Orion River Expeditions has trained river rafting guides for 32 years, our instructors have over 100 years of cumulative rafting experience and every year we strive to improve our program and build upon our successes.

In other words, you will be the recipient of the most comprehensive program in the western United States --- 13 days (one solid week and three weekends) to learn the entire range of skills required to be a professional river guide.

Additionally, Orion’s guide training and river rescue course meets and exceeds Washington’s outfitter/guide licensing requirements. Our training begins with a 7-day overnight river trip for an intensive introduction to river running. Besides being an excellent way to immerse newcomers to guiding, the 7-day river trip is an excellent opportunity for our instructors to work with each student on a personal basis. On the weekends in Washington, we plan a diverse sampling of Northwest rivers so that you hone your whitewater-reading skills and get introduced to a variety of rivers.

On the 7-day trip, Orion provides all meals, dry bags, necessary river gear (lifejackets, throwbags, safety lines, etc.), instructors and shelter. On the weekends, Orion does not provide meals. With successful completion of our program employment is not guaranteed; however, you will be provided with a certificate indicating your level of expertise.

A professional river guide is required to have a current First Aid and CPR card. First Aid and CPR are NOT part of our program.

Dates to remember:

Orientation Meeting: Sunday, April 18th - 7pm
7-Day River Trip: Sunday, April 25th through Saturday, May 1st
Weekend One: Saturday, May 8th – Sunday, May 9th
Weekend Two: Saturday, May 15th – Sunday, May 16th
Graduation Weekend: Saturday, May 22nd – Sunday, May 23rd

Cost for our 13-day River Rescue & Guide Training Program: $450
(before 2/1/2010 - $495 thereafter, a $150 deposit guarantees pre-season rate)