Professional Guide School
Wildwater's Guide School offers professional training that will prepare you to be a commercial whitewater paddle raft guide in Washington and beyond. This is a hands-on, comprehensive course designed to prepare people looking for employment in the whitewater industry or interested in learning how to guide from industry experts. Looking to become a guide at Wildwater? Please see further information below under Employment at Wildwater.
SPRING COURSE: APRIL 27-28, MAY 4-5 11-12, & 18-19 2024
COURSE LENGTH: 4 WEEKEND SESSIONS, 8 AM - 5 PM
During this 4 weekend-only river training course you will get hands-on training on the Wenatchee River located near Leavenworth.
SUMMER COURSE: MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2024
COURSE LENGTH: 7 DAYS, 8 AM-6 PM
During this week-long river training course you will get hands-on training on the Wenatchee River located near Leavenworth.
YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT
- READING WATER
- RAFT PADDLE STROKES
- RIVER SIGNALS
- BOAT CONTROL
- COMMANDING A CREW
- BASIC RESCUE SKILLS
- HOW TO PROPERLY RIG A BOAT
- PROPER MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF EQUIPMENT
- EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
- FLIPPED RAFTS
Our primary goal is to ensure that you have learned the specialized skills and developed the confidence necessary to guide a raft through technical whitewater. Our instructors will work hard to make sure that all of your river experiences are fun and exciting. We keep guide-to-participant ratios low to ensure proper instruction and ample hands-on opportunities. No previous experience is necessary, so this training is a great chance for Leavenworth, Everett, Spokane, and Seattle river rafting enthusiasts to become professional guides.
EMPLOYMENT WITH WILDWATER
Participation in this course does not guarantee employment with Wildwater but preference during the hiring process will go to those that have completed our guide training course. We strongly feel that there is more to being a professional guide than just on-river ability. Throughout the training course, individuals seeking employment will be evaluated on the following: rivers skills, work ethic, attitude, and communication skills. The state of Washington requires guides to be at least 18 years old, have a First Aid/CPR certification (certifications are not required to participate in guide training), and complete a minimum of 50 hours of training.
The cost of this course is 100% refundable if you work 10 commercial trips in your first season.
Each year we offer free training to a limited number of people interested in guiding for the season. Please contact us at info@wildwater-river.com for more information on how to apply for free training.
To view available positions visit: Employment with Wildwater
*Experienced guides looking for employment with Wildwater do not need to take this guide training course and should submit a resume and river log to info@wildwater-river.com