Raft Guide Program & Intensive Training

Exceptional Guide Training

British Columbia has over 100 rafting rivers, many of which are located in remote wilderness settings where operating and safety standards must be high. Our rivers change daily, unlike many popular dam-controlled rivers around the world. Training on BC rivers prepares you with strong and diverse guiding skills.

REO offers one of the most comprehensive raft training programs in North America. Our instructors are focused and committed to your success. Each REO instructor is a rafting expert and certified as a Swiftwater Rescue Technician. Bryan Fogelman, REO's President, sets course standards, selects and monitors instructors and handpicks program participants. You will train on rivers that are among the steepest and most technical that are rafted commercially in Canada. If you want to be a professional river guide or simply become competent in the necessary skills, REO has the right program for you.

A Raft Guide License is a Ticket to Travel

Three Programs: Choose the best one for you

Raft Guide Intensive 2-Week Training

Get an amazing introduction to whitewater raft guiding and rescue techniques during a 2-week intensive training course at REO Rafting Resort. Led by senior REO training trip leaders, this training program includes intensive training on and off river, river familiarization trips, hydraulics theory, and an introduction to Swift Water Rescue Technician training.

Intensive On/Off River Training Some of the things you will learn on-river are guiding paddle strokes, river commands, safety procedures, and how to manoeuvre a raft while utilizing river features. Off-river you will learn about personal protective gear and equipment, vital rope knots, and safety procedures.   Hydraulics Theory In this course you will be taught about hydraulics and how certain features affect the river flow's direction, force and speed.   On-site Camping Spot You will be provided a camping spot on-site of our resort. Please bring all necessary camping equipment or inquire about upgrading to a river's edge glamping unit.   Full Access to Resort Facilities You will have access to all of our bathroom and shower facilities. You are also welcome to use the hot tub and campfire areas.

River Familiarization Trips During familiarization trips, you will get to raft different rivers and learn how unique one river is from another. While you will get opportunities to guide the raft, you will also be a paddler and learn the importance of paddling technique and training your crew properly.   Swift Water Rescue Introduction Swift Water Rescue Technician Skills are vital to becoming a raft guide. You will get an introduction to SRT through workshops and on/off river rescue scenarios.   Daily Meals & Snacks All of your meals and snacks will be provided for you, even when travelling to other rivers away from the resort base. Coffee, tea, and juice are also included.   Access to Yoga & Activities We offer 4 daily yoga sessions per day and you can attend any (schedule permitting). You can also visit the private beach, nature trail, and beach volleyball court.

Raft Guide Apprenticeship Program (10 weeks)

The raft guide apprenticeship comprehensive program is designed to give participants a more in-depth knowledge of whitewater rafting over multiple weeks at REO Rafting Resort. While also participating in the intensive 2-week training, Raft Guide Apprentices will get additional oar & paddle guide training with the goal of achieving their BCROA Raft Guide Certificate. Instead of paying the course fee upfront, participants will be able to work/volunteer at our resort to offset the training and all lodging & meal fees. 
 

Intensive On/Off River Training Some of the things you will learn on-river are guiding paddle strokes, river commands, safety procedures, and how to manoeuvre a raft while utilizing river features. Off-river you will learn about personal protective gear and equipment, vital rope knots, and safety procedures.   Hydraulics Theory In this course you will be taught about hydraulics and how certain features affect the river flow's direction, force and speed.   Shared Glamping Unit You will be provided a private bed in a shared glamping unit. You will be provided with linens, however, please bring extras if you prefer and a towel.   Full Access to Resort Facilities You will have access to all of our bathroom and shower facilities. You are also welcome to use the hot tub and campfire areas.

River Familiarization Trips During familiarization trips, you will get to raft different rivers and learn how unique one river is from another. While you will get opportunities to guide the raft, you will also be a paddler and learn the importance of paddling technique and training your crew properly.   Swift Water Rescue Introduction Swift Water Rescue Technician Skills are vital to becoming a raft guide. You will get an introduction to SRT through workshops and on/off river rescue scenarios.   Daily Meals & Snacks All of your meals and snacks will be provided for you, even when travelling to other rivers away from the resort base. Coffee, tea, and juice are also included.   Access to Yoga & Activities We offer 4 daily yoga sessions per day and you can attend any (schedule permitting). You can also visit the private beach, nature trail, and beach volleyball court.

How to Apply

Step 1 Choose the program that you would like to apply for.   Step 2 Write a cover letter describing your interest in raft guide training and why you think you would be a good candidate. Apprentices: Fill out a job application

Step 3 Send an email to bryan@reorafting.com! Attach your CV / resume, cover letter, and job application (apprentices).   Step 4 Wait for our response! We will contact you with further information.

Custom Whitewater Training

 REO provides custom whitewater training for a diverse market including Fisheries, Search and Rescue staff, Department of Defence, private boaters (preparing for an expedition trip), as well as corporate team-building, cadets, and student groups. REO will organize a custom program that provides key training take-aways including learning to row oar rafts, an intro to paddle raft guiding, introductions to rescue & swift water training, safety & risk management & whitewater dynamics.
 

Intensive On/Off River Training Some of the things you will learn on-river are guiding paddle strokes, river commands, safety procedures, and how to manoeuvre a raft while utilizing river features. Off-river you will learn about personal protective gear and equipment, vital rope knots, and safety procedures.   Hydraulics Theory In this course you will be taught about hydraulics and how certain features affect the river flow's direction, force and speed.   River's Edge Glamping Stay along the river'd edge in one of our famous glamping tents. Our glamping tents feature comfy beds, furniture, all necessary linens, and towels.   Full Access to Resort Facilities You will have access to all of our bathroom and shower facilities. You are also welcome to use the hot tub, campfire areas, and any other facilities on-site.

River Familiarization Trips During familiarization trips, you will get to raft different rivers and learn how unique one river is from another. While you will get opportunities to guide the raft, you will also be a paddler and learn the importance of paddling technique and training your crew properly.   Swift Water Rescue Introduction Swift Water Rescue Technician Skills are vital to becoming a raft guide. You will get an introduction to SRT through workshops and on/off river rescue scenarios.   Daily Meals & Snacks All of your meals and snacks will be provided for you, even when travelling to other rivers away from the resort base. Coffee, tea, and juice are also included.   Access to Yoga & Activities We offer 4 daily yoga sessions per day and you can attend any (schedule permitting). You can also visit the private beach, nature trail, and beach volleyball court.

3 Day/2-Night Training Program

 

Fine Print We will be open commercially June 1 - September 14, 2023.  The above rates are per person based on the group size + 5% GST The deposit required to confirm your booking is 15% with the balance due 15 days prior to arrival. If you cancel 15+ days in advance, the 15% deposit will convert to a credit voucher valid until August 1, 2025.

Questions? Call 604-862-7772 Email a Staff Member Cancellation Policy Book Now