Mild to Wild Guide Certification Classes

Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours is proud to offer a state-certified, professional, quality whitewater rafting instructional certification course for those interested in becoming professional raft guides, or those wanting to learn raft navigation and rigging. The course exceeds the state requirements of Arizona, Colorado and Utah for guide certification. We operate in Durango, Telluride, & Moab.
Who: Our 2021 Guide Certification Courses are open for anyone seeking employment with Mild to Wild for the 2021 season. An application will be required from each participant prior to the start of the course. Participants will learn both oar and paddle boat navigational skills as well as full outfitter skills.
Prerequisites: Must be 18 years of age at the time of employment to guide in the state of Colorado or Utah
Where: We offer courses based out of Durango, CO or Moab, UT. Our training corresponds to the area in which the guide will spend the majority of the season. Those who are interested in working in Utah should take Moab Guide School, and those who want to work in Colorado should take Southwest Colorado Guide School.
When: May 8th – May 23rd
Our 16-day (16 days, 14 days on water with 2 days off) comprehensive whitewater rafting guide training course will certify participants as Colorado Class III river guides. The course covers all aspects of guiding a river trip and is perfect for the person who would like to become a fully certified guide. Skills training will include leadership, group dynamics, meal preparation, crew orientation, river rescue, raft rigging, and river navigation for multi-day and single-day raft trips. Upon completion, all participants will exceed the requirements for a Colorado Class III river guide. This course includes a day and a half on the Colorado River, two days on the San Miguel, and one day on the Piedra, with the remainder of the class days on Durango’s Lower Animas River. Upon completion of the course, guides who are hired on will have the opportunity to guide in Moab, Durango, & Telluride.
Prospective students/employees MUST complete an application prior to the start of the course. You can secure your spot with payment, but Mild to Wild will be reviewing your application to ensure you will be a good fit for our company and we reserve the right to refund your money if it is determined you will not be a good fit for us.
In addition to the provisions listed above, this course also includes camping with Mild to Wild and food while camping. (Camping gear not included).
When: May 7th – May 21st
Our 15-day (15 days, 14 days on water with 1 day off) comprehensive whitewater rafting guide training course will certify participants as Colorado Class III river guides. The course covers all aspects of guiding a river trip and is perfect for the person who would like to become a fully certified guide. Skills training will include leadership, group dynamics, meal preparation, crew orientation, river rescue, raft rigging, and river navigation for multi-day and single-day raft trips. Upon completion, all participants will exceed the requirements for a Colorado Class III river guide. This course includes a day and a half on the Colorado River, two days on the San Miguel, and one day on the Piedra, with the remainder of the class days on Durango’s Lower Animas River. Upon completion of the course, guides who are hired will have the opportunity to guide in Moab in addition to assisting on legendary multi-day trips on the Colorado, Green, & Yampa rivers.
Prospective students/employees MUST complete an application prior to the start of the course. You can secure your spot with payment, but Mild to Wild will be reviewing your application to ensure you will be a good fit for our company and we reserve the right to refund your money if it is determined you will not be a good fit for us.
In addition to the provisions listed above, this course also includes camping with Mild to Wild and food while camping. (Camping gear not included).
When: June 5th – June 20th
Our 16-day (16 days, 14 days on water with 2 days off) comprehensive whitewater rafting guide training course will certify participants as Colorado Class III river guides. The course covers all aspects of guiding a river trip and is perfect for the person who would like to become a fully certified guide. Skills training will include leadership, group dynamics, meal preparation, crew orientation, river rescue, raft rigging, and river navigation for multi-day and single-day raft trips. Upon completion, all participants will exceed the requirements for a Colorado Class III river guide. This course includes a day and a half on the Colorado River, two days on the San Miguel, and one day on the Piedra, with the remainder of the class days on Durango’s Lower Animas River. Upon completion of the course, guides who are hired on will have the opportunity to guide in Moab, Durango, & Telluride.
Prospective students/employees MUST complete an application prior to the start of the course. You can secure your spot with payment, but Mild to Wild will be reviewing your application to ensure you will be a good fit for our company and we reserve the right to refund your money if it is determined you will not be a good fit for us.
In addition to the provisions listed above, this course also includes camping with Mild to Wild and food while camping. (Camping gear not included).
Upon completion of either course, you will exceed the requirements of a Class III river guide (subject to completion of separate first-aid and CPR training). These are intensive courses that emphasize skill training and personal development among the spectacular setting of deep rock canyons and river corridors.
Tuition includes state certified instructors, transportation from our meeting point, PFD (life jacket), helmet and boating equipment.