Junior Elite Team : JET

Since 2011, the focus of the Junior Elite Team (JET) team has been to introduce and develop competitive stand-up paddleboard (SUP) skills to youth in the Columbia River Gorge. As competitive SUP skills continue to be a primary focus for the 2025 season, we will also be adding a major focus on water safety this year 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. The JET Team will teach students how to become individually motivated and set goals by utilizing organizational techniques that promote success throughout life. We run the JET Team and all Wylde Wind & Water programs with this ethos to provide growth opportunities for all participants.

The JET and DEVO Team will train together in 2025! 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 2025!

2025 JET TEAM KEY OUTCOMES/LEARNING AREAS

SUP Skills Development

  1. Understand how to carry and store a competitive racing paddleboard.

  2. Understand the purpose and function of a paddle leash and the different types of leashes. 

  3. Understand advancing paddle technique and the proper use and storage of a paddle. 

  4. Understand the lifejacket rating system and how to identify the right lifejacket for the right conditions.

  5. Understand how to get back on a board after falling off and what to do if conditions become unsafe and rescue is necessary.

  6. Understand different board turning techniques including foot steering, crossbow turns, and buoy turns. 

  7. Understand complex racing courses and develop planning skills for technical races.

  8. Understand distance paddle technique and racing strategy.

  9. Understand sprint paddle technique and racing strategy.

  10. Learn and develop different paddleboard racing starts including the sitting start, beach start, flying leap. 

  11. Develop skills for paddling in strong side wind, downwind, and upwind conditions.

  12. Learn how to paddle in small to medium sized river swells. 

Personal Skills Development

  1. Explore methods for goal setting, including planning and execution strategies. Participants will be given a journal at the start of the season and will be guided though a goal setting process which will include creating a comprehensive plan to reach their personal goals. Coaches will check in with participants and have them record progress towards their goals throughout the season.

  2. Participants will keep track of workouts and lessons in their journals and will be given projects throughout the season. Projects may include planning paddles for the team based on wind, current, and other conditions; approaching different emergency situations; and educating the public about water safety conditions in the Columbia River Gorge. 

Water Safety Skills Development

  1. Understand how to interpret and use protective measures/strategies against conditions such as wind, current, temperature, and sun.

  2. Understand the UV index system and protective measures against sun exposure. 

  3. Develop swimming endurance, specifically focused on learning the survival swimming strategies—including sidestroke and elementary backstroke. 

  4. Learn how to help a person in distress while on the river. 

  5. Understand different safety measures/protective features for aquatic outings such as lifejackets, helmets, leashes, and personal safety systems. 

  6. Understand and practice basic in-water rescue techniques.

  7. Understand the professional emergency response system for emergencies in the Columbia River Gorge, including the 911 call process and the professional rescue/care process.

  8. Understand who can drown, what drowning looks like, and how to respond appropriately. 

  9. Learn relevant parts of the WW&W emergency action plan, including what to do/expect in an emergency. 

  10. Understand the purpose and appropriate use of a whistle on the water. 

  11. Understand the indications for use and proper technique of throwing assists using a throw rope and ring buoy.

  12. Be familiar with rescue equipment such as lifeguard tubes, ring buoys, throw bags, rescue cans, backboards, lifeboards, etc. 

DAILY OUTLINE

7:00am | Begin day by talking about plan; start on-land stretches and warm-up; goal setting/check-in about goals. 

7:15am | Bring boards down to water; quick swim/tread; get on the water and work on drills/technique; work on weekly paddle focus (distance, sprints, technical, technique, starts, racing, etc.)

7:50am | Shift to water safety skills practice (may include presentations from coaches, hands-on skills, demonstrations, or making plans)

8:20 am | Daily review; get off water

8:30 am | Practice done

FAQs

  • Youth between 12-18 years old. You must have participated on the DEVO Team for a minimum of 2 years, or received approval to move up to the JET Team by one of our coaches. 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.

  • 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 23 - August 13, 2025 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.

  • The cost of the JET Team is $300.00usd if you have your own equipment and $425.00usd to use our equipment for the training sessions. Equipment includes: High-end youth specific race 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.

  • In 2025, 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.

  • Full refunds will be offered for cancellations made before JET Training starts. Cancellations made within the Summer JET Program 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 perspective, and always a positive perspective.

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