Also called: River Guide
Guides rafts of customers through whitewater rapids for rafting outfitters, steering, teaching paddle commands, and leading multi-day river trips.
Raft guides read the river, shout paddle commands through big rapids, and cook dinner on multi-day trips through places like the Grand Canyon.
Seasonal; tips add significantly.
Certificate, about 0 years after high school. Guide school, swiftwater rescue and first aid certifications.
Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Outdoor Recreation.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Nothing automates reading rapids and steering a raft of nervous guests; AI only helps with bookings.
Age 18+. One way to start: Sign up for a rafting company's spring guide school (often 1–3 weeks) and get Wilderness First Aid First: Company guide school plus Wilderness First Aid and swiftwater rescue
Classes: PE/swimming, Health/first aid, Earth Science, Public speaking.
Official data: O*NET occupation 39-7012.
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