Whitewater School
Our
6 day whitewater school takes place on the Merced river in early spring. Our
staff of trained professionals will teach you all the basics, including techniques
for guiding both paddle and oar-powered rafts.
2008 Dates: April 7-12 or April 14-19 for our 6 day school. Cost is $595.00, and includes all instruction, meals, and lodging/camping. Wetsuits are available for rent at $45.00 for the entire school.
Our school is for both men and women of all age groups (minimum age 18)
who are interested in either gaining knowledge for independent river touring,
or who have a desire to become a commercial white-water river guide. During
this course, you will learn the fundamental skills of reading whitewater and
maneuvering rafts, as well as a full range of rafting safety and rescue procedures.
Topics covered will include the understanding of various water conditions,
the appropriate way to swim rapids and eddies, throw-bag procedures, swiftwater
rescue techniques, high-siding, flipping and unwrapping rafts, proper knots
and recommended raft-rigging, hypothermia prevention and treatment, and natural
history interpretation. Each year, depending on staff needs, Zephyr hires
quite a few of its new guides directly from this school. We maintain a 4:1
trainer/trainee ratio which allows plenty of time for individual attention
and precise instruction. Our school is not only informative and professional,
but is also is lots of fun.
Feel free to call our office for a white-water school information packet, or go directly to our guestbook and send in your request electronically. See our schedule for dates and prices. The school fee includes all instruction, all river equipment, and all meals. Students need only to bring personal gear, including a wetsuit. Wetsuits are available for rent directly from Zephyr.
