Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Kayak Manual
    Subscribe
    • Home
      • About
    • Contact
      • Write for Us
    • Privacy Policy
      • Disclaimer
      • Corrections Policy
      • Verification Fact Checking Policy
      • Unnamed Sources Policy
      • Diversity Policy
      • Mission Coverage Priorities Policy
    • Kayak Types
      • Inflatable Kayaks
      • Budget Kayak
      • Folding Kayaks
      • Kayak for Rapids
      • Kayaks for Kids
      • Sit-In Kayaks
      • Sit-On-Top Kayaks
      • Tandem Kayaks
      • Touring Kayaks
    • Blog
    Kayak Manual
    Home » Whitewater Rafting Tips for Guides
    kayak

    Whitewater Rafting Tips for Guides

    Arthur G. MooreBy Arthur G. MooreDecember 14, 2022Updated:December 14, 2022No Comments3 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Whitewater Rafting Tips for Guides
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Whitewater rafting may be dangerous for a novice who is not fully trained in navigating the inflatable boat over the currents. And if you are a guide, you know that there is more to working with passengers during a rafting trip than merely paddling on a river. There are a number of insider tips you will do well to observe, as well as some obvious industry specific advice that is certain to make your business more lucrative and your career safer.

    Meet Minimum Industry Standards

    The International Rafting Federation put in place a number of minimum standards that commercial whitewater rafting guides should meet. Although these are not mandatory across the board, it is a wise choice for guides to meet them and be prepared for all eventualities. Among these minimum standards are current Red Cross certifications in First Aid and CPR, as well as rudimentary wilderness survival skills.

    Do Familiarizing Runs without Passengers

    Prior to taking a fully loaded boat over new rapids, one of the most crucial whitewater rafting tips for guides is to traverse the rapids at least once alone. The goal is to note any dangerous spots, deceptive areas that might capsize the raft and any potential evacuation spots if there should be a problem on board. This initial familiarity with a run will help you be able to spot anything out of the ordinary that might make a run more dangerous than anticipated.

    Understand the International Scale of River Difficulty

    You will most likely encounter classes II through V in your career as a whitewater rafting guide. Take passengers only in rivers classified according to your skill level. For example, a Class II run includes a bit of rough water and some basic paddling skills, but overall it is an easy ride with only a bit of spray here and there. In contrast, a Class IV river features not only whitewater but also one or more serious drops and precise maneuvers. Unless you are certain you can meet this challenge, leave the Class IV rivers to someone else.

    Learn the Office Procedures

    When you are not taking guests on a whitewater rafting trip, you will be wise to familiarize yourself with the office procedures, such as booking parties, conversing with guests, answering questions about being a guide and learning the administrative side of the business. This might enable you later on to open your own whitewater rafting outfit and employ guides yourself.

    Stay in Top Physical Shape

    Strength and endurance training must be a priority for you as a whitewater rafting guide. Although a good many guides might believe the trips are exercise enough, it is vital to hone your physical fitness even when you are not guiding a tour if you want to stay on top of your game and keep your passengers safe.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleWhitewater Rafting in Colorado
    Next Article Paddling vs. Rowing a Whitewater Raft
    Arthur G. Moore
    • Website

    Arthur G. Moore is a veteran paddler. He has over 10 years of whitewater kayaking experience in his kitty. When he was young, he used to love kayaking in rapid III and rapid IV but as time went on, he decided to concentrate mainly on covering long distances on a standard touring kayak. He is currently working as a senior editor for Kayak Manual.

    Related Posts

    Guide to Paint Your Kayak

    August 1, 2023
    Read More

    Best 3 Places to Kayak in Richmond, Virginia

    July 30, 2023
    Read More

    Expert Guide to Prevent Your Kayak from Spinning

    July 26, 2023
    Read More

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

    KayakManual.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualified purchases.

    ABOUT KAYAK MANUAL

    It’s time to ditch the dry dock and get out onto the water! Kayak Manual provides an excellent resource for all aspiring kayakers and canoeists in pursuit of the best – and safest – paddling out there. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to dip your toes into the waters of kayaking or an experienced expert looking for new places to explore, we’ve got you covered.

    About Kayak Manual

    Kayak Manual is trying to help both beginners and seasoned kayakers to have a great time on the water by providing them with the most comprehensive and up-to-date information available about kayaking.

    We hope that this manual will provide you with all of the information that you need to get started kayaking or to improve your existing skills. In addition, we have included many helpful tips and resources that we hope you will find useful.

    Affiliate Disclaimer

    KayakManual.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualified purchases.

    Recent Posts
    • Guide to Paint Your Kayak
    • Best 3 Places to Kayak in Richmond, Virginia
    • Expert Guide to Prevent Your Kayak from Spinning
    • Gourmet Recipes for the Intrepid Kayakers
    • Guide on Working with Your Kayak Wheels
    • Innovative Storage for Your Kayak’s Lip Gripper
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
    © 2023 ThemeSphere. Designed by ThemeSphere.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.