Spring Raft Guide Training

Raft Guide Training

Raft Guide Training is often the first step for people who end up enjoying a lifelong passion for whitewater. Trainees who attend all required dates will be invited to continue their training, and begin the process towards potential employment.

• Prior river experience is great but not required.
• Scholarships available
• Submit your application today and start rafting as soon as this weekend
• Practice trips through the winter every Sunday in Dec, Jan, Feb!

Trainees seeking employment post-training are required to attend all of the dates. To complete the training, it is mandatory that you attend at least 6 of the days, as well as the Swift Water Training weekend.

Upon completion of training, employment is not guaranteed. It depends on your performance as well as interaction with your fellow guides. All employees must carry current CPR and First Aid certifications.

The schedule for the fall training is as follows:

• Saturday 3/8 and Sunday 3/9 *The first weekend can not be missed*
• Saturday 3/15 and Sunday 3/16
• Saturday 3/22 and Sunday 3/23
• Tuesday 3/25 and Wednesday 3/26 are optional make up dates for shift workers
• Saturday 4/5 and Sunday 4/6 (ACA Swift Water Rescue class) *Can’t be made up until June*

Why RVA Paddlesports?

Our trainers come with decades of experience on many rivers across the US and abroad.  When training with RVA Paddlesports you are not just learning the lines on the James, but skills that are transferable to a lifelong passion of river running.  We pride ourselves in preparing our guides to the highest industry standards and professionalism.  We have a fun work environment that promotes both constructive feedback and positivity to foster personal growth and a team mentality.  Trainees also receive discounts on gear from various paddlesports brands including Immersion Research, NRS, & Astral.

Costs

Guide Training is $450 and includes all instruction, shuttles, equipment use during training dates, Swift water Rescue. Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications are available to trainees at discounted rate.  Payment plans are available and scholarship/discounted training costs are given on a case by case basis (see below). .

Additional information

Additional information on specific qualifications and expectations can be found on our employment page. Training is open to applicants ages 16 and up. Completion of Raft Guide Training comes with CPR certification and an American Canoe Association (ACA) Swift Water Rescue class and can be further developed with the accompanying Sierra Rescue River Rescue Certification . This certification allows for many more opportunities in the whitewater field.

To apply, please fill out the form below OR send a cover letter to crew@rvapaddlesports.com. If you are an experienced guide, please include your river experience log.

See You On The River!