White Water Rafting Guide School


Difficulty: Class III, Moderate

When: -

Kayaking Available?: No

Trip Length and Prices:
Days Students Alumni Alumni Guest
3 $650 $75 / day $25 / day
Alumni Call 530-918-8610 for Reservations

Invest in your lifestyle. Learn the skills for the world's coolest job. Discover your inner river rat!

Experience the fun and excitement of whitewater rafting from a whole different perspective – as the guide of your own boat!

If you love white water river rafting, have your own boat, or are considering buying a boat and striking out on your own, start the season with the training that will enhance your family’s fun and increase your confidence as a boater.

  • Pumping Boats
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  • Kelsey at Hell Hole
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If you are retired or in college and are looking for a fun and rewarding job, or are looking to become a full time professional river guide, our guide school is the place to start honing your skills. It’s also a way to spice things up if you are looking for excitement beyond just the typical whitewater trip.

White Water Rafting Guide School is designed to acquaint and train private boaters and potential professional river guides in the organization, safety, skills and wisdom necessary for a successful river journey.

  • Flipping Boat
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  • Kayaker at Surprise Rapid
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We cover all the basics of the whitewater river experience:

  • Guiding a paddle or oar boat
  • Equipment use
  • Maintenance and repair
  • Boat rigging and knot tying
  • The reading of water and river hydraulics
  • Trip logistics, outdoor care procedures
  • White water emergency and rescue techniques
  • The swimming of rapids.
  • River safety
  • Guide commands

Our guide school is a community event. It is fun, friendly, and supportive. You’ll make new friends, connect with other boaters, hang out with quirky river guides, eat great food, and may even learn some unexpected skills. If you want to become a part of the boater community, this is the place to start. We have made life long friends here and include many alumni in both commercial and private trips.

  • whitewater school camp

We camp at the put-in, set up a kitchen, cook gourmet meals for you (we’ve made sushi for 30 people), and tell stories around a warm fire. It is a fun community event, a great way to fully immerse yourself in the river culture, and offers even more opportunities to learn from fellow river rats. Depending on water levels, we run the school on the Trinity River or the Upper Sacramento river.

For alumni and friends that have their own boats, that wish to partake in the provided food and camping, and to refresh skills, we request a $75/day contribution, $25 for family members. Often we could use extra paddlers if you do not have your own raft. Please call us to inquire about options. 530-918-8610.

Come join our river family!

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  • Eagle
  • The Matts
  • Around Boat
  • Mark

"Whitewater School changed my life." -- Joey Monte, River Dancers Guide

"I learned fundamentals and philosophies applicable to life itself ... " -- Jack Trout, Fishing Guide

"Whitewater School is my favorite event of the year!" -- Matt Hanelt, Whitewater School Alumni

“There was a well choreographed balance between team work and individual challenge. Thanks for a great week-end." -- Guide School Grad

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