MAINE WHITEWATER RAFTING GUIDE
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Each spring, in late May, Professional River Runners runs the most extensive Maine whitewater rafting guide training program.
The purpose of this training is to provide participants with the opportunity to learn the basic skills of an entry level guide and to learn what is needed to pass the state licensing exam. Being a good guide is a combination of technical ability, people skills and work ethic. We can’t teach that in 10 days. Most of what it takes to be a competent guide is learned through work and life experience. Our goal is to give you a good foundation to build on.
Though we will focus on preparing people for their Maine state guide test, the skills you will learn will be applicable on any river. Completion of this course does not automatically qualify a trainee to test for his or her license. In order to test, a trainee must demonstrate the requisite skills of any entry level guide. In addition, getting a license does not guarantee employment with PRO or any other company.
Contact PRO toll-free at 1-800-325-3911 or e-mail us to inquire about our rafting program and receive a sign-up package.
Expectations:
- Long days. Most evenings will have class time.
- Learning everything in the state regulations. If not, you may have a hard time with the test.
- Be on time every time. If this is challenging, be early.
- Take responsibility for your own learning. If you need help, ask. You will get it.
- Training is like a guiding day. Everybody is done when all the work is finished. Til then, everybody is working.
- Have fun.
By the end of training all students should have a firm understanding of, and reasonable competence in, the following:
- Strokes: forward power stroke, back stroke, whitewater J, back sweep, pry, draw
- Maneuvers: ferry, back ferry, peel out, eddy turn
- Safety: getting in and on a raft without help, re-flipping boat, ropes-sitting & standing, pulling swimmer in boat, paddle signals, what happens when you call 911, accident forms
- Guest Interaction: local history (cultural and natural), safety briefing and paddle instruction, etiquette
Harold
Lead Instructor