Rafting season runs from March to November with our greatest need for staff occurring during the summer months (June, July and August).

We're always looking for seasoned guides and trip leaders, but each season we train from scratch. No guiding experience is necessary.

USA Raft French Broad, Nolichucky and Watauga Rivers - Guide Training.

We require that raft guides be at least 19 and have finished a year of college, and that you have previous guiding experience or have taken our raft guide school . We are seeking committed/responsible applicants with strong people skills, a good attitude and a willingness to work to provide the superior level of customer service and guiding skill for which we are known. Download a Raft Guide Application and send as an attachment email to guide@mtnadventureguides.com

Raft guiding is rated by USA Today as one of the top 5 travel jobs!

Raft Guide School is designed for prospective commercial river guides with USA Raft on the French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers. Learn the basics of raft guiding including, water reading skills, hydrology, raft maneuvers, paddle techniques, river scouting and river rescue techniques. This will lay the groundwork for honing your Class II-IV whitewater skills. We strongly recommend taking the American Red Cross First Aid & CPR course before training.

Training is unpaid. River guide trainees receive expert, specialized training for which there is a non-refundable $175 fee. Preferential consideration will be given to graduates of the Whitewater Guide School for employment with USA Raft French Broad, Watauga and Nolichucky Rivers. Guides who are hired will receive CPR and First Aid Training, as well as a free "throwbag." Those who work full time through August 10th will be given a $175 bonus to compensate for the training fee.

Raft Guide School Includes:

• 5 or 6 full days on the water (training and classroom)
• 6:1 trainer to trainee ratio
• Meals (lunch included)
• Lodging- limited lodging or camping is available. No Pets Allowed
• Equipment (rafts, paddles, life jackets, helmets, wetsuits and shuttle)
• Certificate of Completion
• Guides who are invited to continue training and join our staff will be provided with

  First Aid & CPR training upon "checking out", as well as a throw bag.

   

2008 Whitewater Raft Guide School Dates

May 7-11 (M-F) French Broad River, near Asheville, NC.

May 12-17 (M-Sat.) Nolichucky River, near Erwin, TN (between Johnson City, TN and Asheville, NC).

May 19-23 (M-F) French Broad River, near Asheville, NC.

ALL COURSES LED BY CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

Total cost for 5 or 6 day Raft Guide School is $175.00 per person. Applications require a $25 deposit with the balance due 30 days before your training date.

Download Raft Guide Application  and send to guide@mtnadventureguides.com with your deposit or payment in full.

Raft Guide Employment: Preferential consideration will be given to graduates of Raft Guide School for employment with USA Raft French Broad and Nolichucky River outposts. An offer of employment depends on your progress and attitude, and is not guaranteed. Qualified graduates will be invited to continue training and join our staff for the summer season. Requirements: Guide application and interview. Also, see below.

Core training for French Broad River guides is 5 days. Core Training for Nolichucky River Guides is 6 days. After core training, qualified raft guide school graduates will be invited for additional training to join our staff. During the first 5 or 6 days of training, we will teach basic river guiding skills, hydrology, rescue techniques and the dynamics of a raft trip, including people skills.

After core training, we will invite individuals who have shown strong commitment and good attitude, to continue training, the following week(s). This second and third week will focus on guiding the boats, "riding along" on commercial trips with experienced trip leaders and seasoned guides, and working hard to check-out to become a professional, paid raft guide. Depending on your aptitude, after this second or third week we expect individuals to be close to starting their check-out runs with our trip leaders.

Raft guide employment will be subject to an evaluation of developed river skills, level of commitment, attitude and availability. Working guides are required to provide their own PFD, river knife, whistle, helmet and throw bag (available at wholesale). Second year guides must keep their first aid and CPR certifications current. We recommend taking the American Red Cross First Aid & CPR course before training.

We are a very busy outfitter and first year guides can expect to work 5+ days per week June, July and August.

Housing: USA Raft offers space for pitching your own tents and bunk rooms may be available at the Nolichucky and French Broad. Speak to the river manager about this option. No pets allowed. 

Drug Policy: USA Raft French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers adheres to a zero tolerance policy for use or possession of drugs on our property or impairment at work. 

Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must be 19 years old prior to first day of training and eligible to work in the United States without USA Raft French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers. We recommend taking the American Red Cross First Aid & CPR course before training.

Behavior: USA Raft French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers expects considerate behavior in our workplace and housing, and in the larger community.

Application Process: Most seasonal hiring occurs between March and May. Applications are accepted year round.

Raft Guide Housing and meals: Lunch is provided during the first 5 days of core training. Limited housing is available at the French Broad Outpost. Camping and a shower house are available at the Nolichucky Outpost. There may be opportunities for hourly work around the outpost when not training.