Professional Guide Training on the Salmon River with The River Company

Location: Stanley, Idaho
Date: May 25th-28th 2010
Cost: $295

Overview & Objective

Our four day course provides an introduction into professional river guiding on Class III-IV whitewater. We will focus on: river hydrology, river navigation, reading whitewater, raft equipment rigging, equipment maintenance and repair, personal rescue equipment & signals, commercial safety put-in talks, knot tying, first aid skills specific to the river environment, and the personal skills to create a safe, enjoyable Idaho Rafting Trip. Graduates will meet standards to be licensed on the Upper Main Salmon River by the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board. Our guide school will be your first step to river guiding and may provide an opportunity for you to get your foot in the door with The River Company. Students who excel in this environment may have the opportunity to be employed by The River Company or learn the necessary skills needed to work with other rafting companies as well. Participants should be safety conscious, team oriented, hard working, responsible, personable, fit, hardy, ready for challenge and concerned for the environment. Included in the cost are transportation to and from the river, lunches, and dinner on our final evening. Students will be responsible for lodging or camping and other meals.

Certification in First-Aid and CPR are not included, but they are mandatory requirements for a Idaho guide license. Students are encouraged to obtain their certifications prior to our guide school, though not a requirement to participate.

Why Guide School with The River Company?

• Interest in Professional River Guiding or Employment with The River Company
• We set a benchmark in river safety and trip quality
• Guide/Student ratio: we take the time to help everyone understand each concept
• Interest in being self-sufficient in a River environment
• Interest in becoming Level 5 Advanced Swiftwater Rescue Certified

Guiding Component

Good guides are social creatures. We can teach you how to run a boat, but some things need to be intuitive, such as how to calm a frightened mother and child, how to handle unique groups with style, or just be plain fun.
In our "Guiding" section we will focus on:

• Personal and Social factors in Professional Guiding
• Basic Rigging (Including Boats, Trucks, and Trailers)
• How to communicate and work as a team
• Paddle Boat Guiding Basics
• What outfitters look for in a new guide
• River specific first-aid concepts

Swiftwater Rescue Component

Level 5 Advanced Swiftwater Rescue Tech–THIS COURSE HAS IT ALL: This jam packed course is aimed at Professional Rescuers: Whitewater Guides, Trip leaders, boaters paddling on more challenging whitewater, and anyone desiring opportunities to develop their rescue skills. Themes of this dynamic course revolve around recognition of hazards, critical judgment, and rescue awareness. Emphasis is placed heavily on self-rescue techniques and approaching rescue scenarios simply and safely. Apply new and refined skills in mock-rescue scenarios using a minimal amount of gear. These scenarios create an opportunity for participants to practice skills individually and with a team context. Scope and content of the course will vary, based upon participant needs, interests and experience. Topics covered include extricating pins, using rescue vests, managing strainers, dealing with entrapment, and proficient swimming skills. This course is delivered by American Canoe Association certified instructors and participants will receive a certificate of completion from the ACA in Swiftwater Rescue: Level 5.

• Hydrology and utilizing existing water dynamics.
• Identifying hazards and managing them effectively.
• Executing shallow water crossings utilizing various techniques.
• Self-rescue: swimming whitewater and maneuvering to negotiate river hazards and obstacles.
• Approaching Contact Rescues and Live-Bait Rescue considerations.
• Rescuing and extricating a patient from the water.
• Handling small inflatable boats by paddle, oar and on a tether.
• Understanding rescue team organization, responsibilities of law-enforcement, and on-scene leadership.
• Utilizing rescue equipment to set up technical rope systems.

Prerequisites:

• 18 years of age
• Adequate health insurance coverage
• Basic swimming ability and in good physical condition

Required Equipment needed (We can provide all equipment except gloves for $5 per day):

• Full wetsuit or drysuit
• Helmet
• USCG Type III or V approved life jacket/ PFD
• Thick-soled water booties or tennis shoes, Must be closed-toe
• Gloves are optional but helpful in cold water
• Students are encouraged to bring their own rescue gear to practice with