Rafting Guides
One might think that going on a rafting trip in the summer is a vacation. This is not true for rafting guides, who are trained to lead other people in river rafting. All rafting guides must be specially trained, but most companies do not require experience in the field. Their job consists of getting the raft ready for the day, talking to and entertaining guests, and making sure that everyone is safe. A job as a rafting guide in the northwest will usually take place from May to August because of the weather. Having good rafting guides is important to a fun and safe river tour.
People must go through training to become rafting guides, but they do not need to have experience in order to be hired by companies. A guide must be able to load the raft in the morning. He or she must also greet guests, instruct them in the proper usage and safety of rafts, as well as keeping them entertained during the actual river expedition.
There are other duties that a rafting guide must perform besides just managing the raft and guests. They may also need to work at the company's office and make reservations. A guide may also rent out equipment and help organize and sell the company's products. The primary job of a guide, however, is the management of rafts and keeping the guests entertained.
Most rafting expeditions and tours take place in the northwest United States. The weather in that region permits safe rafting from May to August. This means that rafting guides will primarily work during the summer. It is a physically demanding job, but it also allows a person to be free, as there is no need for dressing up. Of course a rafting guide will have to find jobs during the fall and winter, when rafting is not viable.
In order to become a rafting guide, a person must at least go through training. The job consists of managing the raft and keeping guests entertained. He or she may also work at the company building itself, making reservations or renting out equipment. Because the job can only be done between May and August, a person should find a winter and fall job as well.