Raft Guide School
Learn the skills needed to work as a professional raft guide at Nantahala Outdoor Center! World-class instruction, hands-on experience, and classic whitewater are just a few things to expect in this renowned course.
Overview
Learn from the experts! Nantahala Outdoor Center is the leader in outdoor adventure since 1972 with professionally trained guides that have led more whitewater trips than any outfitter in the world.
At NOC Guide School, participants can expect top-notch training to gain the skills needed to pursue work as a professional raft guide for commercial outfitters, summer camps, clubs, and outdoor schools. Join a small group of 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.
Guide School not only teaches essential river skills but also provides students of all academic levels with personal growth and development, building skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, and self-confidence. We also have limited Guide School scholarship opportunities available.
2025 Programming Options:
Raft Guide School for General Public: Select this option if you are looking for the full 5-day raft guide school experience but not seeking to be a raft guide for NOC in 2025. The cost is $850 which includes instruction, all necessary river gear and equipment, daily lunch, and discounts. Add on onsite lodging. If you are looking for a shorter clinic for recreational rafting, check out our Learn to Guide I, Learn to Guide II, and Women’s Learn to Guide Clinics!
Raft Guide School for Hire: Select this option if you are intending to be an NOC Guide for the 2025 season and fill out the contact form. An NOC representative will reach out to you to go through the process. This included includes instruction, all necessary river gear and equipment, daily meals, and lodging in Basecamp. Requirements must be met before a date is booked for your enrollment.
What You'll Learn
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River Terminology
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River Features
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Risk Management and Mitigation
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Crew Dynamics
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Trip Dynamics
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Emergency Procedures
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Equipment Maintenance
Skills You'll Acquire
- Essential River Skills
- Reading Whitewater
- Guide Stance and Strokes
- Raft Maneuvers
- Whitewater Swimming
- Raft Flip Drills
- Knot Tying
- Raft Rigging
What To Expect
Designed as a fast-paced program, a majority of Raft Guide School instruction will take place on the river, teaching participants the essential skills needed to work as a professional raft guide. From start to finish, this challenge-by-choice program is designed to engage students early and create a learning environment geared towards your success as a student!
Most of the guide school will be spent on NOC’s main campus on the world-renowned Nantahala River. In a week of guide school, students will learn just as much off the river, as they do while traversing the river.
Instruction sessions are conducted in a group setting to further emphasize group camaraderie and learning opportunities.
From how to sit in a raft to running Nantahala falls, our Guide School program is designed to give you all the tools to succeed in the whitewater rafting industry.
***Guide School dates are subject to change if minimum participation requirements are not met.
Dates
For Hire Dates
| Dates | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 9-14, 2025 For Hire Dates Only | Bryson City, NC | |
| Mar 16-21, 2025 For Hire Dates Only | Bryson City, NC | |
| Apr 20-25, 2025 For Hire Dates Only | Bryson City, NC | |
| May 17-22, 2025 For Hire Dates Only | Bryson City, NC |
General Public Dates
| Dates | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 27-May 2, 2025 General Public Dates | Bryson City, NC | |
| Oct 19-24, 2025 General Public Dates | Bryson City, NC |
Location
Before You Visit
Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
NOC provides the following:
- Five days of instruction.
- All necessary specialty whitewater equipment.
- In-course transportation.
- Meals and lodging depending on course selected.
Lunch each day of the course is also provided. You will have the option to add on the following when you purchase the Guide School course:
Discount on Meals: Lunch daily will be provided. Students will receive a discount to onsite restaurants for other meals.
Guide School for Hire – NOC prospective employees will receive lodging in Basecamp and three meals daily.
We have two onsite restaurants for additional dining options (seasonal hours) outside of the package offered above, and convenience items are available for purchase at the General Store.
Lodging is not included in the general public Guide School Course price but may be added on when you purchase the Guide School course:
Shared Bunkhouse Lodging | Enjoy a shared lodging experience with others attending Guide School at NOC’s Basecamp! This option includes a twin-size bed in a shared sleeping area. You will also have access to a shared community building with a kitchen, dining hall, and shower house. Linens and kitchen supplies are not included. All rooms have electricity, heat, and air conditioning.
Shared Tent Lodging | Relax steps from the river and sleep under the stars in our raised platform tents. This option includes a shared two-person tent and access to facilities on campus.
Add on an upgraded option:
The Hemlocks By NOC | newly built mountain bungalows that feature kitchenettes, king bedrooms, full bathrooms, gas fireplaces, and private decks.
Cabins or Dogwood Lodge | NOC offers multiple sized individual cabins with full kitchens, bathrooms spacious decks, and sitting areas. Dogwood Lodge has individual king or bunk rooms with shared amenities.
NOC Provides the primary gear needed for each course including boats, paddles, PFD’s, helmets, splash tops and pants, wetsuit bottoms, and booties. Exclusive discounts are available for course participants at the Outfitter’s Store.
Necessities
- Band-Aids, Tape, Basic First Aid
- Clothing and Personal Items
- Shorts or Swimwear
- Synthetic, Wool, or Silk Long Underwear
- Wool Socks
- Rain gear
- Water Shoes or Old Sneakers
- Sunscreen and Lip Balm
Optional Items
- Sunglasses and eyeglass strap
- Hat or visor
- Ear plugs (if sensitive to water)
