Raft Guide Training
GUIDE TRAINING
Want to become the next professional Whitewater River Guide? Let us get you there in style by training you on the wild and scenic – Nolichucky River here in Erwin, TN.
We kick things off with our WEEKEND WARRIOR dates beginning March 18th, 2023. Experience training sessions on the weekends over the next 4 weeks, [March 18-19, 25-26, April 1-2, 8-9]. These weekends are for the early birds or maybe those looking for a new weekend hobby. The weekend of Easter (April 8-9) will be an optional bonus and an opportunity to celebrate the holiday with your new river family!
We will offer a FULL 7 DAY WEEK in May (May 8-14) so you can get your whitewater experience in one swoop!
TUITION
In our humble opinion, guide training on the Nolichucky is priceless.. BUT we did find a number that works- the total cost for Guide Training in 2023 will be met at a cool $300! While it’s not a requirement to work for us at USA Raft Adventure Resort, we would love to keep you around and welcome you to your new family! Tuition reimbursement is available to those trainees committing to work through August 15th and you will receive 50% back on your tuition costs!
Note: Please don’t let financial restrictions discourage you, we may have additional scholarships available for special cases. (Please see Caleb Scalf , River Manager, in private, or contact by email caleb@usaraft.com)
Housing
Lodging is provided to you during your training courses! We’re offering up our beautiful rustic “Crockett Cabin “ again this season to our Guides in Training. FYI- The Crockett Cabin is a short hop, skip, and jump away from our famous “Take Out Tavern” for your food and cold beverage needs!
Prefer the privacy of your own camper, tent, or hammock? Bring it on! Our “Red Banks” property, located a mile and and a half downstream, provides a peaceful nature and a relaxing primitive camping option for those who wish to indulge. Bathrooms and showers available at both locations.
Included along with your training and accomodations, your tuition covers:
-Breakfast and Lunch
– Access to property amenities including:
-Bathhouse / Shower
-Community Kitchen access (Stove, Fridge/ Freezer, Microwave, Grill, Cutlery, Pots /Pans)
-Hot rock sauna
-Onsite Food / Beverage from “Take Out Tavern” (pre-season hours may vary)
RECOMMENDED ATTIRE:
Try to think of SKI LAYERS..
- DO NOT wear cotton – Cotton traps moisture and once your wet, your wet for the day.
- Form fitting synthetics (Poly Pro, Dri-Fit, heatgear, ect.)
- Fleece and Wool sweaters, socks, ect
- Thick wool socks strongly recommended
- Water shoes are strongly recommended (Chaco, Teva, Astral, ect.) an old pair of tennis shoes will work also.
GEAR
We strongly encourage Guides in Training to bring their own gear, BUT- we also have your back! Trainee’s will have access to Type 5 PFDs, wetsuits, paddles, helmets, and splash gear!
CROSS TRAINING
While it may be obvious that whitewater Rafting is our flagship at USA Raft Adventure Resort, we also offer several other activities and/or jobs to get cross-trained on, including:
- Caving Guide / Trip Leader
- Onewheel Lesson Instructor / Trip Leader
- SUP Guide / Trip Leader
- Photo / Media Boaters
- Rock Climbing Guide/ Trip Leader
Other seasonal jobs may include :
Bar Staff / Food Prep Grounds Crew/ Camp Hosts
Office / Reservations Van / Bus Drivers (w/ CDL)
NOTES:
Completion of guide training DOES NOT guarantee you a job.. Training on the River and other advertised trips are on-going throughout the season – “Checking out” (being approved to work) on a trip or a section is case-by-case and requires a recommendation from a Senior Guide.
However… You can be guaranteed that with a good work ethic and attitude we are less likely to ask you to leave 🙂 There’s always room on our staff for strong team players and for those that improve our guest’s experience.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Best way to communicate with us regarding Guide Training is to email River Manager, Caleb Scalf (caleb@usaraft.com) or give our office a call at 1-800-USA-RAFT.
We look forward to seeing you here for the 2023 Guide Training sessions at USA Raft Adventure Resort, #WhereAdventureLives
