National Raft Guide Awards
Sport & Recreation
A course by
Te Mahi Ako
These awards certify individuals to guide commercial rafting trips on New Zealand whitewater rivers, providing training, assessment, and workplace observation to meet high industry standards.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
It will take a total of 2 weeks
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Demonstrate raft guiding skills
Develop and apply safe and effective guiding techniques appropriate to river grade (2, 3, or 4/5) for commercial rafting.
Plan and lead rafting trips
Plan, prepare, and coordinate rafting trips, including managing groups and guiding multi-raft operations (senior awards).
Implement river rescue techniques
Understand and execute essential river rescue strategies tailored to the challenges of each river grade.
What You're Signing Up For
The National Raft Guide Awards are designed for people working in the outdoor recreation industry who want to guide commercial rafting trips on New Zealand whitewater rivers. Developed jointly by the New Zealand Rivers Association and Te Mahi Ako, these awards ensure guides meet the high standards required for commercial whitewater activities. Training includes practical skills, trip planning, river rescue, and senior leadership components, with assessment conducted in the workplace. Five electives are offered, tailored for Grade 2, Grade 3, and Grade 4/5 river guiding at basic and senior levels.
Course Content
- Introductory raft guiding skills for Grade 2 rivers
- River rescue techniques for various grades
- Preparing and guiding rafting trips for different river grades
- Serious incident management (senior level)
- Trip and multi-raft trip planning (senior level)
- Observation and assessment in the workplace
What you need to know first
Must be currently working in outdoor recreation (paid, self-employed, or volunteering with regular shifts)
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Outdoor Recreation
Adventure Tourism
Guiding
Future employment opportunities might be
Commercial Raft Guide (various river grades)
Senior Raft Guide/Supervisor
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Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
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