Raft Guide School/ Employment
Each summer we offer employment to fit keen adventurers looking to enjoy both the thrill of the river, and the screams of excitement from our guests! If interested, you would need to be comfortable guiding both aggressive and family oriented whitewater using foot cup equipped paddle rafts and inflatable kayaks on class 3 to 4+ whitewater. The position of guide requires a considerable amount of off-river work, and requires that you be able to work in a dynamic, fluid environment. To work you need to be a Canadian citizen or have a current work visa.
We require prospective applicants to successfully complete one of our guide school courses thereby earning a B.C. River Outfitter's Certificate. This school will intimately familiarize you with the 28 kilometers of rapids we operate on. At the end of the course we host a challenging practical examination in class 3 or higher rapids. Success at the examination guarantees you on-call employment for the season with us, and the opportunity to apply for one of our full-time positions. You would need to be flexible in working hours in order to meet client demand. If you are an accomplished technical paddle raft guide, you may apply to have your training time reduced or be given the opportunity to challenge the process. If you are a class 4 or higher kayaker you may be considered for on-call safety kayak work.
The raft guide course is based at our Chilliwack River Rafting Resort. Campsites, hot showers, indoor study areas and a sauna are provided. All river gear is provided. Students are responsible for their own cooking equipment, meals, tents, sleeping bags and warm clothes.
The goal is to prepare each student for the British Columbia River Guide Exam. Students will need to pass verbal, written and dry-land skills components, but the bulk of the exam is on-river boat control.
Graduates of our school have found employment all through North America, Europe, Australia, South America, Japan, Tibet, and New Zealand. Instruction is focused on Chilliwack River Rafting's on-river protocols and procedures, and is taught by our trip leaders.
Instruction takes place in paddle rafts, pontoon rafts, whitewater canoes and inflatable kayaks. All personal equipment, including wetsuits, lifejackets, helmets are supplied for the course.
14 Day Guide School
Students must be able to swim and be a minimum of 17* years of age. No prior experience or boat handling skill is necessary but you may need additional training after the guide school. Further training options will be discussed based on your practical exam results.
Cost: $1288+tax
Availability: Course #1 starts the first Sunday in May and Course #2 starts the last Sunday in June
Applications to Russ Brown contact@chilliwackriverrafting.com 1 800 410 7238
Note: Chilliwack River Rafting is a founding member of The British Columbia River Outfitters Association. We adhere to the Associations charter requirements and follow all river specific regulations. You may take the Guide School at 17 years of age, but Transport Canada Regulations require a minimum age of 18 to be employed as a Raft Guide. All Chilliwack River meet or exceed Transport Canada requirements.