Professional Guide School

In Oregon's Columbia Gorge

Dates: May 2 - 8, 2010 (7 days)
Meeting Place: Hood River, Oregon
Requirements: Sense of adventure, minimum age of 18, and application
Price: $795 (please inquire about trading for pre-season work)

Our 2010 Professional Guide School will take place in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge near Hood River, Oregon. The Columbia River divides Oregon and Washington and is home to ECHO's World Headquarters as well as many Wild and Scenic Rivers. Participants will stay at a local base camp and will spend time each day reading water; rowing oar boats; learning to navigate and command paddle boats; and also how to supervise, instruct and paddle inflatable kayaks.

There are many great rivers to choose from including the Hood, Klickitat and more! Safety is a top priority on every trip and guide school will show you many of the skills required to navigate rafts down a river safely and effectively. We will spend time at the base camp sharing river recipes and dutch oven delights. Each morning, you'll assist loading and rigging rafts, tying knots and driving to various put-ins in the area.

My school was the best rafting trip I've ever had. I learned a lot from my instructors and can't wait to put my new skills and knowledge to good use. No matter how many trips I end up doing, private or commercial, I will never forget this one. Everyone involved, students and instructors alike, added to a wonderful experience.

- R. Sokol, Eugene, OR

Our guide school in the Columbia Gorge will provide experience on multiple rivers that will allow for a more cumulative river education. We will be able to choose the sections of river each day based on the flow and the skills we hope you can master. This format will also allow for more instruction time on potentially difficult runs. We will emphasize instruction and safety so that participants will leave with considerable river knowledge and more check marks on their 'rivers rafted' to do list.

This guide school is not for the faint of heart. We are always seeking good guides that have a strong work ethic and the desire to take on big challenges. You will need to be physically fit, ready for any weather conditions and excited to cook dinner in the rain with a headlamp. You will be challenged, meet some spectacular people and learn skills you'll use throughout your life!

Disclaimer: Guide School schedule and location are subject to weather, river flows, and open roads.