Professional Raft Guide School (ages 16+) Monday, June 10th - Sunday, June 16th, 2024
$800 per person
Are you ready to join a community of fun-loving professional river guides? Not sure yet? That’s okay too! Just come give it a try. River guiding can be an incredibly rewarding job whether you just want summer employment during your college years or want to make it as an outdoor recreational professional for life. We will teach you the fundamentals of guiding to start your career as a whitewater raft guide and you will be spending the summer on the water in no time.
River Runners is looking for graduates to become first-year guides after the school, this usually requires a period of further training. Let us know if you are interested in being considered for employment in your application. River Runners’ guide school is also well respected in the industry and many of our graduates have gone on to have fruitful river guiding careers all over the country and internationally too.
Read our Blog on 5 reasons to become a class III raft Guide
Maybe you’ve never boated before. That's okay, you will still sit at the back of the boat with a paddle in hand screaming commands at the other students. Things will seem crazy. Impossible. Really scary. And then...you will be at the bottom of a class three rapid having successfully guided your way there.
Maybe you already have some boating experience and want to hone your whitewater skills. That is great too! Our instructors recognize that everyone comes to guide school with different levels of experience. We can accommodate the needs of every student.
$800 includes
7 days of whitewater rafting instruction (includes lunch every day)
Instruction from experienced river guides (most of us have been guiding for more than 10 years)
1 instructor to 4 students (this ensures each student gets as much guide time as possible)
Camping 7 nights (Sunday through Saturday nights)
Equipment (life jacket, safety equipment, etc.)
Tax and government fees
Students are responsible for their own breakfast and dinner, this helps to keep the cost of the class down to make it accessible for folks of different economic backgrounds.
What You Will Learn at Professional Rafting Guide School
This seven day whitewater guide workshop is an introduction to whitewater boating. During the course you will be given the opportunity to learn the following skills;
Ability to paddle guide the South Fork of the American River
Basic swiftwater rescue techniques
Basic concepts of hydrology
Basic knowledge of the river environment
How to adequately prepare equipment for a river trip
How to manage the basic logistics of a river trip
Basics of what it takes to be a professional river guide
Students often excel in some areas and struggle in others but this should not discourage you. This workshop will be taught in an inclusive manner so all students will be encouraged to excel and challenge themselves no matter where they are in their learning process. Whitewater rafting is a challenging activity and requires consistent practice. This workshop is not the end of learning—it is just the beginning!
Sample of Daily Schedule
8:30 am Class starts
1:00 pm Lunch
5:30 pm Debrief
6:00 pm Class finishes
Whitewater Guide Workshop Graduation
The end of guide school is just the beginning! Sometimes guide school students looking to become professional river guides are hired by River Runners but completing the guide school by itself is no guarantee that you will be offered employment. In addition referrals to other companies in the area for paid employment as a river guide can be made by your instructor if they feel confident in your skill level. Whatever happens, be prepared to undergo more training where ever you get hired. Raft guiding is a craft and a craftsperson must always practice to perfect their art.
Frequently asked questions:
What is the class size?
The class is a minimum of 4 students and a maximum of 12 students
I am not 18 years old, can I do the class?
We have allowed people as young as sixteen to participate. It very much depends on the maturity and independence of the student. Please fill out the form if you are under 18 and we will take your application into consideration.
Why is the class so cheap?
We don’t try to make money on this course as a way of continuing to invest in our industry by helping to create the raft guides of the years to come. You will still receive high-quality instruction from seasoned and passionate river guides with a lot of river rafting experience each.
Will I get to guide the boat?
Yes. All students will have the opportunity to navigate the river
Will I learn to row?
Not necessarily. This class is primarily focused on paddle guiding an inflatable raft. If you are interested in learning to row please call us to discuss the possibility.
Does River Runners provide me with cold weather gear?
No. If you are worried about being cold and you own a wet suit, bring it along. If you don't own one we can arrange a rental for you.
Does River Runners provide me with equipment for rafting?
Yes. We will provide you with a life jacket (PFD) and other necessary equipment.
Does River Runners provide me with a tent, pad and sleeping bag for camping?
No. You should bring these things with you.
Does River Runners provide breakfast and dinner during the course?
No. You will be camped in a site with running water and picnic tables where you will be able to prepare your own meals. Also, there are a number of restaurants just a few minutes away.
Sound right for you? Please fill out this application and we will get back to you soon. Places are limited to a maximum of 12 students per class.
If you have any other questions e-mail adventures@riverrunnersusa.com or call 530 622 5110