So you want to become a Colorado raft guide. This course is physically demanding course, running class I through IV rivers. Requiring the ability to carry rafts, flip boats, swim in the river, and be generally active. Be honest with your physical assessment before joining a course like this. Though we will provide all necessary equipment including P.F.D.’s, helmets, paddles, etc. as well as provide transportation and take care of all shuttles; you will need to have personal boating gear (bring it with you and we will determine its suitability) and appropriate clothing. You will need quick-dry clothing, layers for warmth and footwear suitable for rafting (Chaco, TEVA, KEEN or similar wet shoes or booties). Food is not included in the course and a packed lunch will be necessary every day. Dry clothes for the end of the day is recommended. While completing our course does not guarantee employment, we base hiring on course performance and certifications. Our company’s goal is to provide the best in customer safety and an energetic personality – rafting is a service-oriented industry with people who love to perfect their skills and share what they know.
Aspects covered in the course:

• Learn how to guide a raft with clients (untrained rafters), gain an understanding of river dynamics, and practice river rescue procedures.
  
• Introduction to Equipment, Trips, Regulations & Company History – This day will consist of familiarizing ourselves with our equipment, reviewing the diverse river sections, State Requirements and Regulations and history of the RIGS operation.
• Boating on sections of the San Miguel, Uncompahgre, Gunnison Gorge, and Lower Gunnison River.*Each day is subject to change/location: dependent on water flows, access, and conditions.
• Advanced aspects of the course including Scouting Rapids, Boat Flip Exercises, SwimmingRapids, Throw Bags and Environmental Considerations.
• *FIRST-AID & CPR Course is a separate component of RIGS Guide Training Course. Current First-Aid / CPR is a requirement of the State of Colorado to operate as a commercial river guide. Course Cost: $100 – *Cost of Instruction may vary based on the instructor’s discretion. Independent Instructor: (Kevin Dunkak, CPR World)
• *Completion of this course does not guarantee that you will be qualified to guide a commercial raft trip. Further time on the water may be required for additional training, prior to completing a final “check-out” run with a certified Trip Leader. Check-Out run assignments will only be made available to those that have successfully completed the course and those committed to working a full commercial rafting season with RIGS. Students interested in employment at RIGS for a full season commitment may qualify for financial assistance, please inquire.

Our Guide Instructors have over 40 years of combined experience guiding fly fishing and whitewater trips. Each of our instructors has their own unique method of guiding. Their insights will help you to develop your own approach and techniques. Below are some quick bio’s on our main instructors, they and other talented RIGS guides will teach you what it takes to be a fly fishing guide!

Your Instructors:
RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service owner and founder Tim Patterson has led fly fishing, rafting, and eco-tours throughout Central America, Mexico, and the Southwestern U.S. for the last 25 years. Tim created the RIGS Whitewater Guide School in 2001.

RIGS Head Guide Matt McCannel started his career in 2004 and leading three-day expeditions within the Gunnison Gorge and is also a premier tailwater guide on the Uncompahgre River within Ridgway State Park’s “PACO”. Matt has earned the unique distinction of becoming a SAGE Ambassador, SIMMS Ambassador and is also a royalty fly tier for Umpqua Feather Merchants.
*Additional RIGS Certified Guide Instructors may also participate throughout your training course.

An outline of what you will learn in this course:
Guide Responsibilities:

• Client Assessment – identifying client needs, wants physical conditions, limitations, and desired outcome. Ensuring client comfort, safety, and appropriate attire.
• Organization and Cleanliness – Making sure your vehicle is clean and in working order. Be prepared for each day: lunch/beverages, pre-rigging, cleanliness & organization of vehicle, rods & gear.  Maintaining clean, professional attire and instilling confidence in your guests.
• Commercial Permit Management – understanding the stipulations and your role in maintaining the outfitter’s permits.
• Timing – assessing your surroundings, arrival and departure times and awareness.

Understanding Your Environment:

• Conditions – Understanding how varying conditions such as seasonality, water flows, hatches and weather conditions can affect your trip. Using good judgment to keep your client(s) safe.
• Environmental and Resource Stewardship – Protecting your fishery and environment through education and outreach. How to be an advocate of the fly fishing industry through client interaction and instruction.
• Entomology – Identifying classifications and life cycles of aquatic insects.
• Reading the Water – Understanding trout holding waters, habitat and feeding lanes.

Instructor Techniques:

• Basic and Advanced Knots – Learn which knots to use in different situations.
• Rigging – Learn to efficiently rigs rods for clients and advanced fly fishing setups.
• Proper Landing Techniques – Techniques for fighting and landing fish, netting and release. Proper fish handling.
• Angler Etiquette – Respecting the other anglers on the water.  Ethical practices and seasonal sensitivities.
• Casting techniques including mending, dry fly presentation, double haul, single haul, nymphing strategies, Czech/Tenkara, single and two-handed techniques.

Equipment:

• Understanding Fly Rods and Reels – Performance and selection.
• Fly lines, leaders and tippet – Understanding these tools, their uses and benefits/disadvantages of different products and materials.
• Guide Essentials – What you’ll need to guide a trip – backups, redundancies, and accessibility. Your gear and accessories – proper care.
• Photography – learn techniques to provide high-quality photos for your clients to remember their time on the water.

Our Guide Instructors have over 40 years of combined experience guiding fly fishing and whitewater trips. Each of our instructors has their own unique method of guiding. Their insights will help you to develop your own approach and techniques. Below are some quick bio’s on our main instructors, they and other talented RIGS guides will teach you what it takes to be a float fishing guide!

Your Instructors:

RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service owner and founder Tim Patterson has led fly fishing, rafting, and eco-tours throughout Central America, Mexico, and the Southwestern U.S. for the last 25 years. Tim created the RIGS Whitewater Guide School in 2001.

RIGS Head Guide Matt McCannel started his career in 2004 and leading three-day expeditions within the Gunnison Gorge and is also a premier tailwater guide on the Uncompahgre River within Ridgway State Park’s “PACO”. Matt has earned the unique distinction of becoming a SAGE Ambassador, SIMMS Ambassador and is also a royalty fly tier for Umpqua Feather Merchants.
*Additional RIGS Certified Guide Instructors may also participate throughout your training course.

An outline of what you will learn in this course:
Guide Responsibilities:

• Client Assessment & Risk – identifying client needs, wants physical condition and limitations. Ensuring a high level of safety, comfort, and professionalism.
• Vehicle Operation and Safety – including ideal guide vehicles, driving with a trailer, backing up the trailer, vehicle organization, cleanliness and understanding laws.
• Proper fitting, wearing and use of Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs)
• Minimizing Outdoor Recreation Resource Impacts

Understanding Your Environment:

• Reading the Water – river currents, eddies, and waves.
• Types and Causes of River Hazards
• Scouting and Running Rapids
• River rescue and emergency services

Boating & Float Fishing Techniques:

• Rigging and Maneuvering the Vessel
• Sculling & Rowing Quietly
• Using the boat to help the client land a fish and positioning the boat in the best place for the client
• Navigating the water to avoid floating over the fish
• Float fishing etiquette

Equipment:

• Types of Rafts and Drift Boats – our course covers drift boats and inflatables.
• River Gear – rigging and overnight camp considerations.