Our training is very physically and mentally demanding. You should plan on investing much of your time and most of your energy into this whitewater jobs training program. Please be aware that your level of physical fitness may affect your success in training, so the more prepared you are the better off you will be. If you have any question about your level of fitness, please have an honest conversation with us prior to accepting a position. The goal is to maintain safety for you and our guests.

Guide training is mentally demanding as well. You’re training for a job that can be at times a high stress / high pressure environment. Those with anxiety may want to address this during the interview process so you feel comfortable with the job expectations. 

The initial 10 days of training will include a multi-day trip of at least 3 days in length, as well as swiftwater rescue training and plenty of on-river time.

Our goal is to foster a positive work and living environment with a team of conscientious and hard-working individuals. To achieve this, understand that not everyone invited to training will be the right fit and will not move on to become a raft guide.

If necessary, we will cut those trainees with negative attitudes, poor work ethic, or who are seriously struggling with the physical demands of guide training. 

Therefore, we strongly suggest you have your own health insurance so you are covered for the duration of training. Since you will not be paid to train with us, all funds necessary for living expenses should also be secured in advance of training.

If you receive an invitation we will need your non-refundable $300 training payment within 14 days to secure your spot. On or around day 10 we will cut those trainees with negative attitudes, poor work ethic, or who are struggling severely with the physical demands of guide training. Following the cut of trainees, an additional $200 will be due to continue the remainder of training.

You should also be prepared to purchase some personal rafting gear. The cost of these materials can range from $400 to $450, depending on what you choose to buy. More information regarding costs and detailed equipment lists will be made available to you should you be invited to training.

While you are training for our white water rafting jobs, you are not considered an employee and are not eligible for workers compensation. Therefore, we strongly suggest you have your own health insurance so you are covered for the duration of training.

Rafting guide trainees are selected by online applications, resumes, references and phone or personal interviews. After interviews and reference checks, you may be offered a spot in our program.

All prospective guides need to remember that an invitation to join the whitewater raft guide job training program does not necessarily guarantee employment. The hiring of trainees from the training class will be based on training performance and growth, ability to perform essential job skills, work ethic, and ability to work in a team setting.

Due to the time and monetary investment we are both putting into training we will require you to work at Echo Canyon for at least two seasons if you are hired. Please do not apply if you only plan to be a rafting guide for one season.

The 2021 white water rafting jobs guide training program begins at our Echo Canyon office. We expect you to arrive with Basic First Aid and Adult and Child CPR certifications.

Most years we host a more intensive advanced wilderness first aid class at our office in the days preceding the first day of training. Ask us about this during your phone interview if you are interested.

You will be provided with a life jacket for the duration of training, as well as a used wetsuit for use during the program. You will be responsible for bringing your own helmet and any additional clothing/ gear necessary to keep you comfortable on the river, as well as camping gear if you choose to camp at our training sites. Those applicants accepted into the program will have several pro-purchase programs available to them for river gear and apparel.

We provide all necessary boating equipment including rafts, paddles, oars, frames as well as all transportation to and from the current training locations.

Free camping at our staff camping area, which in gives you access to our staff bathrooms with flush toilets and showers.

Once training is complete guides are able to remain camping with us for a flat rate of $400 for the summer.

A generous amount of river time, 35 hours or more a week of actual time on the river, including both oar and paddle boat training.

When you have completed your white water rafting jobs training you will have an abundance of documented on-water time before your certification run.

Upon completing your certification run a conference will take place between you and your trainers.

At this time we will discuss the strength of your guiding skills, growth and overall performance, as well as possibly offering you a position as a full time raft guide.

We love dogs, too, but you have to leave your pet at home for the summer. Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the staff camping area. We live in a hot desert environment and keeping a pet in a tent, vehicle, or camper is not kind to your animal friend.