Whitewater School

Our 6 day whitewater school takes place on the Merced river in early spring. Our staff of trained professionals will teach you all the basics, including techniques for guiding both paddle and oar-powered rafts.

2010 Dates: April 12-17 for our 6 day school. Cost is $650.00, and includes all instruction, meals, and lodging/camping at our guides house in MidPines.  Wetsuits are available for rent at $45.00 for the entire school.  

Our school is for both men and women of all age groups (minimum age 18) who are interested in either gaining knowledge for independent river touring, or who have a desire to become a commercial white-water river guide. During this course, you will learn the fundamental skills of reading whitewater and maneuvering rafts, as well as a full range of rafting safety and rescue procedures.

Topics covered will include the understanding of various water conditions, the appropriate way to swim rapids and eddies, throw-bag procedures, swiftwater rescue techniques, high-siding, flipping and unwrapping rafts, proper knots and recommended raft-rigging, hypothermia prevention and treatment, and natural history interpretation. Each year, depending on staff needs, Zephyr hires quite a few of its new guides directly from this school. We maintain a 4 to1 trainee to trainer ratio which allows plenty of time for individual attention and precise instruction. Our school is not only informative and professional, but is also is lots of fun.

Feel free to call our office for a white-water school information packet, or go directly to our guestbook and send in your request electronically. See our schedule for dates and prices. The school fee includes all instruction, all river equipment, and all meals. Students need only to bring personal gear, including a wetsuit. Wetsuits are available for rent directly from Zephyr.