1. sports
2. canoeing and kayaking

LIVE AN ADVENTURE
PROFESSIONAL & RECREATIONAL
RAFT GUIDE CERTIFICATION
INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
2015
YOUR OFFICE
PROFESSIONAL & RECREATIONAL
RAFT GUIDE CERTIFICATION
Overview
Why Glacier Raft Co.
Equipment & Safety
Instructors
Training Subjects & Certifications
Rivers We Learn On
Rapid Class System
Course Schedule
Prerequisites
Required Equipment
Food & Camping
Registration
Funding
Contact
Gear List
List of Canadian Raft Companies
Q&A
PROFESSIONAL & RECREATIONAL
RAFT GUIDE CERTIFICATION
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COURSE OVERVIEW
Adventure, travel and exhilarating days on the river are all parts
of being a raft guide. The Adventure Tourism industry is always
seeking qualified and experienced guides at home and throughout
the world. The Professional & Recreational Raft Guide Certification
gives you complete hands on training to ready you for an exciting
career in the outdoors at home or abroad.
Our 12 day private course will pair you beside some of the of
the industry’s top guides and trainers. Upon completion you will
receive British Columbia River Outfiters Association Raft Guide
Certification. You will be trained beyond the basics and learn what it
is like to be a commercial day or expedition raft guide. You have an
option to to pair this course with a three day Rescue Canada Swift
Water Rescue Technician Level III certifications.
WHY COTR & GLACIER RAFT Co.
College of the Rockies is an internationally recognized Adventure
Tourism education provider with their lead diploma program in
Adventure Tourism Business Operations. The relationship with
COTR with Glacier Raft Co. ensures the highest quality certification
instruction in the rafting industry.
Since 1982, Glacier Raft Co. has guided on some of BC’s greatest
rivers in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Our focus is customer
experience and safety. Glacier Raft Co. is respected pioneer raft
company on the Kicking Horse River and a leader in customer
satisfaction ratings. Each of the guides and instructors bring in a
wide array of experience. With backgrounds in adventure tourism,
snowmobile guiding, ski guiding and natural history interpretation,
they provide a holistic approach to training a professional raft guide
with a focus on safety and customer interaction.
EQUIPMENT & SAFETY
Equipment can make or break your day. From rafts to splash tops,
the gear we use is updated and well maintained. We use 16’
AIRE brand rafts. They are a durable double haul design that is
modular and easy to customize for different river settings. Each
group is equipped to deal with medical and equipment emergency
situations.
Being prepared if something goes amiss is a must. Each group
carries trauma first aid supplies complete with an on-board AED
device, satellite communication, two way radios, and raft repair kits.
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RAFT GUIDE CERTIFICATION
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INSTRUCTORS
The experience and pride shows in
their work each day. Each instructor
has at least 10 years’ experience in
adventure tourism domestically and/
or international work. Their off season
work includes snowmobile guiding or
ski tour guiding; a few of guides even
make it across the world to guide on
rivers in New Zealand or beyond.
When people love what they do
it positively impacts those around
them. Given the amount of time our
team has spent at Glacier, and in
Golden, they’re no longer just ‘staff’.
They are teachers and storytellers,
instructors and mentors, trip planners,
environmental advocates, friends and
recreationists. They have a lot to
share with you!
ISAAC KAMINK
EXAMINER & LEAD INSTRUCTOR
We think he might have been born on the river. For the past
13 years Isaac has spent every summer rafting with Glacier.
He has a keen interest in professional guiding whether it is
rafting or skiing. He brings a very technical and well rounded
approach to his profession.
RYAN JOHANESSEN:
EXAMINER & LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Ryan’s interest for adventure sports is strong. He brings over
13 years experience on the water. He has a passion for snow
and snowboarding too.
KRIS KING
INSTRUCTOR
Over the last 9 seasons Kris has guided on many rivers
in Western Canada and brings to the instruction team an
interest in expedition travel and natural interpretation.
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RAFT GUIDE CERTIFICATION
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TRAINING SUBJECTS
This course puts typical daily commercial operations
into practical training. We will focus on your
development and experience to ready you for
employment into the rafting industry.
Setting this program apart from the others, is a hands
on approach mixed with theory to round out the
training and ensure full comprehension and successful
mastering of skills and knowledge.
