Guide Activist Training

Friends of the River’s Guide Activist Training (GAT) is more than just a guide school. Each year a new class of trainees gain the skills necessary to confidently guide rafts in Class III+ whitewater, work alongside their fellow guides to ensure safe and fun trips, and learn to engage their guests and the public on the importance of rivers and citizen engagement.  

FOR’s Guide Activist Training takes place over 10 days each spring. Trainees camp under the stars, cook group meals, hone their guiding skills with the help of long-time river guides, and learn fundamental concepts in California water policy and river advocacy work. 

FOR’s volunteer guides are not only strong, competent rafters. They are also engaged, confident activists, equipped with the skills to advocate on behalf of California’s rivers and the communities that depend on them. 

After GAT, our trainees become our primary volunteers for subsequent river seasons, leading FOR river trips, engaging guests on the threats facing California rivers, and educating the public on what they can do to help. FOR’s Guide Activists are integral, beloved members of the FOR family. 

Have you always wanted to be a raft guide? Are you an environmental activist? Do you want to learn how to advocate for free-flowing rivers and share your experience with others? If so, Guide Activist Training is the place to start! 

• No prior rafting experience necessary. Strong applicants will have some demonstrated experience in the outdoors, a passion for rivers and the environment, a strong interest in the causes that Friends of the River fights for, and a desire to learn, engage, and be a part of a supportive community of volunteers. 

• Trainees should expect to commit to a minimum of 1 river weekend per month from May-September. 

• Most trainees will not be fully checked off to guide guests independently by the end of GAT. There will be continued training opportunities throughout the summer for trainees to be checked off by FOR’s Guide Trainers. Weekend commitments will include guiding as well as other programmatic support. 

Stipulations: 

• • • Must be 18 years of age or older 
    • Must attend GAT training in its entirety 
    • Must have a valid First Aid & CPR certification by the start of GAT. Must maintain a valid certification while volunteering with FOR