Session 1: Monday May 3 – Sunday May 9, 2021
Session 2: Monday June 7 – Sunday June 13, 2021
Our whitewater guide school will teach you the skills to become a commercial river guide.
This River Guide School is ideal for college students or winter recreation workers interested in summer employment. We also welcome those who would like to learn the skills, but are not seeking employment. Our minimum age to participate is 16, but to be eligible for employment one must be at least 18.
We are looking for people who are safety conscious, team oriented, hard working, responsible, personable, fit, environmentally conscious, and ready for challenges! Rafting instruction is in paddle boats. If you are interested in the skills needed for oar boats or inflatable kayaks, let us know. Completion of our guide school does not guarantee employment.
First-Aid and CPR certification are mandatory for commercial river guides. These are not included with our guide school training, in order to maximize on-river time. We highly recommend obtaining these certifications prior to the guide school.
We will provide transportation from Lotus to any other river locations.
Camping is included for the duration of Guide school. We meet at our South Fork American River Camp in Lotus, California the afternoon before guide school begins.
A few nearby in Lotus / Coloma area:
Take A Bite Deli: Hands down best burger! It is hidden away in the Chevron Gas station on Highway 49 just a couple miles from our camp. Philly Cheese Stakes, Fries, Onion Rings, Fry Boxes & more! Hours are usually Mon-Fri 10am-3pm (may vary).
The River Shack: A local favorite! Big sandwiches and lots of beers to choose from. Just down the road from camp off Highway 49. Hours may be seasonal, Fri-Tues 10am-5pm.
Whitewater Pizza: Amazing food & Riverfront Patio! A family favorite with a large patio overlooking the South Fork American River at the Highway 49 Bridge. Unique pizza’s and fun atmosphere. Usually open 7 day/week (hours vary from 11am-4pm opening till about 8pm-10pm close).
With over 25 years of running the highest quality rafting trips and river tours, Raft California invites you to join us on one of our spectacular rafting adventures!
We have whitewater rafting trips on over 12 rivers in Northern California, Oregon, and into Nevada! Rivers include the South Fork American, Middle Fork American, North Fork American, North Yuba, Truckee, Tuolumne, Kaweah and more!.
Recycling for SYRCL What is SYRCL? SYRCL stands for South Yuba River Citizens League. They are a non-profit founded in 1983 by grassroots activists near the South
Raft California Food Truck Fridays Lemongrass Cafe serving dinners at Raft California Lotus, CA Campground every Friday! The Lemongrass Cafe Food Truck serves up food,
