Guide training courses in Washington State - Raft Guiding Courses, Whitewater Rescue Certification

GUIDE TRAINING

Current Skykomish River Levels

NEW Raft Guide Training Course Certification

Since 1983 Wave Trek has produces world class whitewater river guides. We continue to lead the whitewater guide industry with our state of the art and recently revised whitewater guide training program. This 50+ hour intensive training program not only meets Washington State Guiding Laws but is now recognized by the American Canoe Association. Wave Trek is the only outfitter in Washington State to exploit Certified Whitewater Raft Guide Instructor Trainers who use the American Canoe Association's paddle rafting curriculum. Our Instructor Trainers have extensive whitewater and instructional experiences world wide. They will go out of their way to make sure each student's goals are met and their river experiences are positive and fun! We look forward to seeing you on the river. No previous experience necessary.

Goals

· Safety: To paddle White Water (Class II-IV) safely, perform self-rescue and respond to emergencies that arise.

· Skills: To acquire the techniques, knowledge and skills needed to paddle a raft on whitewater.

· Enjoyment: To become aware of paddling opportunities and enjoy the rewards of lifetime participation in paddle rafting on Whitewater

We will be working with each individual to reach his/her goals whether they are motivated to become a commercial raft guide or striving to be a competent private boater.

We train our guides with a balance of safety & fun.

Job Placement

If you are interested in becoming a commercial raft guide after you have completed guide training, we will help you with placement on the appropriate rivers. Please keep in mind that not everyone will develop the skills needed to guide commercially their first year. You may want to practice your first season and ride along with a veteran guide as many times as needed to gain the necessary experience. If need be, you may audit the guide training course for FREE in the future. Our Purpose is not to leave anybody behind in skills training

Graduation Float and Barbecue

The last day of guide training will be a graduation float and barbecue. We encourage you to invite friends and/or family for a float down the Skykomish River. The cost for your friends and/or family for this day will be discounted to $55.00 a person which includes wet-gear and a barbecue afterwards.

Learning to throw a rope bag is essential training as a raft guide.

River Rescue Course (Optional)

In becoming a highly marketable and safety conscious river guide, we recommend taking a 2.5-day Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT) course. This course is designed to meet the current industry standards for people that work on or about the river, such as professional guides, private boaters and Fish and Game personnel. Students will benefit from this intensive hands-on course, using simple equipment and techniques to solve river rescue problems that might occur. Most rafting companies now require their guides to have this training. This course is normally $265. Guide Trainees may take this course at a reduced rate of $200. Each student will receive a certificate of completion recognized by Rescue 3 International.

Benefits

You will receive a certificate of completion for a 50+ hour Guide Training course that is recognized by Washington State Guiding Laws and the American Canoe Association.
Valuable and practical whitewater rafting knowledge and training from some of the leading guides and instructors in the whitewater industry.
Student will receive discounts on personal water gear and equipment.
Your friends and/or family will get to float the river with you at a discounted rate.
Students will build a network with other river professionals.
Rewards of a lifetime of paddling.

Important 2009 Guide Training Dates

Session 1A "Week-long" 1- 7 consecutive days $495.00

March 21 Orientation
March 22 - 27
April 11 - Graduation Float

Session 1B "Week-long"

March 21 Orientation
March 28 - April 2
April 11 - Graduation Float
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Session 2A- Weekends $495.00

March 21 Orientation
March 21 - 22 Training
March-28- 29 Training
April 4-5 Training
April 11 Graduation Float

Session 2B- Weekends $495.00

May 2 - 3 Training
May 9 - 10 Training
May-16 - 17 Training
May 23 - Graduation Float

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Special Notes

· No prior experience needed!
· A course information packet and sylabus will be sent out at time of registration.
· All days will begin at 9:00 am and end at about 4:00 pm.
· Please bring a sack lunch and at least one water bottle. We also recommend having a good breakfast in the morning before arriving.
· Come prepared the first day to be wet and outside in possible cold weather.

COURSE	PRICE	OTHER INFO
Guide Training	$495.00 (Per person)	Includes all gear
Whitewater Rescue Technician Certification	$345.00 (Per person)	Optional, but highly recommended with a special low price for guide trainees only.

Flipping a raft takes a bit of finesse and a good deal of leverage.

Learning how to avoid getting hung up on rocks is an essential part of your training.

Ancient Raft Guide Proverb: Hope for the best, plan for the worst.