The first step towards a professional guiding career, a chance to meet amazing people, or simply an opportunity to experience whitewater at another level. Kumsheen’s Raft Guide School is fit for anyone looking for adventure.
“My confidence grew immensely and I learned so much about the river and myself. Taking Guide School at Kumsheen was one of the best decisions I have made, and I cannot wait to continue my knowledge and love for the river over the coming years.”
2023 Guide School Participant
History
Back in 1975, Bernie Fandrich (the founder of Kumsheen Rafting Resort) recognized the need and importance of formal whitewater training so he offered Canada’s first raft guide training course with the Continuing Education Center of Langara College. Kumsheen has continued this training program in-house each Spring and has continuously developed the program to exceed industry standards. With more than 50 years of guide training behind us, we know what it takes to make a great raft guide.
Course Content
Over five decades of experience have shown us that the best way to teach guiding skills is to focus solely on the individual students. Rather than students doing tag-alongs with commercial trips, Kumsheen’s Raft Guide School is run completely by itself. This provides freedom from the trip’s schedule, less pressure on “performing” in front of guests, and the opportunity to guide on a variety of rivers. Additionally, it allows us to customize the material to each individual student and ensure comprehension of the basics.
Topics covered include river dynamics and “reading” whitewater, navigation and boat control using paddles and oars, river safety and rescue, general knowledge of rafts and equipment, and understanding of the whitewater industry. This is accomplished through a mixture of classroom lectures and daily on-river practice.
The Details
Dates:
Our Raft Guide course runs each spring, usually late April to early May. 2027 dates coming soon. Email rafting@kumsheen.com to get the information package and be first to hear.
Includes:
- 12 days of on-the-water instruction
- Training on a minimum of three different rivers
- Classroom lectures with all course manuals and literature
- Shared accommodation in a cozy Canvas Cabin while onsite at Kumsheen Resort
- A road trip to another river during the second week with campsite space provided
- Lunch daily for the entire course with breakfast and dinner also provided the second week
- Written and practical exams for both paddle and oar
Minimum Age:
18 years old by the first day of the course
Cost:
$1,899 plus tax (2026 price)
Dates:
2027 dates coming soon!
Please contact our Reception Office at rafting@kumsheen.com if you have any questions, or are interested in securing a spot in our next session. Our Raft Guide School Package is available upon request.
We hope to hear from you soon!
Request the Guide School package for full course details, or book an info session to chat with one of our instructors!
- Why choose Kumsheen? We ran Canada’s first raft guide training course in 1975, and over 90% of our students have passed their provincial exams over the last 10 years. You’ll train on at least three rivers with professional guides, in a course run just for trainees for more direct, hands on instruction, and stay at the resort with access to all amenities in your first week.
- What certification will I get? BCROA paddle and oar raft guide certification, issued after you pass the course exams. Additional training provided for hired guides.
- What do I need to bring? You will be provided a detailed packing list from your instructor after registration.
- Can I take the course just for fun? Absolutely. Some trainees come purely to enhance their river skills, prepare for more recreational rafting or just to try something new, going on to enjoy rafting as a lifelong hobby.
- What rivers have you done in past years? We’ve rafted the Thompson, Nicola, Seton, Chilliwack, and more.
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
All of our guests, rafting or not, must sign our participation agreement form. Anyone under the age of 18 will need a parent/guardian to sign for them. Before booking your trip, review the participation agreement waiver as this must be signed before participating in any Kumsheen Raft Adventures Ltd activity. After booking, please follow the steps included in your confirmation email to sign a digital participation agreement waiver prior to your trip with us.