SUBJECTS WE COVER
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river hydrology and dynamics
river rescue scenarios
river navigation and flotilla management
emergency management training
expedition planning
riverside support
logistics
equipment repair
food preparation
administration
scouting
overnight river camping
commercial guide development
radio communications
guest relations
natural interpretation
CERTIFICATIONS
Upon successful completion of writen and practical
exams you will receive
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Certification of Completion
BC River Outfitters Association Guide
Certificate
Swiftwater Rescue Tech Level III ( optional )
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RAFT GUIDE CERTIFICATION
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RIVERS WE LEARN ON
In the heart of the Rocky and Purcell
Mountains near Golden BC, we utilize
multiple rivers for their unique atributes
and skills needed to navigate.
OUR RIVERS
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Kicking Horse River - Class I to IV
Columbia River - Class I
Kootenay River - Class II+
White River - Class III
Toby Creek - Class II+
Kananaskis River - Class II+
Blaeberry River - Class II
COURSE SCHEDULE
12 days of dynamic training. The complete package of
classroom, hands-on training, drills and more.
Pre Course
(optional 3 days)
Swift Water Rescue Tech Lvl III
Days 1 to 3
classroom theory, raft foundation
skills, rescue techniques.
Days 4 to 6
raft maneuvering, commercial trip
familiarization and
risk management
Days 7 to 10
3 night 3 day expedition
Day 12
examinations
RAPID CLASS SYSTEM
Rivers are rated from class 1 to 6
Class 1: Moving water
Class 2: Some maneuvering
splashy waves.
Class 3: Easy maneuvering through Class 5: Long, powerful rapids
the rapids, bigger waves.
with serious consequences (not
commercially raftable).
Class 4: Intense rapids, technical
maneuvering, big waves.
Class 6: No go (think Niagara Falls).
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RAFT GUIDE CERTIFICATION
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WAKE UP. GO AFTER IT.
REPEAT.
PREREQUISITES
A couple things to keep in mind before we
start!
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19 years or older
Physically fit, able to pass a fitness
test
Fluent in English
Competent swimmer
Understand and sign release of
liability wavers
REQUIRED TO HAVE
You will need a few handy things to have a
successful time.
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Acquire basic personal gear
- see equipment list
Text Book: The Complete White
Water Rafter by Jeff Bennet
FOOD & CAMPING
In Golden there is a hostel or camping
available. While on the road we will be
camping with limited resources. Locations
and days may vary.
All meals while away from Golden will be
shared group meals. Meals are not included
in tuition.
CONTACT
REGISTRATION
100% payment is required to guarantee registration.
Contact College of the Rockies Golden Campus for
registration and payment.
DATES
Swiftwater Rescue Technician Lvl III ( optional )
13 May 2015 to 15 May 2015
Professional & Recreational Raft Guide Certification
24 May 2015 to 5 June 2015
TUITION
SRT Lvl III - $430 + tx CAD ( optional )
PRRGC - $1500 + tx. CAD
INCLUDED
» 12 days of instruction
» all transportation
» exam fees
FUNDING OPTIONS
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BC / Alberta / Canada Jobs Grant
Employment Insurance
Columbia Basin Trust, Training Fee
Support Program
Note: It is the students responsibility to research funding options
and submit payment to COTR.
College of the Rockies, Golden Campus
golden@cotr.bc.ca | www.cotr.bc.ca/golden
1305 South 9th Street, PO Box 376
Golden, BC, V0A 1H0
Phone: (250) 344-5901 | Fax: (250) 344-5745
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RAFT GUIDE CERTIFICATION
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GEAR LIST
Gear can make or break your day.
Personal Protection Equipment
is mandatory for all rivers. This a
good list to get you started.
REQUIRED GEAR
» whitewater guide life vest with
rescue belt (type V PFD)
» safety whistle (fox 40 or similar)
» 3 mill farmer john wet suit
» neopreen gloves & socks
» river shoes (old runner or skate
shoes will work)
» splash top
» splash pants
» river thermal underwear (fleece,
polypro or merino wool)
» swim shorts for over wet suit
» river helmet
» waist throw bag
» flip line ( buy or make your own )
» river sandals with heal strap (Keen
or Chaco brand)
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shorts
UV sunglasses
ball cap / sun hat
backpacking sleeping bag
( rated to -15C )
sleeping pad
water bottle
gear duffel bag
sunscreen
headlamp
camping shoes
hiking pants
camping shirt and warm layers
hiking style puffy jack
light weight gloves
camping hygiene kit
dry bags of various sizes
2 locking carabiners
1 non-locking carbiner
attachable river knife
five meters of climbing cordalette
and tubular webbing
multi tool knife (leatherman style)
rite in the rain log book - pencil
camp clothes
PROFESSIONAL & RECREATIONAL
RAFT GUIDE CERTIFICATION
NICE TO HAVE
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dry suit
neoprene shorts and shirt
board shorts
bills bag
2 person hiking tent
waterproof camera
camping pillow
neoprene scull cap
PADDLE GEAR BRANDS &
SHOPS
MEC
NRS
Kokatat
Level 6
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CANADIAN RAFTING COMPANIES
Adams River Rafting
Scotch Creek BC
250-955-2447
info@adamsriverrafting.com
www.adamsriverrafting.com/
Alpine Rafting
Golden BC
1-888-599-5299
info@alpinerafting.com
www.alpinerafting.com
Big Canyon Rafting
Quesnel / Williams Lake BC
250-992-7238
info@bigcanyonrafting.com
www.bigcanyonrafting.com/
Canadian Outback Adventures
Vancouver Area
1-800-565-8735
info@canadianoutback.com
www.canadianoutback.com/
Canadian River Expeditions
Whitehorse YT
1-867-668-3180
info@nahanni.com
www.nahanni.com/
Canadian Rockies Rafting Company
Canmore AB
403-678-6535
info@rafting.ca
www.rafting.ca
Canyon Raft Company
Fernie BC
250-423-7226
info@canyonraft.com
www.canyonraft.com/
Chilliwack River Rafting
Chilliwack BC
1-800-410-7238
chilliwackriverrafting@gmail.com
www.chilliwackriverrafting.com/
Chinook Rafting
Canmore AB
403-763-2007
info@chinookrafting.com
chinookrafting.com
Desitny River Adventure
Campbell River BC
250-287-4800
info@destinyriver.com
www.destinyriver.com/
Esprit Whitewater Rafting
Davidson QC
819-683-3241
info@whitewater.ca
www.whitewater.ca/
Fraser River Raft Expeditions
Yale BC
1-800-363-7238
info@fraserraft.com
www.fraserraft.com/
Glacier Raft Co
Golden BC
250-344-6521
trips@glacierraft.com
www.glacierraft.com
Grand River Rafting
Toronto ON
519-442-2519
info@grandriverrafting.ca
www.grandriverrafting.ca/
Hyak River Rafting
Lytton, BC
1-800-663-7238
info@hyak.com
www.hyak.com/
Hydra River Guides Banff
Golden / Banff - BC/AB
403-732-4554
info@raftbanff.com
www.raftbanff.com/
Inside Out Experience
Bragg Creek AB
403-949-3305
info@insideoutexperience.com
insideoutexperience.com/
Interior Whitewater Expeditions
Clearwater BC
1-800-661-7238
rafting@interiorwhitewater.bc.ca
www.interiorwhitewater.com
Jacque-Cartier Excursions
Stoneham et Tewkesbury QC
418-848-7238
info@excursionsjacques-cartier.com
www.excursionsj-cartier.com/
Jasper’s Whitewater Rafting Ltd.
