RAFT GUIDE SCHOOL 2025

Pursue work as a professional raft guide in Colorado

Colorado Outback Adventures has more than 25 years of experience in whitewater rafting. Learn from our professionally trained guides with our extensive real world experience. At our guide school participants can expect excellent training to gain the skills needed to pursue work as a professional raft guide in Colorado. Our guide school works for an average of four participants per instructor ratio so you can ensure you will receive the training attention you need for a quality guide school experience.

Participants will learn the essential skills to guide a commercial raft down the river along with building their skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, and self-confidence.

Advanced Course:
Dates: May 17th-May 29th (5/24-5/26 off)
Duration: 10 days to earn 75 hours on river training
Rate: $350 Per person
Itinerary: 5/17-5/23 Daily 8am to 5pm
5/24-5/26 off
5/27-5/28 Trip to Buena Vista to raft the Arkansas River
5/29 8am to 5pm
Meeting Location: 1212 State Hwy 3, Durango, CO 81301

Basic Course:
Dates: June 2nd-June 7th
Duration: 6 days to earn 50 hours on river training
Rate: $195 Per person
Itinerary: 6/2-6/7 Daily 8am to 5pm
Meeting Location: 1212 State Hwy 3, Durango, CO 81301

Essential river skills include:

-Rigging and maneuvering a raft
-River currents, eddies, and waves
-River hazards
-Types and causes of river rapids
-Scouting and running rapids
-River rescue and emergency procedures
-Minimizing outdoor recreation resource impacts
-Proper fit, wearing and use of personal floatation devices

During the basic course, participants can expect to receive the state required 50 hours of training with both on river and off river training. Daily schedule from 8am to 5pm with a break for lunch (bring your own lunch). During the advanced course, participants can expect to receive 75 hours of training, including approximately 10 hours on the Arkansas River in Buena Vista, CO.

Upon completion of guide school, participants will be able to utilize their skills and apply for a fun and exciting position with Colorado Outback Adventures!

*Guide school dates are subject to change if minimum participation requirements are not met.

**Guide school does not include state required first aid/cpr training.  This is an optional add-on to the course for an additional fee.