Guide Training Program
AT A GLANCE
Overview
Far Flung Adventures is a long established outdoor adventure company with over 48 years experience in the business of putting people and rivers together. Our guide training program is taught by top tier professionals, all with over 10 years of experience in the outdoor industry on rivers across the united states and world. You will come away from this course with the tools needed to begin a fun-filled and exciting summer job or to get you on your way towards a long and adventurous career in the guiding industry.
In this course we will cover paddle raft guiding, rowing, river camping, and the skills necessary to be a teammate and customer service and safety oriented professional. You will have the opportunity through this course to experience multiple sections of two different rivers and will come away with a new knowledge base that will be applicable to many guiding genres and work scenarios.
to add some fun and wilderness experience, all of our courses include a two-day trip on the Rio Chama as part of the week of training.
While you consider joining our team, take some time to learn about us by checking out our job openings and company values page! You can also learn some about our history by reading about Our Story.
Our lead instructor of every guide school is an American Canoe Association certified rafting guide instructor. Qualifying students will leave the course with a Rafting Guide assessment card.
See our Swiftwater Page if you are interested in taking that course after your guide training.
Itinerary
Arrival: All students will plan to be in Taos, NM the day before the course begins.
Days 1-3: After introductions we will cover course expectations and last minute gear requirements, then we will head out for our first runs on the river! The first few days will be spent working on the Rio Grande and will include guide commands, flat water practice, intro to class II-III whitewater, and if possible a guided day run down the Taos Box for some class IV excitement.
Days 4-5: On our 4th day we will head out for an overnight trip on the Rio Chama! Get ready to get some camping experience, take turns rowing a heavy gear boat, and spend some time in a beautiful wilderness! We will cover the ins and outs of packing a multi-day adventure, rigging a raft, setting up a commercial camp, and the basics of river teamwork!
Days 6-7: Back in Taos from our Chama 2-day, we will resume on the whitewater of the Rio Grande. The last two days of your class will be spent on more rigorous training on the Rio Grande, with the last day spent on final exams.
Camp Scene/Gear
Camping:
Our on-site Rv park and camping areas will be free and available to students at location in the town of Taos, NM and at our office in Pilar, NM on the banks of the Rio Grande. Amenities at these locations include parking and/or camping spots, electric hook up, community kitchen, refrigeration, showers, and wifi.
You are welcome to bring your Rv, van, or sleep in your vehicle. If you would like to tent camp we are happy to provide any camping equipment you may need free of charge.
Gear:
As a first time river runner you might not have all the gear you need for this course. We are happy to help students find whatever personal gear they need for the course and will make available whatever gear we have that could be used. Please give us a call or email us with questions in regard to this subject.
Employment
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Join us for an adventure that you will never forget!