About
We Help Unlock Your Paddling Potential
Noah Christenson,
A Lifelong Paddler and Educator
Noah brings a wealth of knowledge and an infectious enthusiasm to every session. With over a decade of experience in the outdoor recreation industry, Noah's comprehensive training ensures a safe, educational, and exhilarating experience on the water. His approach goes beyond teaching techniques; it instills confidence and stewardship in every paddler.
Diverse Instruction Experience
Noah has a robust background in outdoor education, having served as a river ranger, private ski instructor, professional guide, paddlesports instructor, and operations manager with multiple organizations. His expertise spans age groups, skill levels, and paddle disciplines.
Extensive Certifications
Noah holds a degree in Natural Resources Management from the University of Idaho, as well as several advanced certifications highlighting his commitment to safety and professional development in outdoor recreation. Certifications include: ACA Oar Raft Instructor Level 5, ACA Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Level 4, ACA Paddle Raft Instructor Level 4, ACA Kayak Instructor Level 4, PSIA Alpine Level 3, and Wilderness First Responder.
Discover the Advantages of Paddling with Us
Where Personal Growth Meets Adventure: The Unique Benefits of Our Paddlesports Programs
Personalized
Instruction
Tailored, one-on-one instruction that supports your personal development and accelerates your skill acquisition.
Confidence & Empowerment
Build confidence through skill mastery that also empowers you to tackle life's challenges with newfound confidence and resilience.
Supportive Community
Become part of a supportive paddling community that enhances connections, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.
Environmental Awareness
Develop a connection with nature and environmental stewardship through responsible paddlesport practices.
Eligibility & Risk
Water is as beautiful as it is powerful and deserves our respect as much as our admiration. Our goal at Star Valley Raft & Paddle is to equip each and every one of our guests with the skills to safely explore and discover our big, wonderfully wet world. Because waterways are dynamic environments, our classrooms are dynamic spaces that are not free of risk. While we do our best to create experiences and situations with known and desired outcomes, that cannot be guaranteed.
Due to the inherent risks associated with participation in paddlesports, all guests must sign an acknowledgement of risk form. If you are considering participating in one of our courses, we encourage you to do your own research and consult friends, family, and medical professionals regarding if these experiences are right for you. Below are the American Canoe Association standard Essential Eligibility Criteria to help guide your decision.
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Potential participants must be able to:
Breathe independently (i.e., not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water
Independently hold head upright without neck / head support
Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion
Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with assistance of a companion
Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket
Get on / off or in / out of a paddlecraft independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
Independently get out and from under a capsized paddlecraft
Remount or reenter the paddlecraft following deep water capsize independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills, activities and rescues listed in the appropriate Course Outline, and have the ability to recognize and identify to others when such efforts would be unsafe given your personal situation
View Acknowledgement of Risk Form