International Rafting Federation Guide, Safety Kayak and Trip Leader Workshop

Join us for an International Rafting Federation (IRF) workshop for river guides and trip leaders facilitated by IRF Instructor Trainer Bryant Baker along with IRF Instructor Trainer Mark Hirst of Lapin Koskikoulu. This course is intended for experienced river guides and whitewater professionals looking to increase their knowledge and skills and be evaluated with IRF standards and global best practice. IRF certifications can be used for river guiding and trip leading whitewater around the world.

Rivers: New, Gauley, Meadow, Cherry

Dates: May 11, 2026 – May 15, 2026

Price:
$450 – first three days of raft guide/safety kayak workshop
$750 – two additional days of Trip Leader workshop

Meals: Lunch will be provided each day of instruction.

Prerequisites: Experience as a commercial guide, logbook, and first aid certifications.

Additional Cost: IRF Award Fees

The first three days of the workshop assesses the fundamentals of commercial river guiding and/or safety boating. Assessments are completed on the level of whitewater corresponding to the level of the guide. While on the course, experienced river guides are assessed on a variety of tasks including:

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Safety and paddle talk
• Whitewater boating skills and crew management
• Flip and throw-bag tests
• Whitewater swimming
• Building a 3:1 rope system with appropriate anchors

In order to receive an IRF Guide Certification you must first submit a logbook, first aid, and CPR certification. During the workshop you will need to pass a guide assessment which includes a written exam.

The fourth and fifth day are spent evaluating trip leader candidates with on-river scenarios. These scenarios are designed to test their decision-making, communication skills, delegation ability, and performance during a rescue. They are designed to be as realistic as possible, again corresponding to the level of the guide being assessed.

An IRF Trip Leader candidate also needs to have a valid advanced first aid certificate that includes CPR. Upon successfully passing the qualification, the IRF issues an IRF Trip Leader Certification.

Mark is an international rafting and safety instructor who teaches courses for Rescue 3 Europe and the International Rafting Federation. He is originally from Manchester, England and is now based in Finland. He currently teaches river guide and safety courses in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, Nepal, India, and Morocco. Learn more about Mark’s philosophy on this Lapin Koskikoulu Blog.

Baker has been working as a commercial river guide for over two decades. His passion for whitewater is matched only by his passion for empowering others with skills and knowledge as an IRF Instructor. When not teaching rafting and rescue courses, Baker works as a guide and River Operations Mgr. for ACE Adventure Resort in West Virginia. For questions about the IRF Course, contact Baker at [email protected].