Course Overview:
Join our team as a river guide for the 2019 season! Quiet Waters offers the strongest guide compensation package in New Mexico, and our Guide School course is designed to equip candidates with the necessary skills to lead canoe, kayak, SUP and paddle raft day trips on moving water up to Class II.
Successful completion will lead to employment with QWPA as a river guide using solo canoe or individual kayak, although our guides are strongly encouraged to use solo canoe whenever possible.
Interested Candidates:
Please call (505) 771-1234 to arrange a preliminary interview for consideration. No payment will be required or accepted prior to acceptance as a candidate.
Course Fees:
QWPA Guide School: $325.00
Eligibility Criteria:
In order to participate, each prospective student must satisfy the following criteria:
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Be able to independently participate in all individual skills and activities listed in the course outline while also maintaining an appropriate and safe body position.
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Be a strong swimmer, comfortable underwater, and able to swim effectively in current.
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Be able to effectively communicate with the instructor and other course participants.
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Be able to manage all personal care and mobility independently.
Course Prerequisites:
Prior experience, instructional courses and/or certifications are helpful, but not required.
Course Duration:
4 Days (Monday, April 22 - Wednesday, April, 24, Monday, April 29)
Course Location / Venue:
Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures Offices, appropriate flat and moving water venues to be determined.
Class Limits:
5 Students
Course Outline:
(Full synopsis and course materials will be provided upon acceptance of candidate)
Monday, April 22
Classroom Session (Full Day)
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Introductions, Expectations, & Logistics
- Guide Characteristics, Qualities, Skills and Essential Knowledge
- The Paddling Environment
- Canoe, Kayak and SUP Terminology & Nomenclature
- Essential Gear & Equipment
- Ropes & Knots
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (Lunch)
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Proper Planning
- Hazards & Accident Prevention
- Safety and Instructional Orientations
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Review and Exam
Tuesday, April 23
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Distributing Gear
- Loading, Unloading and Securing Watercraft and Equipment
10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Flat Water Skill Development & Evaluations (Recreational Kayak)
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (Lunch)
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Flat Water Skill Development & Evaluations (Solo Canoe, Stand Up Paddleboard)
Wednesday, April 24
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- River Dynamics
- River Hazards & Management
10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Moving Water Skill Development & Evaluations (Recreational Kayak)
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (Lunch)
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Moving Water Skill Development & Evaluations (Solo Canoe, Stand Up Paddleboard)
Monday, April 30
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Course Review
- Final Written Exam
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Moving Water Final Skill Evaluations (All Watercraft)
- Lunch Break on River