Guide School:

Have you ever thought you might like working in the outdoors industry or dreamed of taking your friends and family down a river in your raft but don't know where to start?

It starts here! Build a skillset for a lifetime on the water! 

A partnership between the International Rafting Federation and Washington State to provide an endorsed, comprehensive training program to help you learn the basics and beyond.

Whether you want to learn to safely navigate rivers in your raft or find work in the outdoors industry as a guide. Learn the ropes while you gain confidence through classroom lessons and on-water experience. We've got you covered!

Details:

• Upcoming dates: May 20-24, 2024

• Tuition: $ 600
• Includes all course materials
• Includes all equipment
• Includes camping
• Washington State guide certificate
• Provisional International Rafting Federation certificate
  

What to expect:

• Expect to get wet
• Expect to gain knowledge and skills to guide a raft.
• Expect to learn to self-rescue
• Equipment and outfitting provided (class use only, not to keep) 
• *Students are encouraged to bring/acquire their gear
• Each day of training starts in our classroom.  Readings and discussions from our carefully selected materials provide an opportunity to learn concepts, and vocabulary and visualize scenarios.

• On-land skills sessions include:
• Equipment work; raft care, maintenance, personal gear
• Rope work; throw bag rescues, knot tying, anchor building
• Rigging a raft and learning about safety equipment

• On-the-water skills sessions include:
• Use of safety equipment
• River etiquette and safe practices
• Reading water & currents
• Paddle commands / commanding a crew
• River rescue basics
• Flipping a raft / recovering a raft

• As a team we move from river to river, section to section, and spend most of our time in and around the water. Skills and knowledge grow as the course progresses and everyone gets time to drive the rafts and learn to guide.

Our Instruction:

An International Rafting Federation-approved curriculum along with state-of-the-art equipment provides a smooth and dialed-in whitewater raft guide training program. 

Students who complete this 50+ hour training program will meet Oregon and Washington state guiding law requirements. Students who can complete the International Rafting Federation standards will be awarded an IRF guiding certificate. 

Employment Opportunities:

Graduates will be referred to companies in the region for employment. 

Prerequisites:

No previous experience is necessary

Participants must be 18+

We recommend that you be both in good general health and know how to swim.

Certificate of completion issued contingent upon passing a final written exam, passing a basic skills test, and attendance of 50+ hours per guiding laws.

*CPR / First Aid certificate not included in this program, everyone working or playing outdoors should keep their certificates current.  American Red Cross First Aid / CPR Class Schedule

Accommodations:

• Students may choose to camp at our boat yard in BZ Corner, White Salmon, or make other arrangements. 

Deposit Option

A deposit will hold your space.

Questions?

Please email us at info@pdxraft.com for more details or call our office.