Training for Experienced River Guides
Guide Training & Education Workshops
Guide Training and Education
Workshops for Guides and Trip Leaders
- Location: Tara and Drina, Rafting Center Tara-Raft
- Length: 3 Days for Guide Workshop or 5 days for Guide and Trip Leader Workshops
- Prerequisites: Previous experience in commercial rafting, personal rafting equipment, logbook, first aid certificate
- Price: 350€ for guides, 500€ for trip leaders (provided accommodation, food, transport during the workshop, equipment to work on, lessons, instructor’s fee)
- Additional costs: IRF fee (40USD for Guides, 70USD for Trip Leaders)
Join us at the International Rafting Federation (IRF) workshop for rafting guides and trip leaders, led by Mirko Davidović.
These courses are designed for experienced guides and whitewater professionals who wish to be licensed to IRF standards.
IRF standards are recognized worldwide.
Through the first three days of this workshop, basic boat management skills are assessed during a commercial rafting trip. During these days, we are also working on improving existing and adopting new techniques and rules while rafting.
Guides are graded in a variety of assignments, including:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Safety Demonstrations and Security Elements
- Whitewater Boat Steering Skills and Crew Management
- Knowledge of hydrology, knots and signs used on the river
- Flip drill test and rope throwing tests
- Swimming in Wild Waters
- Building a 3:1 system with appropriate anchors
- Written test
In order to obtain an IRF certificate for a guide, in addition to passing the tests, you must have appropriate personal equipment (helmet, vest, rope, 4-3-2-1 system), passed the exam in providing basic first aid, and a completed logbook.
The fourth and fifth days are spent testing candidates for trip leaders with scenarios on the river.
These scenarios are designed to test their decision-making, communication skills, ability to delegate, and performance during rescue.
They are designed to be as realistic as possible, yet in line with the level of the guide being evaluated.
Alternatively, it is possible to work on repeating the tests for rafting guides, if there is a need for it.
An IRF Trip Leader candidate should have a valid Advanced First Aid Certificate that includes CPR.
WHY COME TO THIS WORKSHOP?
- You have the opportunity to learn modern techniques of rescue, rowing and boating
- Obtaining an IRF Certificate
- You can take part in scenarios on the river
- You will meet and work with guides from all over the world
- You can improve your existing knowledge and skills
FACTS
- The IRF is recognized as the world’s leading body for the training of professional rafting guides
- You can be tested for different certifications
- With these certifications, you can work anywhere in the world
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Davidović Mirko has been a licensed IRF Raft instructor up to level 3 since 2018.
He is also the first trained and licensed safety kayaker (Safety Kayak) on our rivers.
He entered the world of IRF standards back in 2009.
Currently, he has completed over 20 courses for rafting guides, safety kayakers, trip leaders and instructors, and he has honed his craft on all domestic rivers (Tara, Piva, Drina, Lim, Vrbas, Neretva, Una, Soča…), as well as on numerous expeditions around the world – India, the Himalayas, Nepal…
During the World Championships held in 2022 on the Vrbas and Tara rivers, he was the director and organizer of the race on the Tara River, as well as the head of safety on the river.
In 2023, he successfully organized one of the most massive IRF conferences in the world, where the rules and standards for the training and training of rafting guides were redefined.
He is a member of the Committee for the Global Development of Recreational and Commercial Rafting. 