist belts will not be accepted.
Scholarships are available if you require financial assistance to participate. Please send an email to info@wyldewindandwater.org and request information about scholarships.
Who are your coaches?
In 2026, we are excited to announce Max Webster, JET Team graduate, lifeguard, and WW&W Program Manager will be the head coach and program director for both the JET and DEVO Teams.
In addition, Fiona Wylde, 3x SUP World Champion and Wylde Wind & Water founder, will coach alongside Max and other local experienced waterwomen and watermen, to create a dynamic, skilled, fun and safe team.
Refund Policy
Full refunds will be offered for cancellations made before DEVO Team starts. Cancellations made within the Summer DEVO program will not receive a refund.
JET TEAM
Focus:
The continuation of the DEVO Team continues with the JET Team, building on stand up paddle foundation skills and developing high-level abilities on the water. These skills include, paddling in strong wind, reading current exceptionally well, downwinders, and high-level training. Oh and of course lots of fun!
Who can participate?
Youth between 12-18 years old. You must have participated on the DEVO Team for a minimum of 2 years, or received approval by a coach to graduate to the JET Team. JET Team is available in both Spanish and English. All paddlers are expected to arrive on-time with a positive attitude eager for the morning ahead.
When and Where?
JET Team is a summer-long program. Training takes place at Wylde Wind & Water located at the Hood River Event Site. Training is weekly Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday between June 22 - August 19, 2026 from 7:00am-8:30am. We will begin promptly at 7:00am, so we suggest arriving early to prepare your equipment, even if you are using ours.
We have organized July 13-15, 2026 to be Downwind Week for the JET TEAM. We will select the best conditions during this period for a team downwinder on the Columbia River.
Cost & Equipment:
The cost of the JET Team is $350.00usd if you have your own equipment and $475.00usd to use our equipment for all training sessions. Equipment includes: High-end SUP board, paddle, fin, leash, and PFD (Personal Flotation Device).
Team members are highly recommended to bring their own PFD. A Type III Coast Guard approved wearable life jacket is required. Waist belts will not be accepted.
Scholarships are available if you require financial assistance to participate. Please send an email to info@wyldewindandwater.org and request information about scholarships.
Who are your coaches?
In 2026, we are excited to announce Max Webster, JET Team graduate, lifeguard, and WW&W Program Manager will be the head coach and program director for both the JET and DEVO Teams.
In addition, Fiona Wylde, 3x SUP World Champion and Wylde Wind & Water founder, will coach alongside Max and other local experienced waterwomen and watermen, to create a dynamic, skilled, fun and safe team.
Refund Policy
Full refunds will be offered for cancellations made before JET Team starts. Cancellations made within the Summer JET program will not receive a refund.
The JET Team was started in 2011 by legendary Steve Gates. While Steve is unfortunately no longer with us, his legacy continues on.
Coach Steve with the original JET Team members in 2011. From left to right: Ben Grodner, Alyson Fromm, Sofia DeWolfe, Fiona Wylde, and Steve Gates.
The JET Team saying ‘thank you’ to Coach Steve at the Gorge Paddle Challenge in 2013. Steve motivated so many young people to look at the world through a new, and always positive, perspective.
