LIVE AN ADVENTUREPROFESSIONAL & RECREATIONAL

RAFT GUIDE CERTIFICATION

INFORMATION & REGISTRATION 2015

2PROFESSIONAL & RECREATIONAL RAFT GUIDE CERTIFICATION

YOUR OFFICE

PROFESSIONAL & RECREATIONAL RAFT GUIDE CERTIFICATION

Overview 3Why Glacier Raft Co. 3Equipment & Safety 3Instructors 4Training Subjects & Certifications 5Rivers We Learn On 6 Rapid Class System 6Course Schedule 6Prerequisites 7Required Equipment 7Food & Camping 7Registration 7Funding 7Contact 7 Gear List 8List of Canadian Raft Companies 9 Q & A 10

3PROFESSIONAL & RECREATIONAL RAFT GUIDE CERTIFICATION

COURSE OVERVIEWAdventure, 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 & SAFETYEquipment 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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INSTRUCTORSThe 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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TRAINING SUBJECTSThis 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

» 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

» Certification of Completion » BC River Outfitters Association Guide

Certificate » Swiftwater Rescue Tech Level III ( optional )

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RIVERS WE LEARN ON

RAPID CLASS SYSTEM

COURSE SCHEDULEIn 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

» 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

12 days of dynamic training. The complete package of classroom, hands-on training, drills and more.

Pre Course Swift Water Rescue Tech Lvl III (optional 3 days)

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

Rivers are rated from class 1 to 6

Class 1: Moving water

Class 2: Some maneuvering splashy waves.

Class 3: Easy maneuvering through the rapids, bigger waves.

Class 4: Intense rapids, technical maneuvering, big waves.

Class 5: Long, powerful rapids with serious consequences (not commercially raftable).

Class 6: No go (think Niagara Falls).

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WAKE UP. GO AFTER IT. REPEAT.

CONTACT

FUNDING OPTIONS

PREREQUISITES

FOOD & CAMPING

REQUIRED TO HAVE

REGISTRATIONA couple things to keep in mind before we start!

» 19 years or older » Physically fit, able to pass a fitness

test » Fluent in English » Competent swimmer » Understand and sign release of

liability wavers

You will need a few handy things to have a successful time.

» Acquire basic personal gear - see equipment list » Text Book: The Complete White

Water Rafter by Jeff Bennet

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.

» 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.

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

College of the Rockies, Golden Campusgolden@cotr.bc.ca | www.cotr.bc.ca/golden1305 South 9th Street, PO Box 376Golden, BC, V0A 1H0Phone: (250) 344-5901 | Fax: (250) 344-5745

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GEAR LISTGear 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)

» 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

NICE TO HAVE » 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

9PROFESSIONAL & RECREATIONAL RAFT GUIDE CERTIFICATION

CANADIAN RAFTING COMPANIESAdams 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@skeenavalleyexped-itions.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.

10PROFESSIONAL & RECREATIONAL RAFT GUIDE CERTIFICATION

Q. Will Glacier Raft Co offer guide employment after training?

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.

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. What certifications are required for most raft guides

A. Wilderness first aid, swiftwater rescue, provincial raft guide certification.

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.

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.

Q & A