Rafting and kayaking have been the foundation of Youth Dynamics’ Adventures since our founding. The river provides a dynamic and beautiful environment for incredible conversations with students of all ages! Whatever river experience you choose you will receive a professional, fun, and meaningful experience for your group!
Salmon River: Raft and Kayak
Spend six days in the Basalt Canyonlands of the Salmon River, famous for being the “most extended free-flowing river system in the lower 48″. Your group will experience the freedom and fun of beautiful white sand beaches and roller coaster rapids. Great meals and evening discussions help to tie together the memories that will last a lifetime! We are fortunate to offer such a rich and full experience to those who chose this adventure.
Surrounded by only canyon walls and the river, your group will experience an adventure providing space for fantastic conversations and spiritual growth.
Washington and Idaho Adventures offer this trip and on the same section of the river.
- Age: 14+
- Season: July – August
- Length: 6 days on the water
- Group Size: 12-23 people
- Cost: $850 (Scholarships available)
Wenatchee River: Raft
The Wenatchee River is one of the most popular “class III” rivers in Washington State and has been ranked in the “top 10 of the U.S.” Join us as we wind through the mountain and desert landscape. It is the perfect level of challenge for nearly every paddler. We offer single-day trips from May through mid-July.
- Age: 11+
- Season: May – July
- Length: ½ day or all day (lunch is provided on an all-day trip)
- Group Size: 10 – 80 people
- Cost: $70 – $85 per person
Wenatchee River: Kayak
Enjoy the fantastic Wenatchee River after it gets too low for rafting by taking your kayak down the rapids. The waves may feel small in a raft, but their size triples when you are sitting low in an inflatable kayak. Our professionally trained guides will give you the skills to weave through the rapids, avoiding the rocks and getting splashed.
- Age: 11+
- Season: July – September
- Length: ½ day or all day (lunch provided on an all-day trip)
- Group Size: 6 – 18 people
- Cost: $70 – $85 per person
Methow River: Kayak
Pack all your gear in one of our dry bags and join us for a one or two-night trip down the beautiful Methow River. The Methow offers crystal clear water, cliff jumping, fun rapids, and hot sunny days. Everyone in the group is responsible for their own kayak and gear and is taught how to paddle down the class II and III rapids that await them downstream. Each night we will pull out onto an island and camp in the middle of the river.
- Age: 14+
- Season: July – August
- Length: 2-5 days
- Group Size: 6 – 15 people
- Cost: $270 per person
Guest Paddler
Join us for a whitewater rafting trip on the Wenatchee River to help us certify new guides!
Youth Dynamics Adventures trains new guides every year. To assist these trainees, we need guest paddlers to fill our boats so our trainers can see the new guides in action! This final part of the training process is essential to ensure our new guides are ready to take students down the river.
Join us on one of the dates below for an experience you will take with you even after getting out of the boat.
- Age: 11+
- Dates: May 3rd, 4th, and 17th.
- Length: 1/2 day, Morning or Afternoon.
- Group Size: 1 – 25 people
- Cost: $40 per person
What if someone in the group does not swim?
Every participant is issued a Type III or V Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device. These are designed to float a swimmer face up in the water. Our guides are trained to maintain spacing to assist any swimmers we may have.
What am I responsible to bring?
It is recommended that paddlers bring appropriate swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sandals or river shoes that will not fall off. Depending on the season you may also want to bring a thin insulation layer for while on the water, and dry clothes to put on once you are off the river.
Youth Dynamics will provide capable and experienced guides familiar with the sections of the rivers. We will provide equipment that is well maintained and necessary for navigating whitewater. Youth Dynamics provides Personal Floatation Devices, wetsuits, booties, and splash jackets needed to deal with the climate and water temperatures. A full packing list for each experience will be made available during the booking process.
What is the best option for middle schoolers?
We recommend a raft or kayak trip on the Wenatchee River, however, depending on the group dynamics, we might recommend a Salmon River trip. Contact us today!
What are the biggest differences between rafting and kayaking?
While rafting, a professionally trained guide is controlling the boat, navigating and facilitating involvement with a team of paddlers as it goes down the river. Whereas when kayaking, each participant is in their individual boat and is responsible for learning some basics of river reading and boat handling. Whether it’s a raft or kayak, the guides spend ample time teaching the necessary skills and techniques to navigate the stretch of river that will be traveled.
How much of our time is actually spent on the river?
The time spent on the river really depends on the length of the trip that is booked.
- For a one-day outing, around 1 to 1.5 hours will be spent issuing gear, giving paddling and safety instruction, and de-issuing gear at the end. Half-day trips usually have 2 hours on the water and full-day trips are around 4 hours.
- For a multi-day expedition, between 2-6 hours will be spent on the water each day.
The actual time is impacted by water levels, beach selection, and program goals.
Our staff will equip and provide the essentials for your experience (e.g. gear, food, equipment, training, insurance) and will work with your group leader for programming and other logistical needs. In addition, our staff will provide the technical and professional skills needed to provide a safe and life-changing adventure.
Our goal is to assist you in providing a memorable experience for your group that has the opportunity to be life-transforming. Whether you are trying to create unity in your church youth group or build community in your school, group home, or youth-related organization—we are with you!
Let’s adventure together!
