Let’s be honest—none of this is “secret knowledge.” If you’re already guiding, you’ve seen most of these skills before. The difference is how well you can actually execute them when it counts.



This workshop is about sharpening those skills to a professional standard—dialing in efficiency, speed, and control under pressure. You’ll be running timed drills, pushing your limits on real scenarios: getting two swimmers in on a single throw rope, setting a clean Z-drag fast, righting a flipped raft with precision. The IRF rating system (Class I–V) gives you a clear benchmark—solid guides aim for Class III, seasoned pros push for Class IV, and Class V? That’s rare air, reserved for truly exceptional river runners.

And here’s the part people overlook: you don’t need to be a pro to get serious value out of this. Whether you’re a newer boater looking to build real confidence or a weekend warrior wanting to understand how the pros do it, this is hands-on, high-level training that will elevate how you move on the river. You’ll walk away faster, sharper, and more capable—period.

Learn & Practice:

• Pre-departure trip talk
• Raft guiding skills & crew management
• Flip procedures & flip drills
• Personal whitewater swimming skills
• Throwbag and ropework skills

Guide assessment levels: 

Days 1, 2 & 3

• Levels 2, 3, and 4

IRF Trip Leader Assessment:

Days 4 & 5

Trip Leaders must demonstrate competence in the following areas during the workshop:

• Management of a commercial mock emergency scenario

IRF Safety Kayak Assessment:

Days 4 & 5

Safety boaters must demonstrate competence in the following areas during the workshop:

• Pre-departure safety kayak talk
• Swimmer rescue
• Strong boater abilities

No prerequisites for participation; however, to earn a rating, you must meet the following:

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• The ability to swim 165 feet
• Valid first aid / CPR certificate
• Red Cross First Aid / CPR Class
• An up-to-date river logbook or signed letter from an employer.
• Level 2 (10 runs or 20 hours of logged river time experience on class 2 water)
• Level 3 (30 runs or 60 hours of logged river time experience on class 3 water)
• Level 4 (50 runs or 100 hours of logged river time experience on class 4 water)

*All IRF awards are valid for 3 years when supported with a valid first aid certificate.

Courses will be based in White Salmon, Washington.

Water level dependent, training will be held on the following rivers:

• Hood River
• Klickitat River
• White Salmon River
• Wind River

Even if you're not interested in earning the IRF certification, the class is still an outstanding river running experience. You'll gain valuable skills and insights by training alongside professional guides, making it a unique and enriching way to grow your confidence and ability on the water.

~Pura Vida