Open By Appointment
Reservations required by phone (503) 772 - 1122 or online.
Raft Guide Training
Comprehensive spring training on Oregon's best rivers.
Raft Guide School Overview
Experience
Class II – III+/IV
Raft Guide Training
Logistics
9 days
Smith, Sandy, Clackamas, N Santiam Rivers
Person
Ages 16+
Weight 50-300 lbs
Price
$995/person
9 training days
6% online fee or call to book.
SWIPE FOR KEY INFO
During raft guide school participants learn essential skills, progress to advanced whitewater techniques, and gain experience in paddle rafting and oar-guiding. The program utilizes diverse river environments, including the Smith, N. Santiam, Upper Clackamas, and Sandy Rivers. Individual training days available.
Raft Guide School Details
Spend select spring weekends on the river with Northwest River Guides and learn how to be a bonafide river guide (raft / kayak / SUP). We start in February on the at Boatsmith (2/13-2/16/26), and hit the in early March (3/7/26). In April we have an Upper Clackamas training (4/11/26) and N Santiam River training day (4/25/26) along with our early season commercial trips (that we encourage trainees to participate in).
In May (5/2-3/26) we offer one of the most comprehensive river rescue programs in the state with the Oregon Whitewater Association and encourage trainees to participate in this subsidized program. Finally, we will be running the upper on 5/16/26 during the Upper Clackamas WW Festival as an added perk.
You will be learning hydrology, paddle stroke techniques, and group management skills. We will focus on improving boat handling, paddle commands, and rescue. We will offer some oar-guiding experience with this Raft Guide School in preparation for our ACA Raft Guide Instructor Certification program 5/7-5/12/26 with the guide certification endorsement. Space is extremely limited in our ACA raft guide instructor certification program, (we only have 2 spots left)!
$995 for all guide training. Inquire for per meal pricing.
Spend select spring weekends on the river with Northwest River Guides and learn how to be a bonafide river guide (raft / kayak / SUP). We start in February on the at Boatsmith (2/13-2/16/26), and hit the in early March (3/7/26). In April we have an Upper Clackamas training (4/11/26) and N Santiam River training day (4/25/26) along with our early season commercial trips (that we encourage trainees to participate in).
In May (5/2-3/26) we offer one of the most comprehensive river rescue programs in the state with the Oregon Whitewater Association and encourage trainees to participate in this subsidized program. Finally, we will be running the upper on 5/16/26 during the Upper Clackamas WW Festival as an added perk.
You will be learning hydrology, paddle stroke techniques, and group management skills. We will focus on improving boat handling, paddle commands, and rescue. We will offer some oar-guiding experience with this Raft Guide School in preparation for our ACA Raft Guide Instructor Certification program 5/7-5/12/26 with the guide certification endorsement. Space is extremely limited in our ACA raft guide instructor certification program, (we only have 2 spots left)!
$995 for all guide training. Inquire for per meal pricing.
Prepare For Your Course
PREREQUISITES:
Ages 16+. Weight 50-300 lbs. Participants should be comfortable in and around water.
WHAT TO BRING:
Standard river gear is recommended (Drysuit/Wetsuit, PFD, Helmet) as training occurs in spring conditions. Inquire about gear rentals if needed.
WHERE TO MEET:
Meeting locations vary by date (Smith, Sandy, Clackamas, Santiam). Specific meeting points will be coordinated prior to each session.
MEALS:
Meals are not included in the base price. Please inquire for per meal pricing if you would like catering options.
Course Policies
CUSTOMIZATION & QUESTIONS:
Feel free to contact info@eNRGKayaking.com or call 503.887.5033 for more questions.
RESTRICTIONS:
Participants must be at least 16 years old and weigh between 50-300 lbs.
WEATHER:
Courses run rain or shine, except during extreme conditions including lightning, high winds, and excessive smoke onsite.
IF YOU CANCEL:
45+ days advance notice: 50% of fee refunded.
14+ days advance notice: 50% credit issued.
Less than 14 days notice: No refund or credit.
IF WE CANCEL:
eNRG Kayaking reserves the right to postpone or cancel due to inclement weather, under enrollment, or other unforeseen circumstances. Full refund issued in this instance.
Map shows our Oregon City base. Training locations include Smith, Sandy, Clackamas, and Santiam rivers.
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