Trip Highlights
- Bond with like-minded rafting pros-in-the-making
- Learn about paddle boat guiding
- Develop and practice rescue skills
- Raft a variety of stunning rivers near Hood River, Oregon
Training for Potential River Guides
Professional River Guide School
Learn Boat Handling, Safety, and Rescue Skills Required to Work as River Guide
Pro Guide School
- Length: 7 Days
- Dates: April 20-26, 2025
- Minimum Age: 16
- Meeting Place: Estacada, Oregon
- Course Price: $1395
- Includes: Food, Rafting Gear, Camping Gear, and Top Notch Instruction
Our professional river guide school “Pro Guide School” is designed for anyone looking at developing the skills required to be a river guide. This course is taught by experienced International Rafting Federation (IRF) instructors to strict IRF standards for a guide training program. Graduates can finish the course with a provisional IRF Guide Training & Education (GTE) Award—currently the only globally recognized raft guiding certification—as well as a Rescue 3 International river rescue certification.
River Guide School Course Content
The focus of the school is paddle guiding, safety, and rescue. Students learn the art of paddle boat guiding on Class II and III rivers, including delivering safety demonstrations and paddle talks. A lot of time is also spent on flipping rafts, throwing rescue lines (throw bags), working with rescue ropes, and swimming rapids.
Other topics include:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Rescue Equipment
- River Signals
- Hydrology and Terminology
- Whitewater Hazards
- Guide Strokes and Paddle Commands
- Running Rapids
- Raft Repair
- Handling Rescues and Emergencies
- Managing Pinned and Wrapped Rafts
- Knots
About This Guide School
This course is designed for potential river guides looking for a high-level and demanding course in a professional environment. In order to deliver the program at the highest level possible, we ask that participants are active, open to challenge, and intending to work as a professional river guide.
About the Lead Instructor Mark Hirst
Mark Hirst is an internationally recognized rafting and safety instructor with a wealth of experience in river rescue training. As a certified instructor for both Rescue 3 Europe and the International Rafting Federation, Mark has dedicated his career to advancing safety standards and teaching rescue techniques to river professionals worldwide.
Originally from Manchester, England, Mark’s expertise has taken him to some of the world’s most dynamic and challenging river environments. He regularly teaches courses in Finland Bosnia, Russia, Nepal, India, Iceland, and Morocco, sharing his knowledge and passion for whitewater safety with diverse audiences.
Mark’s teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on, practical learning, and fostering confidence in real-world rescue situations. Through his Lapin Koskikoulu Blog, he shares insights, experiences, and valuable tips on whitewater safety and training.
We are licensed by the Oregon State Marine Board and operate under special use permit with the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area and Mt. Hood National Forest. Additionally, we are an equal opportunity provider and employer.