River Guide Course Program

The following topics will be covered during the 5 day course.  Actual rivers used will be determined just prior to trip departure so that river levels can be assessed.  Please note that this outline is just a guide and there is often variance to the actual program due to the suitability of different rivers for teaching certain components.


DAY 1

·      Registration

·      Introduction

·      Objectives of Course

·      Personal Equipment

·      Outline & care of rafting equipment

·      Safety Talk (Demonstration)

·      In-boat safety talk

·      Rafting commands (all back, overs, etc.)

·      Hydrology

·      Swimming in rapids

DAY 2

·      Hand and whistle signals

·      Packing equipment (dry bags, barrels, etc.)

·      Rigging net & flip-flop frames

·      Camp skills, cooking, etc.

·      Environmental procedures

·      Boat wraps

·      Boat flips & practice

·      Throw Bags

DAY 3 


·      Decision making

·      Setting up safety on rapids

·      Throw Bag practice

·      Power swimming

·      Trip preparation & planning

·      Basic river rescue

DAY 4

·      Waterfall techniques

·      Evacuation procedures

·      Raft Repair

·      First Aid

·      Guide etiquette/professionalism

DAY 5

·      Practice & Testing on and off water

·      De-brief