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March, 2024

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River Guiding

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Alex_thedroog
Posts: 3433 - Karma: 2
So I really want to do this next summer but I kind of want to know some specifics. Has anyone here done it? And mainly how old, I hear 21 but that doesn't seem like it should be right. And I am looking to guide down cataract canyon hopefully, but I would take most utah companys/rivers
Aug 19 2008 10:57PM
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Caveman.
Posts: 9067 - Karma: 330
Pretty sure there is a coast guard certification you have to have.
Aug 19 2008 11:02PM
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jedi.Jim
Posts: 1133 - Karma: 13
I just clicked into NSG to make a thread about this. Kinda weird...

I'm 18 and pretty much have a job locked up rafting in Aspen next summer. That may be because I have my WFR, CPR, and two weeks of rafting with NOLS, along with other various trips. Normally you can become a guide without any experience, but that may come with a minimum age (such as being 21). Different companies have different rules about hiring guides. If you get your CDL you'll have a much better chance at getting a job, but CDLs kind of fuck you over since you're held to a higher standard of driving even when you're just driving your personal car.
Aug 19 2008 11:07PM
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timmi
Posts: 12874 - Karma: 3,460
i actually just went white water rafting today... in ottawa.
my guides said they love there job so much. it looks awesome. i suggest you do it.
Aug 20 2008 12:05AM
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[Adam]
Posts: 1937 - Karma: 256
i recently ran west water canyon and cataract canyon while it was running 10.000 kayaking but i was with a group of rafter who were with guides and anyway some were younger than 21 i just think that in order to be a guide you have to be documented properly and show that you know what your doing.
Aug 20 2008 12:43AM
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[Adam]
Posts: 1937 - Karma: 256
certified not document sorry for that and the double post
Aug 20 2008 12:44AM
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=Worf=
Posts: 2468 - Karma: 25
well nope cause actually the coast guard doesnto deal with in land water ways, each state has specific certifications or guide trainning needed. i dont know first hand but when io was in college 2 of my fraternity bros did it on the yach at ohio pile, they went down for 8 weekends in a row starting in like april to go through all there traing in what not in their company took care of it, i would just go to 1 of the company's the do it for your neck of the woods, tell them what you would liek to do and how you are to get started
Aug 20 2008 10:59AM
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comeatmebro
Posts: 10720 - Karma: 66
someone died at ohio pyle the other day, over the falls.
Aug 20 2008 11:04AM
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=Worf=
Posts: 2468 - Karma: 25
the falls between the middle an dlower section are ridiculous,  actually the entire middle section is rediculous.  totally intense. 
Aug 20 2008 11:38AM
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Jodi
Posts: 4215 - Karma: 745
I worked as a river guide for 3 years on both the Ottawa River and the Niagara River.
In Canada, you simply need an SRT certification (Swift Water Rescue).
Most outfitters provide this upon hiring...kinda like getting a PSIA or CSIA level one cert. From there, you can aquire more certifications  - the more you have, the more you get paid typically...and then ultimately you can wind up being a rescue boat (paddling along rafts instead of being the trip leader for a boatload of gorbies...)
Aug 20 2008 12:31PM
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MacMahoooon
Posts: 9009 - Karma: 3,305
who did you run with...we probably saw you yelling your way down the river...or you tried to take out us kayakers
Aug 20 2008 2:10PM
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Jodi
Posts: 4215 - Karma: 745
I made 40 bucks a day working 14 hour days.....and i still managed to love my job.
Aug 20 2008 2:23PM
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Alex_thedroog
Posts: 3433 - Karma: 2
Thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it
Aug 21 2008 1:17AM
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