2027 RAFT GUIDE
TRAINING
LEARN TO
GUIDE THE RIVER
We're welcoming a small group of future raft guides to the Arkansas River for spring 2027.
Monumental Expeditions is a family-run outfitter based in Nathrop, between Buena Vista and Salida. We're creating this program to introduce new people to the profession and develop potential guides for our own team. Our crew is small, so not everyone will have a position with Monumental, but each trainee will receive documentation of their training that can be shared with other outfitters.
No previous guiding experience is necessary. We'll start with the fundamentals and build your confidence through three weeks of instruction, practice, and helpful feedback. Along the way, you'll get to know the river and the people who make this work so rewarding.
WHAT YOU'LL
LEARN
From boat handling and reading water to working together as a crew, you'll develop skills one river day at a time.
Boat Control
Rigging, paddle strokes, oar work, crew communication, and maneuvering a raft with purpose.
Reading Water
Currents, eddies, waves, holes, obstacles, and identifying a safe, intentional line through a rapid.
Scouting Rapids
Recognizing hazards, making sound decisions, and knowing when to stop, scout, or change plans.
Rescue Basics
Self-rescue, swimmer management, throw bags, communication, and practical emergency scenarios.
Guest Safety
Proper PFD fit, safety talks, paddle instruction, situational awareness, and calm leadership.
River Stewardship
Respecting river access, minimizing impacts, working as a crew, and understanding professional guide responsibilities.
THREE WEEKS.
ON THE RIVER.
We'll begin with the essentials and spend more and more time guiding as the program progresses. River conditions, safety, and individual progress will shape each day's plans.
Week One: The Foundations
Get to know the river, equipment, and fundamentals of boat handling. We'll combine classroom lessons, CPR and First Aid training, river safety and rescue practice, and introductory on-water sessions.
Week Two: Build Your Skills
Spend more time guiding. Practice reading currents, choosing lines, communicating with your crew, and handling a raft through a range of river situations with instructor support.
Week Three: River Experience
Keep rotating through guiding roles and putting everything together. We'll focus on repetition, individual coaching, documented river hours, and a review of your progress.
A SMALL GROUP.
PERSONAL GUIDANCE.
With just six to eight participants, there's room for individual attention and meaningful time on the water.
You'll have opportunities to practice different guiding roles, ask questions, and receive feedback tailored to your progress. We want you to leave with a stronger feel for the river, sound decision-making skills, and the confidence that comes from experience.
Our lead instructor brings over 25 years of experience on the river, with additional support from Monumental's crew. You'll be learning from someone who knows both the rewards and the responsibilities of guiding and enjoys helping new guides find their footing.
COST &
OPPORTUNITY
We're planning an approachable, small-group training experience for people interested in working on the river or exploring where rafting might take them.
GUIDE TRAINING
A $200 deposit is planned to reserve a seat and would be applied toward the total tuition. CPR and First Aid classes are included in tuition. Final dates, payment terms, and other program details will be confirmed before registration opens.
TRAIN WITH US.
SEE WHAT COMES NEXT.
We hope to welcome some of our trainees onto the Monumental crew for the 2027 season. Available positions will depend on qualifications, progress, and our staffing needs. We'll also provide training records that can be useful when applying to other outfitters.
COULD GUIDING
BE FOR YOU?
You don't need to know how to guide a raft on day one. A willingness to learn, comfort around water, and a team-first attitude are great starting points.
QUESTIONS ABOUT
GUIDE TRAINING?
Do I need previous rafting experience?
No previous guiding experience is required. We'll teach the fundamentals from the beginning. You should be a confident swimmer, enjoy being outdoors, and be open to learning new skills.
How do the three weeks and 100-hour goal work?
The program is planned for three weeks, with a goal of 100 documented, qualifying on-river training hours. Classroom work is separate from that total. River conditions and each trainee's progress can affect the number of hours completed, so some participants may need additional supervised sessions.
Could training lead to a position with Monumental?
That's one of our hopes. We plan to consider trainees for available summer guiding positions, although employment isn't guaranteed. You'll also receive training documentation that can be shared with other outfitters.
Does completion make me a certified guide?
Colorado has specific requirements for commercial rafting guides, including training hours, minimum age, first aid, CPR, and documented skills. CPR and First Aid courses are included in our training, and we'll help track your progress. Being ready to guide commercially also depends on meeting the requirements and demonstrating the necessary skills.
When and where will training happen?
We're planning a three-week program in spring 2027, with exact dates to be announced. Our home base is Chalk Creek Campground in Nathrop, between Buena Vista and Salida. River sessions will use suitable sections of the Arkansas River.
Are CPR and First Aid included in tuition?
Yes. Both courses are included as part of the three-week training program. You will still need to successfully complete them and meet all applicable requirements before guiding commercially.
Will I have to appear in the training videos?
No. We're considering filming part of the experience for a documentary series, but appearing on camera will be voluntary and separate from admission, training, and hiring decisions.
APPLY FOR 2027
GUIDE TRAINING
Interested in becoming a raft guide? Tell us a little about yourself. We're planning six to eight spaces in our spring 2027 three-week program, and we'll be in touch as the details are finalized. There's no payment to apply.
Your application was sent to Monumental. We'll review it and reach out using the information you provided.
Please check your details and try again, or email us directly at info@monumentalexpeditions.com.
Questions? Email us or text 719-581-2123.
Chalk Creek Campground · 11430 County Road 197 · Nathrop, Colorado
