Heather Herbeck
With her pink helmet and a penchant for running big waterfalls in a kayak, Heather Herbeck is a recognizable figure in the whitewater kayaking community. She is currently on the water full-time as a whitewater kayak instructor and raft guide!
Heather first moved from Minnesota to the Northwest with her husband in 2004. The two made the move in order to pursue their passion for kayaking, and are currently residing in BZ, living their dream as part of the area’s community of world-class whitewater kayakers. An ACA certified whitewater kayak instructor and a Rescue3 certified Whitewater Rescue Technician, Heather’s accomplishments in the whitewater world are impressive:
1st place in the women's expert extreme race - Oregon Cup 2005
3rd place finish in the 2004 Gorge Games - Head to Head
Team Paddler for AT Paddles, Sweet Helmets, Jackson Kayak, Level Six and Outdoor Play
2005 winner for the IR Big Gun Show Carnage Category
Female paddler in the extreme kayaking video "Liquid Insanity"
Female paddler in the kayaking video "Hotel Charley" - No Big Names 4 - 2006
Female paddler in the kayaking video "Hotel Charley" - River of Doubt - 2007
Currently filming for "Toxic Waters" - the second film by her husband, Nate. Due out Feb. 2008
Motivational Speaker, focusing on specific topics about the "Mental side of kayaking"
Heather consistently strives to push her own limits on the water, both mentally and physically. On her website (http://www.liquidkayak.com/), her favorite quote states, “Life's journey is not to arrive at our grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting...’Holy *#@$ what a ride!’” However, she is also equally excited about working with beginning kayakers to introduce others to the sport that she enjoys so much. Her easy-going personality and sheer enthusiasm for paddling make her a favorite with both kayaking students and rafting guests. In particular, Heather is passionate about getting more women out on the water in a kayak. She states, “There’s nothing like building a women’s self-confidence on and off the water!” Her desire to share paddling also extends to a desire to introduce kids to the sport.
A female paddler in the often male-dominated arena of extreme kayaking, Heather claims that she works hard to “keep up with the guys” both mentally and physically while out on the water. What the rest of us see is a bunch of guys trying to keep up with Heather..
Heather consistently strives to push her own limits on the water, both mentally and physically. On her website (http://www.liquidkayak.com/), her favorite quote states, “Life's journey is not to arrive at our grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting...’Holy *#@$ what a ride!’” However, she is also equally excited about working with beginning kayakers to introduce others to the sport that she enjoys so much. Her easy-going personality and sheer enthusiasm for paddling make her a favorite with both kayaking students and rafting guests. In particular, Heather is passionate about getting more women out on the water in a kayak. She states, “There’s nothing like building a women’s self-confidence on and off the water!” Her desire to share paddling also extends to a desire to introduce kids to the sport.
A female paddler in the often male-dominated arena of extreme kayaking, Heather claims that she works hard to “keep up with the guys” both mentally and physically while out on the water. What the rest of us see is a bunch of guys trying to keep up with Heather..
"My goal in organizing the White Salmon Riverfest and Symposium is to help people become aware that our river is a jewel. The White Salmon is beautiful, clean and runs through the backyards of many people. The White Salmon has sections that range from Class I through Class V, which makes it ideal for kayakers and rafters - beginners through advanced. Since this river is so special, I would like to see everyone - land owners, raft guides, kayakers - come together to educate themselves on how to keep the White Salmon alive for years to come!"
-Heather Herbeck-
Jaco Klinkenberg
-Heather Herbeck-
Jaco Klinkenberg
While there are few people who can actually pronounce Jacomijn Klinkenberg's name correctly, Jaco (pronounced Yako) holds claim to being the inventor of the name Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking. A native of the Netherlands, this Dutch paddler's route to becoming co-owner of Wet Planet has its beginnings in the European Alps.
Born and raised in Holland, Jaco spent much of her childhood in the outdoors. Jaco's parents were avid mountaineers, and regularly traveled to neighboring countries to spend time in the mountains. Traveling to the Swiss and French Alps, Jaco would climb the mountains in the summers that she would ski in the winter. As with most of the Dutch, her family are also avid travelers, allowing her to visit most of the countries and major cities in Europe. An accomplished skier and climber, Jaco first encountered whitewater paddling on a trip to the United States. On this trip she took her first kayak instruction at the New England Outdoor Center, and knew that she loved the feel of moving water in her kayak.
In Holland, Jaco spent 10 years in the advertising industry before beginning her career in outdoor recreation. Working for several of the world's top international advertising agencies, Jaco worked with international clients such as American Express, Texaco, Philip Morris, and Canon. This experience and training is evident in the professionalism, organization, and vision that Jaco brings to Wet Planet.
Jaco first met Todd Collins on a 12-day whitewater trip in Utah. At the time, Todd was already working with ideas for creating a new whitewater company. The two shared similar visions of what this company could be, and Jaco's marketing background and professional work experience provided pieces that made the vision a realistic possibility. It was on this trip that Jaco decided to leave her life in Amsterdam to pursue her passion for outdoor adventure and travel. Says Jaco, "I wanted a job where I could actually see the beauty of the world we live in."
