BCU Raft Guide Training Scheme
The BCU Raft Guide scheme is a nationally recognised award scheme for guiding commercial rafts. Entry into the Raft Guide scheme is at Level 1(site-specific) with progression through the scheme to the Level 5 Award.
Both Level 1 Training courses and Level 1 Assessments are available at the NWWC. Assessments are also available for Level 1 Guides who are working towards their Level 2 Award. In addition, Training and Assessment courses can be run at alternative locations in the UK and abroad.
Level 1 Raft Guide Award
The Level 1 Award is made up of a training course followed by a one-day assessment. Between the training course and assessment you are expected to gain guiding experience in the form of logged rafting sessions.The Level 1 Raft Guide Training course is generic and where you attend your training course does not affect your qualification. However, the assessment is site-specific; the site you are assessed on is the site where you are qualified to guide. If you want to guide at additional sites you will need to be assessed on those sites as well.
Central Registration
To be able to attend any of the Raft Guide courses you must have centrally registered with your governing body (BCU/CW/SCA). To centrally register you must complete a C1 form (available from the BCU/CW/SCA) and return it along with copies of your pre-requisites. Your governing body will then stamp the form and return it to you. You will be unable to attend any of the courses below if you do not have a stamped C1 form.
Level 1 Raft Guide Training Course
This is a three day training course that is suitable for candidates with little or no white water experience. Although the course is mainly river-based it also includes some flat-water and dry-land training, as well as theory sessions.
Core topics:- River skills using paddle rafts
- River dynamics
- River safety and rescue
- Raft design & maintenance
- Client care and Duty of Care
- Manual handling
- Incident management
| Location | Pre-requisites | Duration | 2012 dates | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The NWWC |
|
3 days | 17th - 19th February 16th - 18th March 13th - 15th April 5th - 7th May 2nd - 4th June Further dates TBC |
£185.00 |
Post-Training Experience
As a trainee Level 1 Raft Guide you need to log a minimum of 10 trips before you can attend an assessment. These can be logged on the Tryweryn either in a trainee raft or accompanying a qualified guide on their session, subject to trainee skill levels, raft bookings and guide availability. Please contact the coaching department for more details.
Level 1 Raft Guide Assessment
The assessment is one-day, comprising a normal rafting session and a safety & rescue session.
Pre-requisites:
Assessments for candidates who attended a Level 1 Training course at The National White Water Centre are free of charge (excluding CW/BCU assessment fee) and are run subject to demand.
Assessments for external candidates can be arranged – please contact the coaching department for more details.
Level 3 Raft Guide Training/Assessment
This award is designed for the guide who has been a Level 2 Raft Guide for a minimum of 2 years and who is looking to lead trips of more than one boat on river trips or sessions.
The course will be run as one or more river trips (ideally either full day or half-day trips), and will include an overnight bivvy.
Core topics:
Pre-requisites
Courses by arrangement, please contact the rafting office for more details.
Email: