Have you ever thought of taking control of your own rafting excursion. Bob Sipchen stepped up to the challenge and survived a 12-day rafting guide training course on the American River. Sipchen says the goal of the course is for students to be able to transcend their rafting shortcomings and gain the abilities, confidence and authority to keep paying clients happy, safe and alive. To become a competent guide, the bottom line is you need to log your time in on the river. A first step in this direction is to complete a training program.
Students also learn leadership skills, along with how to plan, pack and prepare meals.
The requirements for professional guides vary depending on the state, river or outfitter in question. Some states like California and Oregon let individual companies set their own requirements. Other states like Colorado and Utah require formal licenses. Several outfitters and organizations offer guide training programs that spans from two days to more than a week of instruction on a river. In-line Skating tours are a great opportunity to spend an active vacation and take in scenery that you would miss on a car trip.