Development Team : DEVO
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.
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 DEVO 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!
FAQs
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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.
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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 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.
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The cost of the DEVO Team is $300.00usd if you have your own equipment and $425.00usd 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.
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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.
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Full refunds will be offered for cancellations made before DEVO Team starts. Cancellations made within the Summer DEVO program will not receive a refund.
2025 DEVO TEAM KEY OUTCOMES/LEARNING AREAS
SUP Skills Development
Learn how to carry an inflatable paddle board.
Understand the purpose and function of a paddle leash and the different types of leashes.
Understand beginner paddle technique and the proper use and storage of a paddle.
Understand how to get back on a board after falling off and what to do if conditions become unsafe and rescue is necessary.
Learn different board turning techniques, including foot steering, crossbow turns, and buoy turns.
Develop basic skills for approaching races, such as pacing.
Learn sitting and beach starts.
Learn to paddle in weak side wind, downwind, and upwind conditions.
Personal Skills Development
Will complete basic goal setting, including a short talk with the coach (will be recorded in coaches journal). Coaches will check in with participants over the summer about goal progression.
Water Safety Skills Development
Basic understanding of conditions such as wind, current, temperature, and sun.
Understand the importance and use of different safety measures/protective features such as lifejackets, helmets, leashes, etc.
Basic understanding of the professional emergency response system for emergencies in the Columbia River Gorge.
Learn relevant parts of the WW&W EAP, including what to do/expect in an emergency.
Understand the purpose and appropriate use of a whistle on the water.
Understand how to recognize an emergency on the water, including drowning, and how to call for help.
Develop basic understanding of water rescue equipment.
Understand how to stay safe around different bodies of water including oceans, rivers, and lakes.
DAILY OUTLINE
7:00am | Begin day; talk about plan; start on-land stretches and warm-up; goal setting/check-in about goals.
7:15am | Swim / treading water and get on boards. Group paddle around the basin; work on paddle skills for the week.
7:50am | Water safety skills/activities.
8:20am | Wrap-up and head off water for the day.
8:30am | Practice done
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.
