RAFT GUIDE SCHOOL

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Learn from the experts and work for NOC next season! Nantahala Outdoor Center has been the leader in outdoor adventure since 1972 with professionally trained guides that have led more whitewater trips than any outfitter in the world. 

We offer guide school on select weeks from March through May. Guide school dates are subject to change if minimum participation requirements are not met.

At NOC Guide School, participants can expect the top-notch training needed to pursue work as a professional raft guide at Nantahala Outdoor Center. It also provides students of all ages and academic levels with personal growth and development, building skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, and self-confidence. 

Guide School not only teaches essential river skills but also provides students of all academic levels with personal growth and development, building skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, and self-confidence. 

Once you complete Guide School, utilize your new skills in a fun and exciting position with NOC, guiding guests down one of our outposts in the southeast.

How to Apply

NOC is happy to offer a special rate for incoming staff. We also have Guide School scholarship opportunities available. Follow the steps below to apply.

How to Apply

NOC is happy to offer a special rate for incoming staff. We also have Guide School scholarship opportunities available. Follow the steps below to apply.

    • First, fill out the Raft Guide Application, then an NOC representative will reach out to discuss the interview process and guide school options.
    • After completing an interview and accepting an offer, you will choose your experience. NOC Raft Guide School for Hire offers multiple pricing tiers. If cost is prohibitive, please take advantage of our scholarship opportunities.
        • $75 Guide School with Lunch – Includes instruction and lunch each day. Participants will be responsible for providing their own breakfast, dinner, and lodging.
        • $150 Guide School with Lodging & Lunch – Includes instruction, lodging, and lunch each day. Participants will be responsible for providing their own breakfast and dinner.
        • $150 Guide School with Meals (No Lodging) – Includes instruction and 16 meals. Participants will be responsible for providing their lodging.
        • $300 Guide School – This package is all-inclusive. NOC provides instruction, lodging, and three meals per day.
      • Candidates will be required to pass a background check and complete onboarding paperwork before working at NOC.

       

APPLY HERE

2027 DATES

  • Sunday, March 7th-Friday, March 12th,

  • Sunday, March 14th- Friday, March 19th

  • Sunday, April 25th-Friday, April 30th

  • Sunday, May 16th-Friday, May 21st

Learn how to: 

  • River Terminology
  • River Features
  • Risk Management and Mitigation
  • Crew Dynamics
  • Trip Dynamics
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Equipment Maintenance

Skills you'll acquire: 

  • Essential River Skills
  • Reading Whitewater
  • Guide Stance and Strokes
  • Raft Maneuvers
  • Whitewater Swimming
  • Raft Flip Drills
  • Knot Tying
  • Raft Rigging

 

Included in Course: 

  • All necessary specialty whitewater equipment 
  • River Transportation 
  • NOC’s renowned instruction from highly trained guides 
  • 35% off river essentials during your guide school date​: PFDs​, Helmets, Knives, Carabiners, Pulleys, Whistles, Webbing, and Rope 
  • The $300 package is all inclusive, including meals Sunday night through Friday evening, 5 nights in basecamp, in-course transportation, required river gear and world-class instruction

Course Length:
5 Days

Price:
$150-$300

Meal & Lodging Packages Available

APPLY HERE

FOOD & DRINK

Participants will check in on Sunday evening and have a meal (included) with their fellow students to prepare for the week ahead. Lunch each day of the course is also provided. You will have the option to add on the following when you purchase the Guide School course:

Breakfast & Dinner Package: Add Monday through Friday breakfast and dinner from Relia’s Garden Restaurant each day to your guide school course. Individual meals will not be available for purchase during the course at Relia’s Garden Restaurant.

We have two onsite restaurants for additional dining options outside of the package offered above, and convenience items are available for purchase at the General Store.

LODGING

 

Shared Bunkhouse Lodging | Enjoy a shared lodging experience with others attending Guide School at NOC’s Basecamp! This option includes a twin-size bed in a shared sleeping area. You will also have access to a shared community building with a kitchen, dining hall, and shower house. Linens and kitchen supplies are not included. All rooms have electricity, heat, and air conditioning.

Shared Tent Lodging | Relax steps from the river and sleep under the stars in our raised platform tents. This option includes a shared two-person tent and access to facilities on campus.

PACKING LIST

NOC provides the primary gear needed for each course, including boats, paddles, PFDs, helmets, wetsuits, and splash tops and bottoms. Participants will need to provide individual gear outlined below. 

Necessities 

  • Band-Aids, Tape, Basic First Aid
  • Clothing and Personal Items 
  • Shorts or Swimwear 
  • Synthetic, Wool, or Silk Long Underwear 
  • Wool Socks 
  • Rain gear 
  • Water Shoes or Old Sneakers
  • Sunscreen and Lip Balm 

Optional 

  • Sunglasses and eyeglass strap 
  • Hat or visor  

 

TESTIMONIALS

Best Spring Break ever! I want to go back...
– Todd S.

If you have ever had the slightest interest in being a raft guide, sign up for this class! Whether you are 18 or 50, I promise you won't regret it. It was one of the best weeks of my life and I discovered a new passion. Carpe Fluvium!

– Chris S.

I recommend this to anyone. This was a fantastic school taught by some great people.
– Jim K.

If you want a life-changing experience, take a week and do raft guide school. It will change your life. Best medicine ever.

– J David S.

Crazy to reminisce on a moment that changed my life!

– Francesca G.