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.
The REO Guide School is an opportunity you won’t want to miss out on. Our course is designed for those with little to no previous whitewater experience – a great start for those who are interested in guiding commercially. Alternatively, our comprehensive course provides you with the necessary expertise and hands-on experience to navigate confidently as a recreational paddler. This course can take you all over the world – literally. Alumni from our guide program are currently leading exciting expeditions in various destinations worldwide. If you want to be a professional river guide or simply become competent in the necessary skills, REO has the right program for you.
Interested in bringing a group to REO to receive whitewater training? Click Here
Why Choose REO?
REO offers one of the most comprehensive raft training programs in North America, with focused instructors who are committed to your success. Each REO instructor is a rafting expert and certified as a Swiftwater Rescue Technician.
We train on one of the most technical and continuous rivers in BC – the Nahatlatch River. Training on this river will foster advanced whitewater skills.
Our guide Training program has been running consecutively since 1986.
REO’s CEO, Bryan Fogelman, was elected the president of the BCROA from 1987-1988 to develop safety standards across BC for whitewater rafting. Under his tenure, he created and implemented river specific regulations for over 150 rivers and the on-river BCROA certificate program. To ensure a high-quality training program, Bryan sets our course standards and selects and monitors instructors.
Our rafting resort base is located right along the Nahatlatch River with minimal travel time to on-river training locations.
River gear is available to anyone who needs it for the duration of the course. We will also send a gear list to those who would like to purchase anything for themselves. Additionally, course materials are given to each attendee.
Course Curriculum
Understanding of hydrology
Knowledge on river types
Guide Positioning
Guide Strokes
Self-Rescue
Knots
Signals
Paddle Talk
Safety Talk
Rigging/Derigging
PPE / Gear
Swimming
Throw Bag Rescues
Tethered Rescue
Flip Recovery
Mechanical Advantage
Raft Control / Maneuvering
River Logs
Intensive 8-Day Course Information
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.
Course Fees $1600 CAD + GST
Course Dates May 20-27, 2025; Intensive 8-day Course
Registration Deadline May 10th, 2025
Awarded Certificate Upon course completion and examination of skills BCROA Raft Guide Class 2
Reserve Your Spot $500 Deposit; Balance Due May 10, 2025
Location REO Rafting & Yoga Resort
Prerequisites Physically active, ability to swim
Advanced Certificate For those with exceptional demonstration of skills BCROA Raft Guide Class 3 **
** Additional training may be required to achieve a BCROA Class 3 certificate. Select students may be given the opportunity to continue training at REO to achieve this certificate and guide commercially.
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 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.
Camping in your own tent and linens. Designated spot with a picnic table.
3 delicious meals served daily. Catering to dietary needs available upon request.
Beverages such as water, tea, coffee, & juice
Access to resort facilities such as hot showers, bathrooms, hot tub, nightly campfires, beach volleyball, hammock garden, and more.
Camping Off-Site
Stay at recreational sites in the area or the Washtock Family Campground. Meet at REO each day for the course. You are welcome to use the bathroom facilities on-site.
Note: Recreation sites in the Nahatlatch Valley may still show closure notices from the Fall of 2023. We recommend checking government sites in the spring for up to date information on open sites.
Reach out to us if you would like more information on sites in the area.
Apprenticeship Option
For those who are looking to attend our guide school and contend for the BCROA Class 3 certificate, there are a few spots available in our apprenticeship program. This program would include the Intensive 8-Day training program as well as additional training beyond that to prepare you for your Class 3 certificate. You would be employed at REO for the season and your course fees can be worked off in exchange. Once you've been awarded your Class 3 certificate, you can then receive opportunities to guide commercially.
If you are interested in the apprenticeship program, send an email to bryan@reorafting.com. Please attach your resume/CV and a cover letter describing your interest in guide training and why you think you would be a good candidate.
Reserve Your Spot Now
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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 Training Program
2-Nights in a river's edge glamping tent
6 Delicious home-style meals & drinks
2 Full days completing intensive training
Access to resort facilities & amenities
Sale ends March 15. All prices per person.
Each glamping unit sleeps 4 people.
Groups of 4
Reg
Sale
$1099
$1049
Groups of 8
Reg
Sale
$1049
$949
Groups of 12+
Reg
Sale
$999
$899
4 Day Training Program
3-Nights in a river's edge glamping tent
9 Delicious home-style meals & drinks
3 Full days completing intensive training
Access to resort facilities & amenities
Sale ends March 15. All prices per person.
Each glamping unit sleeps 4 people.
Groups of 4
Reg
Sale
$1449
$1399
Groups of 8
Reg
Sale
$1399
$1299
Groups of 12+
Reg
Sale
$1349
$1249
5 Day Training Program
4-Nights in a river's edge glamping tent
12 Delicious home-style meals & drinks
4 Full days completing intensive training
Access to resort facilities & amenities
Sale ends March 15. All prices per person.
Each glamping unit sleeps 4 people.
Groups of 4
Reg
Sale
$1799
$1699
Groups of 8
Reg
Sale
$1749
$1649
Groups of 12+
Reg
Sale
$1699
$1599
Contact us for additional training days or to book a custom training program!
Fine Print
We will be open commercially May 2 - September 14, 2025.
The above rates are per person based on the group size + 5% GST
The deposit required to confirm your booking is 20% with the balance due 15 days prior to arrival.
If you cancel 30+ days in advance, any payment will convert to a credit voucher valid until August 1, 2027.
