Become a Professional Whitewater Guide
Hands-on training. Real river experience. A direct path into commercial guiding.
Train with experienced instructors on Washington rivers and gain the skills, confidence, and credibility needed to guide commercial whitewater trips. This program is about becoming a competent guide — not just completing a course.
Reserve Your Spot Today!
WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR
This guide school is a great fit if you:
- Want to work as a commercial whitewater raft guide in Washington
- Are considering a career or seasonal work in outdoor recreation
- Want real river experience, not just classroom time
- Are motivated, teachable, and comfortable working in dynamic environments
- Want preferred hiring consideration with Wildwater River Guides
No prior guiding experience required — just a strong work ethic, basic swimming ability, and a willingness to learn.
WHY TRAIN WITH WILDWATER
Professional Instruction Built on Real Experience
Founded in 1980 and operating under current ownership since 2012, Wildwater River Guides’ Guide School is grounded in decades of commercial guiding on Washington rivers. This program emphasizes practical skills, professional standards, and confident decision-making — preparing students for the realities of commercial guiding.
What Sets This Program Apart
- Instruction led by working guides and instructors
- Training conducted on real commercial river sections
- Strong emphasis on decision-making, safety, professionalism, and guest service
- Clear expectations around what it takes to guide at Wildwater
- A program intentionally designed to transition students into guiding roles
This is the same training philosophy we use internally — because we’re training future coworkers, not just participants.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
By the end of Guide School, you will be able to:
- Confidently guide Class II–III+ whitewater
- Read river features and understand hydrology
- Perform effective paddle commands and boat control
- Manage guests with confidence and professionalism
- Recognize and respond effectively to common whitewater rescue situations
- Understand guide responsibilities, standards, and expectations
Training includes:
- On-river instruction
- Rescue fundamentals
- Guest management
- Commercial guiding protocols
- Instructor feedback throughout the course
INSTRUCTORS & EXPERIENCE
Guide School is led by instructors with extensive experience guiding and training on Washington rivers, including the Wenatchee, White Salmon, and Tieton.
Our instructors:
- Are passionate about Rivers
- Actively work in the industry
- Meet the safety and operational standards required to guide professionally.
- Teach skills that are grounded in the realities of commercial guiding.
You won’t be taught by someone who “used to guide.”You’ll be trained by people who still do.
COURSE DATES & LOGISTICS
2026 DATES: APRIL 25-26, MAY 2-3, 9-10, & 16-17
- Course Location: Wenatchee River located near Leavenworth and Cashmere. Day 1 will start at the Wildwater headquarters located in Peshastin
- Course Length: 4 weekend sessions, typically 8 AM - 5 PM (but times can vary)
- Required equipment: We can provide a PFD, Helmet, wet suit, and booties but you may use your own river gear.
- Lodging: There are many hotels/motels in the area as well as campsites and dispersed camping options.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Successful graduates receive preferred consideration for employment with Wildwater River Guides.
In addition:
- Guide School tuition may be refunded after completing 10 commercial trips during your first season
- Graduates leave with a clear understanding of what’s expected to work commercially
- This course can be a stepping stone to other guiding opportunities as well
Completion of Guide School does not guarantee employment, but it does place you in a strong position. Participation in this course does not guarantee employment with Wildwater but preference during the hiring process will go to those that have completed our guide training course. We strongly feel that there is more to being a professional guide than just on-river ability. Throughout the training course, individuals seeking employment will be evaluated on the following: rivers skills, work ethic, attitude, and communication skills. The state of Washington requires guides to be at least 18 years old, have a First Aid/CPR certification (certifications are not required to participate in guide training), and complete a minimum of 50 hours of training.
Each year we offer free training to a limited number of people interested in guiding for the season. Please contact us at info@wildwater-river.com for more information on how to apply for free training.
To view available positions visit: Employment with Wildwater
*Experienced guides looking for employment with Wildwater do not need to take this guide training course and should submit a resume and river log to info@wildwater-river.com
FAQ SECTION
Do I need prior rafting experience?
No. Some familiarity with rivers helps, but it’s not required.
Is this physically demanding?
Yes. Guiding is active work. You should be in good physical condition to be able to paddle for several hours each day and we highly recommend that you are comfortable swimming.
What happens if river conditions change?
Guide School runs rain or shine. Adjustments to our training location can be made if river conditions aren’t suitable for the skills being practiced.
Is this a certification?
Guide School is a professional training course focused on commercial guiding skills and meets the Washington State requirements to become a guide. The only other certification you need is a CPR and First Aid certification.
Is housing provided?
Housing is not included. Local camping and lodging options are available in the Valley.
How many spots are available?
Enrollment is limited to maintain a high instructor-to-student ratio.