Raft Guide Training Program
A Gateway to Rivers Around the World
The REO Guide School is an opportunity you won’t want to miss out on. Our course is designed for those with little to no previous whitewater experience – a great start for those who are interested in guiding commercially. Alternatively, our comprehensive course provides you with the necessary expertise and hands-on experience to navigate confidently as a recreational paddler. This course can take you all over the world – literally. Alumni from our guide program are currently leading exciting expeditions in various destinations worldwide. If you want to be a professional river guide or simply become competent in the necessary skills, REO has the right program for you.
Raft Guide Apprenticeship Course
What sets REO apart is that this is not a pay-to-train program. All apprentices are hired as paid employees, so you can earn an income while completing your 10-week course. You’ll work enough hours to cover the cost of the course as well as your basic living expenses, with the training offered at a discounted rate and paid off gradually through a simple payment plan.Our Raft Guide Apprenticeship Course is designed to support new raft guides every step of the way, combining hands-on training, steady work, and real-world experience to help you build confidence and launch your guiding journey with REO.
Apprenticeship Highlights
- 10-Week raft guide training and mentorship
- BCROA Certificate upon passing on-river exam
- Paid work hours throughout the 10 weeks
- Delicious meals served with dessert
- Shared, on-site glamping accommodation
- Full use of resort amenities and facilities
Course Dates
This 10-week program runs from April 25 to July 3, 2026, and is designed to take participants from foundational training to confident, real-world guiding experience during the early part of the season. To receive an official BCROA raft guide certificate, you must pass the BCROA exam. The exam cost is included in your course fees and will be scheduled during the final week of the program. Upon passing the exam and successfully completing the course, you will be eligible to guide commercially at REO Rafting & Yoga Resort.
Course Inclusions
 | Intensive On/Off River Training Some of the things you will learn on-river are guiding paddle strokes, river commands, safety procedures, and how to manoeuvre a raft while utilizing river features. Off-river you will learn about personal protective gear and equipment, vital rope knots, and safety procedures. |
 | Hydraulics Theory In this course you will be taught about hydraulics and how certain features affect the river flow's direction, force and speed. |
 | Shared Forest Glamping Stay in our forest glamping tents with one or two like-minded roomates. Furniture, mattress, sheets, blankets, and pillows are provided. |
 | Full Access to Resort Facilities You will have access to all of our bathroom and shower facilities. You are also welcome to use the hot tub, campfire areas, and any other facilities on-site. |
 | River Familiarization Trips During familiarization trips, you will get to raft different rivers and learn how unique one river is from another. While you will get opportunities to guide the raft, you will also be a paddler and learn the importance of paddling technique and training your crew properly. |
 | Swift Water Rescue Introduction Swift Water Rescue Technician Skills are vital to becoming a raft guide. You will get an introduction to SRT through workshops and on/off river rescue scenarios. |
 | Daily Meals & Snacks All of your meals and snacks will be provided for you, even when travelling to other rivers away from the resort base. Coffee, tea, and juice are also included. |
 | Full Access to Resort Amenities We offer daily yoga sessions, guided hikes, archery and more. You can also visit the private beach, hammock garden, and beach volleyball court. |
Course Application
To apply for the Raft Guide Apprenticeship Course, complete the application form below. Once received, we’ll review your application and contact you with the next steps to secure your spot in the program.Apply Now
Why Choose REO?
- REO offers one of the most comprehensive raft training programs in North America, led by highly experienced instructors who are all certified Swiftwater Rescue Technicians.
- Training takes place on the Nahatlatch River, one of British Columbia’s most technical and continuous rivers, fostering strong, advanced whitewater skills.
- Our guide training program has been running continuously since 1986, offering decades of proven experience and a deep foundation in professional guiding and safety standards.
- REO’s CEO, Bryan Fogelman, a former President of the BCROA, established river-specific safety standards and certification programs across British Columbia and continues to set and oversee REO’s training standards.
- Our resort is located directly on the river, minimizing travel time and maximizing hands-on training.
- River gear and course materials are provided for the duration of the course. A gear list is available for those wishing to purchase personal equipment.
Custom Whitewater Training
REO provides custom whitewater training programs for a diverse range of clients, including Fisheries, Search and Rescue teams, Department of Defence personnel, private boaters preparing for expedition trips, as well as corporate groups, cadets, and student organizations. Each program is tailored to the group’s needs and may include key training components such as learning to row oar rafts, an introduction to paddle raft guiding, foundational rescue and swiftwater skills, safety and risk management principles, and an understanding of whitewater dynamics.
