2024 river guide certification program
What you get
50+ hours of on-water training with professional instructors which will cover:
Stand up paddle
Rafting
River rescue
Teaching
Guiding
And much more
What you give
30 volunteer hours (Internship option)
$250 deposit (refunded upon completion of internship)
Or $500 flat fee if not doing internship
Requirements
Age 18 by July 2024
Must attend scheduled trainings
CPR/First Aid certification
More Details
Dates
April 17-21, 28-30
May 4-5
Locations
Training locations include Western Slope SUP, Crawford State Park, the Gunnison River, and the North Fork of the Gunnison River.
Description
This intensive program will focus on river guiding, SUP and rafting fundamentals, and river safety. There are specific days with instruction in swift water rescue, flipping, and swimming. You are expected to swim in the river potentially everyday… rain, snow, or shine. All necessary equipment will be provided during this course. No previous experience is necessary, or expected to join this program.
After formal training is complete, guide candidates will shadow commercial river trips to compete required training hours, and prepare for certification. Upon completion of this training, trainees will be eligible to receive a Colorado River Guide License, and given an opportunity to certify.
In addition to this program, you will be required to obtain first aid and CPR certification to receive a Colorado River Guide License.
internship option
After training, trainees will be required to provide 30 volunteer hours to Western Slope SUP. This volunteer work can include assisting guided river trips, rental shop work, or shuttle driving. Once this obligation has been satisfied, the internship will be complete.
$250 deposit will be taken at time of acceptance into the program. Upon completion of the internship, 100% of this deposits will be refunded, and trainees will be eligible for hire with Western Slope SUP.
fee option
$500 flat fee covers all training dates.
Tentative schedule
4/17 - Introduction and flat-water SUP clinic
4/28 - Intro to moving current (SUP)
4/19 - Intro to downriver SUP
4/20 - Intro to paddle rafting + flip practice
4/21 - Whitewater paddle rafting
4/27 - Whitewater paddle rafting
4/28 - Whitewater paddle rafting
5/4 - Intro to rowing
5/5 - Rowing whitewater + River rescue skills clinic