Born and raised in Holland, Jaco spent much of her childhood in the outdoors. Jaco's parents were avid mountaineers, and regularly traveled to neighboring countries to spend time in the mountains. Traveling to the Swiss and French Alps, Jaco would climb the mountains in the summers that she would ski in the winter. As with most of the Dutch, her family are also avid travelers, allowing her to visit most of the countries and major cities in Europe. An accomplished skier and climber, Jaco first encountered whitewater paddling on a trip to the United States. On this trip she took her first kayak instruction at the New England Outdoor Center, and knew that she loved the feel of moving water in her kayak.
In Holland, Jaco spent 10 years in the advertising industry before beginning her career in outdoor recreation. Working for several of the world's top international advertising agencies, Jaco worked with international clients such as American Express, Texaco, Philip Morris, and Canon. This experience and training is evident in the professionalism, organization, and vision that Jaco brings to Wet Planet.
Jaco first met Todd Collins on a 12-day whitewater trip in Utah. At the time, Todd was already working with ideas for creating a new whitewater company. The two shared similar visions of what this company could be, and Jaco's marketing background and professional work experience provided pieces that made the vision a realistic possibility. It was on this trip that Jaco decided to leave her life in Amsterdam to pursue her passion for outdoor adventure and travel. Says Jaco, "I wanted a job where I could actually see the beauty of the world we live in."
Jaco and Todd joined forces again in Costa Rica, where the two worked for the same whitewater company. For two years, Jaco worked as operations manager for the Turrialba based company providing custom whitewater and travel trips to foreigners visiting the country. She handled everything from planning logistics for multiple week trips to designing content for the web site to guiding customers on scenic trips throughout Costa Rica. During this period Todd and Jaco started to plan for the creation of a new style of whitewater company, and it was on a jungle paddling trip that Jaco first spoke the name Wet Planet.
Although Jaco is currently most visible at Wet Planet managing schedules, logistics, reservations and day-to-day operations around the Wet Planet headquarters, she is also responsible for much of the behind the scenes work with marketing and strategic planning. While she may not spend much time in the back of a Wet Planet raft, she does also bring a high level of whitewater expertise and adventure travel experience to the company. She is a certified whitewater raft and kayak instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School, a certified ACA whitewater kayak instructor, a trained Wilderness First Responder, and a Leave No Trace Educator. She has traveled extensively throughout Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Central America. She speaks five languages and pours a mean espresso.
"I see this unique and wonderful river, and so many individuals who care for it: whitewater rafters and kayakers, as well as people and interest groups involved with the White Salmon. There is a fascinating history on this river and in its' valley, and now things are happening that will change its future. For the better or worse, everyone has their own opinion and interest concerning these changes. With the White Salmon Riverfest and Guide Symposium, I want to create an opportunity for people to share knowledge and passion and to learn from each other and other professionals in their field of interest to the White Salmon River. In addition, I would like this event to take place in a fun, relaxed atmosphere, where people feel safe and respected, and where they will all have a good time in a way that builds bridges among a diverse community.
At Wet Planet, we see a great opportunity to share our gained knowledge with thousands of guests each year, while exploring the river with our guests each day. We feel fortunate to be one of few permitted outfitters on this river and are grateful for this opportunity to give something back to this beautiful river and its community."
-Jaco Klinkenberg-
"I see this unique and wonderful river, and so many individuals who care for it: whitewater rafters and kayakers, as well as people and interest groups involved with the White Salmon. There is a fascinating history on this river and in its' valley, and now things are happening that will change its future. For the better or worse, everyone has their own opinion and interest concerning these changes. With the White Salmon Riverfest and Guide Symposium, I want to create an opportunity for people to share knowledge and passion and to learn from each other and other professionals in their field of interest to the White Salmon River. In addition, I would like this event to take place in a fun, relaxed atmosphere, where people feel safe and respected, and where they will all have a good time in a way that builds bridges among a diverse community.
At Wet Planet, we see a great opportunity to share our gained knowledge with thousands of guests each year, while exploring the river with our guests each day. We feel fortunate to be one of few permitted outfitters on this river and are grateful for this opportunity to give something back to this beautiful river and its community."
-Jaco Klinkenberg-
Next to come: "What actually goes in to planning the White Salmon Riverfest and Guide Symposium?" Stay tuned in the next couple of weeks . . . I hope you are enjoying this journey with us!
Heather Herbeck - hherbeck@yahoo.com
Jaco Klinkenberg - jaco@wetplanetwhitewater.com
whitesalmonriverfest@gmail.com
www.headwatersinstitute.org
Jaco Klinkenberg - jaco@wetplanetwhitewater.com
whitesalmonriverfest@gmail.com
www.headwatersinstitute.org
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