Guide School 2: Raft Guide Training in Durango, Colorado
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have good cardiovascular fitness and upper body strength to manage rafting challenges and safety drills.
Overview
Experience the excitement of professional raft guide training in Durango, Colorado. Over six days, develop leadership skills, master river navigation, and earn your certification.
Guide School 2
Ages 18+ • 6 days
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an exhilarating summer adventure as a professional raft guide! Experience the thrill of navigating multiple rivers while honing your leadership and customer service skills. Over six action-packed days, you'll receive essential training, gear up for safety, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow adventurers, culminating in certification as a Colorado guide.
About
If you are looking for an adventurous, exciting, and fast-paced summer job then look no further. Working as a professional raft guide on MULTIPLE RIVERS is a highly rewarding job where you get to be outside, stay in shape, work with awesome people, and gain important customer service and leadership skills.
Every day of guide school we will meet at our River Office at 360 S. Camino Del Rio Durango Colorado 81301. We recommend bringing lunch, snacks and lots of water. Bring extra layers and dry clothes for after each day, the weather can change very quickly and does get cold fast.
Schedule for the week (subject to change)
Day 1
- Arrive in the morning, get to meet everyone and go over introductions and expectations for the week.
- Gear check out for the week. This includes lifejackets, throw bags, river shoes and wetsuits (if needed), drybag, and helmet.
- Go over equipment from rafts to trailers.
- Rigging and Derigging both rafts and trailers
- Break for lunch
- The afternoon we will get on the water!
Day 2-5
- For the next few days we will go over Safety orientation/speech
- One day will be dedicated to Flip training.
- Another day is dedicated to Swim training
- Afternoons will be for hot laps!
Day 6
- On the final day of guide school we will be doing our check out runs through the white water park.
- After day 6 you will have accumulated the state required 50 hours of training to be a Colorado State certified guide.
- There are no make up days for guide school. Make sure you are on time ready to go each day.
Adventure Tips
Stay Hydrated Throughout Training
Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during long days on the river under the summer sun.
Wear Quick-Drying Clothing
Dress in moisture-wicking, quick-dry layers to stay comfortable both on and off the water.
Listen Carefully to Safety Briefings
Pay close attention during safety sessions — strong trust in procedures is key to safe river guiding.
Practice River Communication
Develop clear hand signals and vocal commands to coordinate effectively with your team on rapids.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- River otters
- Bald eagles
History
Durango’s rivers have supported rafting since the late 1800s when miners and settlers used them, shaping local culture around river travel.
Conservation
Durango Rivertrippers actively promotes sustainable rafting practices to protect river ecosystems and minimize environmental impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Durango
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Provides critical buoyancy and safety on the water throughout training.
summer specific
Quick-Dry Shirt and Pants
Helps keep you comfortable by drying quickly during river runs and breaks.
summer specific
Helmet
Protects your head when navigating rapids and during rescue exercises.
summer specific
Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps personal items and extra clothing dry throughout your adventure.
summer specific