Whitewater Canoe/Raft Guide School

May 4, 2023 - May 30, 2023

This course is designed to give students the skills and experience to immediately enter the workforce as professional canoe and raft guides. The month is broken up into four distinct modules each occupying their own week. There is no prior experience necessary.

Module 1: Swiftwater Rescue Technician III

This three-day course introduces the fundamentals of river hazards, swimming in moving water, moving water rescue and mechanical advantage in a moving water context. This certification is required to work in a leadership role in the river industry. This course takes place on the Kananaskis River.

Module 2: Paddle Canada Moving Water

This five day course introduces the fundamentals of paddling canoes in both the bow and stern of whitewater tandem canoes. We will introduce progressively more challenging rapids and river features over the course of the week. This course takes place on the Kananaskis River.

Module 3: International Rafting Federation Guide Course

This five day course focuses on learning to guide rafts down the Kananaskis River. The course introduces a variety of skills related to paddling rafts, gear care, rescue and group management. This is required to work as a raft guide this coming summer. 

Module 4: Kootenay River Expedition

This five day expedition will take us down the beautiful and remote Kootenay River. The goal of this expedition is to simulate a multi-day expedition if you were working as a canoe or raft guide. You will learn new skills related to setting up camp, cooking, campsite management, group management and utilize your previously established as the “leaders of the day” from Modules 1, 2 and 3. 

*Successful graduates of the program will have the opportunity to interview for work as professional river guides.*