Learn to Raft Guide Clinic Level 1
Great for beginners to experienced paddlers seeking to solidify their skill and confidence level on the river. NOC professional instructors will meet you at your skill level and ensure that you leave the clinic with newfound knowledge, technique, and confidence.
Overview
Learn how to raft guide with the experts. Nantahala Outdoor Center’s professionally trained guides have led more whitewater trips than any outfitter in the world and they are ready to share their knowledge!
Learn to Raft Guide is a three-day hands-on clinic for those looking to learn the basic skills to guide their own raft for outdoor recreation and leisure. Participants can expect top-notch training from our experienced guides in a personal setting at 4:1 student teacher ratio. Meet like-minded outdoor enthusiasts for an intensive multi-day training at our 500-acre campus in the Nantahala River Gorge just outside of Bryson City.
Gain strong technical foundations that will serve you as you progress your paddling skills. River reading, water safety and communication, rescue techniques, and learning to run the river are all skill sets and knowledge bases you will grow in this clinic. It will provide all participants personal growth and the self confidence to guide rafts and instruct crew members.
What You’ll Learn
- Essential River Skills
- River and Raft Terminology
- How to Read Whitewater, Identifying River Features & Hazards
- River Running
- Proper Raft Care
- Guide Strokes & Stance
- Crew Strokes & Dynamics
- Rescue Techniques
- River Safety & Communication
- Righting a Flipped Raft
We offer a Spring Raft Guide School for aspiring professional raft guides interested in working at NOC.
What to Expect
Guests will meet their professional instructors, get issued the necessary river gear, and then head to a lake to learn the foundations of effective guide strokes. After spending some time on the lake, we will be putting that knowledge into action as we run Class II-III whitewater rivers for the remainder of our time together. While most of our time will be spent on the river, we will supplement lessons with river side “chalk talks” to ensure that students gain strong understanding and confidence in the skills being taught.
Dates
Upcoming Dates
| Dates | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 21-23, 2023 | Bryson City, NC | |
| Aug 4-6, 2023 | Bryson City, NC | |
| Sep 8-10, 2023 | Bryson City, NC | |
| Oct 6-8, 2023 | Bryson City, NC |
Location
Before You Visit
NOC provides the following:
- All necessary specialty whitewater equipment
- Three days of full day instruction and support
- In-course transportation
- Riverside picnic lunches daily
- NOC’s renowned instruction from highly trained guides
- 10% off river essentials during your guide school date including PFDs, Helmets, Knives, Carabiners, Pulleys, Whistles, Webbing, and Rope.
NOC provides the primary gear needed for this clinic including rafts, paddles, PFD’s, helmets, splash tops and pants, wetsuits, and booties. Lunch is provided daily.
Please pack warm layers made of synthetic materials or wool, a water, bottle, and a spirit of adventure!
A more detailed packing list will be sent out before your clinic.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older. No paddling experience required.
Daily picnic lunch is provided. NOC offers other dining options onsite at River’s End Restaurant, Big Wesser (seasonally), and the General Store.
Lodging is not included in this clinic. NOC offers onsite lodging in Basecamp, Dogwood Motel, and Cabins and is bookable online.
