So you wanna be a River Guide? We can get you there in style with our training program on the wild and scenic Nolichucky River.
We’ll kick things off with our WEEKEND WARRIOR dates at the end of March (3/18-3/19) (3/25-3/26) Moving into April (4/1-4/2, 4/8-4/9) for the early birds. The weekend of Easter will be optional for those who choose to celebrate!
What about back to back training? Great news! We also offer a FULL 7 DAY WEEK in May (05/08 – 05/14) so you can get your whitewater experience in one go!
After you’ve read to the bottom of this document and still want to get training click here to fill out your Guide School Application.
- TUITION
In our humble opinion, guide training on the Nolichucky is priceless.. BUT we did find a number that works- the total cost for Guide Training in 2023 will be met at a cool $300! While it’s not a requirement to work for us at USA Raft, we’d really like to keep you folks around. Trainees that can commit to working until August 15th will be awarded back half of their tuition!
Note: Please don’t let financial restrictions discourage you, we may have scholarships available for special cases (Please see Caleb Scalf in private, or email caleb@usaraft.com)
- HOUSING
Come get some River hangs with us! We’re offering up our beautiful rustic “Crockett Cabin “ again this season to our Guides in Training. FYI- The Crockett’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from the “TakeOut Tavern” for your food and cold beverage needs!
Got your own camper, tent, or hammock?- Bring it on! Our “Red Banks” property sits about a mile and and a half downstream, and is a STUNNER of a primitive camping option. Bathrooms and showers are available at both locations.
Free breakfast and lunch
Bathhouse / Shower
Community Kitchen access (Stove, Fridge/ Freezer, Microwave, Grill, Cutlery, Pots /Pans)
Hot rock sauna
Onsite Food / Beverage Other amenities include:
( “TakeOut Tavern”)
RECOMMENDED ATTIRE:
Try to think of SKI LAYERS..
- DO NOT wear cotton- Traps moisture
- Form fitting synthetics (Poly Pro, Dri-Fit, heatgear, ect.)
- Fleece and Wool sweaters, socks, etc
- Thick wool socks strongly recommended
- Water shoes are strongly recommended (Chaco, Teva, Astral, etc.) an old pair of tennis shoes will work also.
- GEAR
We strongly encourage Guides in Training to bring their own gear, BUT- we also have your back! Trainee’s will have access to Type 5 PFDs, wetsuits, paddles, helmets, and splash gear!
- CROSS TRAINING
While it’s obvious that whitewater Rafting is our flagship at USA Raft Adventure Resort, we also offer several other activities and/or jobs to get cross-trained on, including:
Caving Guide / Trip Leader
Onewheel Lesson Instructor / Trip Leader
SUP Guide / Trip Leader
Photo / Media Boaters
Rock Climbing Guide/ Trip Leader
Other seasonal jobs will include :
Bar Staff / Food Prep Grounds Crew/ Camp Hosts
Office / Reservations Van / Bus Drivers (w/ CDL)
NOTES:
Completion of guide training DOES NOT guarantee you a job. Training on the River and other advertised trips are on-going throughout the season- “Checking out” (being approved to work) on a trip or a section is case-by-case and requires a recommendation from a Senior Guide.
However, we never ask anyone with a good work ethic and attitude to leave. There’s always room on our staff for a good team player and for those that improve our guest experience.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Best way to communicate with us regarding Guide Training is to email Caleb Scalf (caleb@usaraft.com)
