Whitewater School Do you have what it takes to be a Whitewater River Guide? Wildwater River Tours is offering an intensive whitewater guide training program. It is a great opportunity for you rafting enthusiasts to step into professional river guiding. No previous experience is necessary. COST $449 2009 SCHEDULE April 4, 5 - Upper Skagit River April 11 ? Lower Nisqually River April 18, 19, 25, 26; May 2, 3, 9 - Wenatchee River WE PROVIDE Avon self-bailing rafts and all equipment. Wildwater has some of the most experienced guides in Washington. There are 6 or fewer students with each instructor. YOU PROVIDE Neoprene wet suit, necessary personal clothing, and lunch/beverages each day. Personal rafting clothing and equipment may be purchased at discount prices. EMPLOYMENT The whitewater rafting season runs April through September. June, July & August are the busiest months. Calm water Bald Eagle viewing float trips are in December, January & February. Most guides work part-time and have other full time jobs. There is no guarantee you will be hired after completing the River Rafting Guide School. If you have potential, but are not ready to guide, we will provide additional training at no additional charge. Wildwater hires guides with leadership ability, a good attitude and work ethic that possess competent Class III river skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with all types of people. You must be at least 18 years old with current First Aid/CPR certification to guide in Washington State. However, these state requirements are not required to participate in the River Rafting Guide School. WAGES $65 & up per trip. INSTRUCTION WILL INCLUDE: ? International river difficulty scale (I-VI) ? Raft materials and design ? Rigging, de-rigging and storage ? Participatory paddle-rafting strokes, techniques, & balancing weight ? Rowing with oars and frame ? Pre-trip safety talk ? Maneuvering techniques ? Reading water ? Scouting, portaging difficult rapids & low head dams ? Pivoting off rocks ? Lead & sweep rafts ? Signals and communication ? Water fighting ? Comparing rivers ? River rescue ? Hypothermia ? Equipment repair ? Flora, fauna & history ? Environmental concerns ? Hygiene ? Company policies ? Professional River Guide Associations RECOMMENDED READING: ? RAFTING! Guide to Whitewater Rafting Techniques & Equipment by Jeff Bennett ? Guide To Whitewater Rivers of Washington by Jeff Bennett ? Washington Whitewater by Douglas A. North