RnR Rafting offers an opportunity to receive full instruction to become a river rafting guide, training on one of the world’s most technical rivers - The Tully.
This course is internationally recognised and aligned with the International Rafting Federation (IRF) and Certificate III in the Outdoor Recreation training package. The course encompasses all aspects of river guiding - from safety and rescue techniques and maneuvering down the river to rainforest knowledge and customer service.
Our experienced guides who have over 50 years combined knowledge and experience and have also represented Australia at the World Rafting championships will train you.
This course is not for everyone. It is physically and mentally demanding work, and requires a positive attitude and the willingness to work together as a team. We take safety very seriously, and RnR is very specific about what qualifies a competent and certified raft guide. It is only after 5 weeks of intensive training do we offer this certificate, and not everyone passes. However, after completing our guide course and subsequently working for RnR, you can confidently obtain work as a river guide in Australia and all over the world.
The Structure:
The first week serves as an Intro to Rafting Course. During this week, trainees have an opportunity to learn new skills, gain “backstage” insight into rafting trips, and get a taste of what it takes to be a river guide. Conversely, during this time our trainers will give trainees an honest appraisal of their skills and potential, as well as a recommendation to continue or not. Trainees are welcome to join us just for this week. Tuition for this week is $1000.
The next four weeks are for trainees who are committed to continuing in the rafting industry. Trainees will be expected to fully participate in every aspect of the program…from the “glamour” of captaining the boat to the not-so-glamorous fixing rafts and cleaning dishes. There will be long days and late nights, and occasional quizzes to test your knowledge. During the course, the trainers will progressively take steps back, thus allowing trainees to assume more and more responsibility and leadership.
At the conclusion of Week 5, trainees will be given a certificate that they can use as proof of completion of the course. It may also be possible for trainees to receive accreditation from TAFE for the rafting modules completed under the Outdoor Recreation Package (a nominal fee will apply). Trainees can also take an exam and pay an additional fee to receive an International Rafting Federation card.
Post-course, selected trainees may get a chance to participate in the North Johnstone expedition—rafting a Grade V river in a stunning wilderness setting, so remote that the only way in is by helicopter.
Dates: March 3rd-April 3rd, 2008 (plus 4 additional days on the NJ expedition)
Intro to Rafting ONLY: March 3rd-March 7th, 2008
The Cost: $1000 for first week (Intro to Rafting) and $1200 for the remaining four weeks.
A $100 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance to the guide training course. $900 is due 14 days before the commencement of the course. Should a student choose to continue after week one, the balance of $1200 is then due. Payment with a credit card is possible, and we accept most major credit cards for payment.
Pre-requisite:
A current First Aid Certificate.
A Driver’s Authority (DA) & LR license are highly regarded.
Certifications Earned:
- RnR Rafting Certificate of Completion
- Optional: International Rafting Federation (IRF) card (nominal additional cost)
- TBA: TAFE Certificate of Attainment for Rafting Modules Completed (nominal additional cost)
The Course includes:
- Raft maneuvering
- Swift water rescue techniques
- Ropes techniques
- Raft Maintenance and basic repairs
- Safety briefings and customer liaising
Basic Itinerary:
This is a 5-week course that runs from Monday to Friday each week, during which all meals and camping are provided. Trainees will camp at the Rec Park alongside the Tully River during the week. Weekends are free to study and relax. All transport and safety gear is initially provided.
WEEK ONE (INTRO TO RAFTING): Rafting the Tully as a passenger; Intro to Paddling the Tully; Rope Work and Z-Drags; Hydrology and Reading Water; Knots; Teamwork; Learning Rapid Names; Safety Talks.
WEEK TWO: Raft Construction, Maintenance and Repair; River Signals; Combat Swims; Safety Cover; Rescues; Japanese Language Skills
WEEK THREE: Rolling Cover; Communication Exercises; Advanced Rope Work; Multiple River Runs; Tyrolean Set ups; Safety Cover Assists on Commercial Trip
WEEK FOUR: Blindfolded Guiding and Swimming; Flip Drills; Advanced Rescues; Assisting with Commercial Trip; Customer Service
WEEK FIVE: Written and Practical Exams
POST-COURSE: Participate in the 4-day, 3 night North Johnstone expedition. Training will include: Expedition Planning and Packing, Working with the Helicopters, Safety on a Grade IV River; Food Preparation and Meal Planning.
Following the course, those who have demonstrated outstanding teamwork and leadership, mastery of skills, and a positive attitude will be asked to continue with RnR. This will involve two additional weeks of training—one on the Barron River and one on the Tully river—to get skills up to a commercial level. During these two weeks, meals and accommodation are at the expense of the student.
Gear required to be a Commercial River Guide:
- Life Jacket – PFD
- Helmet
- Knife
- Throw bag
- Carabineers x 3
- Prussick’s x 2
- Whistle
- Waterproof watch
Gear packages are available. For all the best in rafting equipment, check out Big Water at www.bigwater.com.au. We suggest you wait until completion of the course before purchasing gear of your own.
RnR will provide the rafting equipment required for the training course only.
Off River Requirements:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag and mat
- Camping chair
- Toiletries
- Warm clothes (at night it can be quite cool)
- Dry bag (for the NJ expedition)
To Apply:
- Click on the following link to download an Application Form
- Send in your application and resume to the contact listed below.
- If you meet our criteria, we will request either an in-person or telephone interview.
- Once accepted, you will be sent a pre-course information packet. You will then be asked to fill out an indemnity waiver and pay the non-refundable $100 deposit.
Contact Details:
|
Laurie Pritchard
Operations Manager
RnR Adventures |
PO Box 2945
Cairns 4870
Queensland |
Telephone: (07) 4041 9444
Email:
ops@raft.com.au
Fax: (07) 4041 9499 |
We look forward to having you join us!
