Learn About Water Safety and How To Stand Up Paddle

Everybody in our Stand Up Paddle programs starts paddling on our DEVO Team before graduating to the JET Program. DEVO paddlers will learn about water safety through our Awareness and Preparation Curriculum and learn the fundamentals of stand up paddling including proper stroke technique, balance, reading the water, and the multiple opportunities available through water sports. We will have a ton of fun playing different games and doing drills all on our stand up paddle boards!

Who Can Participate?

Participation is open to all Youth between 9-18 years old. 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 and Where?

DEVO Team is a summer-long stand up paddle program. DEVO Training takes place at Wylde Wind & Water located at the Hood River Event Site. Training is biweekly on Monday’s and Wednesday’s between July 1 - August 7, 2024 from 7am-8:30am. We will begin promptly at 7am, so we suggest arriving early to prepare your equipment, even if you are using ours.

Cost

The cost of the summer-long DEVO Team is $250.00usd if you have your own equipment and $400.00usd to use our equipment for the training sessions. Equipment includes: High-end youth specific inflatable race SUP board, youth-sized carbon paddle, fin and 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.

Registration fees from the Wylde Wind & Water Performance Programs help fund the Wylde Wind & Water Free Community Programs.

Who are the Coaches?

DEVO Team is led by 3x SUP World Champion and Wylde Wind & Water founder, Fiona Wylde! Fiona is accompanied by local legendary waterwomen and watermen, including former DEVO Team members, to create a dynamic, skilled, fun and safe team to coach the Wylde Wind & Water Devo Team.

Additional Opportunities

All DEVO Team members will have the opportunity to race at the prestigious Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge July 19-21, 2024. The entrance fee for the Paddle Challenge is not included in the entrance fee to the DEVO Team.

History of the DEVO Team

The DEVO Team is the feeder program for the JET Team. Before moving onto the JET Team, paddlers spend valuable time on the DEVO Team with similar aged paddlers learning about the fundamentals of paddling and improving their skills to become very well rounded young and strong paddlers. JET, Junior Elite Team, is a youth Stand Up Paddle Team started by legendary Waterman and founder of Big Winds, Steve Gates in 2012. In Steve’s honor, his close friend, original JET member, and now 3x SUP World Champion, Fiona Wylde, continues the program after his passing in 2019.