Jasper AB
780-852-7238
raftingjasper@telus.net
whitewaterraftingjasper.com/
Kimberly Raft Co
Kimberly BC
1-877-777-7238
info@raftkimberley.com
www.raftkimberley.com/
Kootenay River Runners
Radium Hot Springs BC
250-347-9210
info@raftingtherockies.com
www.kootenayriverrunners.com/
Kumsheen Rafting Resort
Lyntton, BC
250-455-2296
rafting@kumsheen.com
www.kumsheen.com/
Liquid Lifestyles
Clearwater BC
1-877-674-3307
info@liquidlifestyles.ca
www.liquidlifestyles.ca/
Maligne Rafting Adventures
Jasper AB
1-866-625-4463
info@raftjasper.com
www.raftjasper.com
Mount Robson Whitewater
Valemont BC
250-566-4879
info@mountrobsonwhitewater.com
www.mountrobsonwhitewater.com
Mountain High Adventures
Fernie BC
250-423-5008
info@raftfernie.com
www.raftfernie.com/
Mukwah Rafting Tours
Sundre AB
1-800-465-0144
info@mukwah.com
www.mukwah.com/
Nahanni Wildernes Adventures
Nahanni River NWT
1-888-897-5223
adventures@nahanniwild.com
www.nahanniwild.com
Nelson Whitewater Rafting Co
Nelson BC
250-505-2689
info@nelsonwhitewaterrafting.com
www.nelsonwhitewaterrafting.com/
New World Rafting
Grenville-sur-la-Rouge QC
1-800-361-5033
info@newworld.ca
www.newworld.ca/
Otter Rafting Adventures
Sundre AB
1-800-661-7379
otter@otterrafting.com
www.otterrafting.com/
Owl Rafting
Forester Falls Ontario ON
613-646-2263
raft@owl-mkc.ca
www.owl-mkc.ca/
Propulsion Rafting
Quebec QC
1-800-461-3300
info@propulsion.ca
propulsion.ca/en/contact/
Reo Rafting Resort
Lyntton, BC
1-800-736-7238
info@reorafting.com
www.reorafting.com/
ROAM Adventures
Nelson BC
1-888-639-1114
info@iroamtheworld.com
www.iroamtheworld.com/
Shubenacadie River Adventure Tours
South Maitland NS
902-261-2222
adventure@shubie.com
www.shubie.com/
Skeena Valley Expeditions
Terrace BC
250-635-7238
adventure@skeenavalleyexpeditions.com
www.skeenavalleyexpeditions.com/
Sunwolf
Brackendale, BC
604-898-1537
sunwolf@sunwolf.net
www.sunwolf.net/
Tatsshenshini Expediting
Whitehorse YT
867-633-2742
info@tatshenshiniyukon.com
www.tatshenshiniyukon.com/
Valcartier
Valcartier QC
888-384-5524
informations@valcartier.com
www.valcartier.com/
Wedge Rafting Whistler
Whistler BC
1-604-932-7171
info@wedgerafting.com
www.wedgerafting.com/
Wet N Wild Adventures
Golden BC
250-344-6546
info@wetnwild.bc.ca
www.wetnwild.bc.ca/
Wild Blue Yonder Rafting
Grande Cache AB
780-827-5450
fun@wildblueyonder.ca
www.wildblueyonder.ca/
Wild Water Adventures
Golden / Lake Louise BC/AB
403-522-2222
info@wildwatercom
www.wildwater.com
Wilderness Tours
Foresters Falls ON
1-613-646-2241
raft@wildernesstours.com
www.wildernesstours.com/
This is may not be complete or accurate list of companies in Canada, it is for information use only. List compiled in 2015.
PROFESSIONAL & RECREATIONAL
RAFT GUIDE CERTIFICATION
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Q&A
Q. Will Glacier Raft Co offer guide
employment after training?
Q. What certifications are
required for most raft guides
A. No, if your skills are of high
caliber we may host you through
our apprentice guide program.
The Kicking Horse River does
require a lot of training to learn.
A. Wilderness first aid,
swiftwater rescue, provincial raft
guide certification.
Q. Where can I work after the
course?
A. We will prep you for class II/
III rivers. However each river
has unique characteristics and
you will most likely will have
to run familiarization trips to
qualify for each new river. Your
certifications are recognized
internationally in most countries.
Experience and millage is key
when it comes to advancing in
the guiding trade.
Q. Do you accept student
financing or grants.
A. Yes, we accept all types
of funding. However it is the
students responsibility to ensure
that 100% funding is submited
and deposited inorder to finalize
registration and guarantee
participation.
Q. What is your pass rate?
A. We will coach you to the
best of our ability to help you
pass your exams. But it is up
to your skills sets to pass the
certifications. We will have an
outside instructor examine your
skills.
PROFESSIONAL & RECREATIONAL
RAFT GUIDE CERTIFICATION
Q. Is raft guiding a safe job.
A. Raft guiding is an adventure
sport job. With this type of
employment there are many
unexpected risks and dangers
associated. Your training and
skills are essential to mitigate
dangers and risks to protect you
and your clients.
Q. Where are you located.
A. We are located in downtown
Golden, BC. About 3 hours drive
east of Calgary.
Q. Is accommodation provided?
A. We will be doing lots of
camping away from Golden.
However, when in Golden
there is a hostel and public
campground, the campus does
have shower facilities and wifi.
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