Swan Mountain Wilderness Guide School has teamed with Carl Mottes Conor at Montana Rescue, who has a long history of providing whitewater and fishing trips and instruction on the Flathead River in Montana. This is a custom designed program where students can learn from the best by attending River Guide Training on the boundary waters of Glacier National Park.

This custom program includes the following combination of essential river-running skills:

  • Reading and running class II-IV whitewater
  • River rescue (Rescue 3 International WRT curriculum)
  • Principals of hydrology
  • Commanding a paddle crew
  • Maneuvering an oar-rigged boat
  • Rope handling techniques
  • Risk management on the river
  • Assessing equipment needs
  • Rigging a boat
  • Camping & cooking on the river
  • Leave no Trace Skills

The course is a Rescue 3 International course, is a comprehensive course is designed for the boater who would like to guide professionally or gain extensive knowledge about rivers and river safety. Learn how to command a paddle crew, maneuver an oar rig and prepare for the unexpected. In addition, become certified as a Rescue 3 International River Rescuer. After six days you will be a confident boater, ready for commercial or private guiding. This course is comprised of a combination of three courses and includes the following.

River Guide Training Course Outline

Days 1 & 2

  • Introduction to River Skills

Days 3 & 4

  • River Rescuer

Days 5 & 6

  • Advanced River Skills: Learn how to assess equipment needs for extended trips, rig a boat, plan meals, set up a campsite, and prepare meals on the river
  • Preparing for an overnight trip; Packing List, Rigging Boats, Choosing a Route & Campsite Selection
  • Camp
  • Heading Home; ” Preparing meals on the River, ” Break down camp

 

REQUIRED ITEMS NEEDED FOR ATTENDING SCHOOL:

Camping

  • Backpacking tent (if you want to use your own, otherwise they will supply)
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Headlamp
  • Clothes for in-camp (synthetic, no cotton)
  • Down Coat – nice to have for the evening, but not necessary

On Water

  • Synthetic Layers – fleece, capilene, etc.
  • Neoprene Gloves*
  • River Shoes*
  • Helmet*
  • Drysuit*
  • Personal Flotation Device*
  • Locking Carabiner*
  • Throwbag*
  • River Knife*
  • Whistle*
  • After water sandals
  • Wool Cap and Ball cap
  • Dry Suit

* The school has these items, but if you have your own, you are welcome to bring it.

Items not required to acquire but you are welcome to bring:

  • Laptop (They have Wi-Fi in camp)
  • Your own vehicle if you plan on exploring area on your days off
  • Hand warmers
  • Reading material for evenings
  • GPS (prefer Garmin with long range walkie-talkie)
  • Cell Phones

 Lodging during class:

During the class students will stay at Swan Mountain Outfitters base camp. Food and tents will be provided. During the week, students will have the opportunity to set up a proper river camp on the Blackfoot River for a multiday river trip. Swan Mountain Wilderness Guide School will provide tents, stoves, fire-pan, and bathroom facilities for students to use while in camp.

 

 

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