Whitewater Rafting Guide Onboarding Checklist

Whitewater Rafting Guide Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Whitewater Rafting Guide starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Tourism onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Whitewater Rafting Guide, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Whitewater Rafting Guide onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Whitewater Rafting Guide Onboarding Checklist

1. Safety Training: This task involves providing comprehensive safety training to the new whitewater rafting guide. It includes familiarizing them with safety protocols, emergency procedures, and equipment usage. This task is typically performed by the company’s safety officer or experienced guides who specialize in safety training.

2. River Orientation: In this task, the new guide is given a thorough orientation of the river they will be guiding on. They are provided with detailed information about the river’s characteristics, such as rapids, currents, and potential hazards. This task is usually performed by experienced guides who are familiar with the specific river.

3. Equipment Familiarization: The new guide is introduced to all the equipment used in whitewater rafting, including rafts, paddles, helmets, life jackets, and rescue gear. They are taught how to properly use, maintain, and store the equipment. This task is typically performed by the company’s equipment manager or experienced guides.

4. Trip Planning: The new guide is involved in trip planning, which includes understanding the logistics of each trip, such as start and end points, duration, and potential stops along the way. They also learn how to assess the skill level of participants and plan accordingly. This task is usually performed by the trip coordinator or experienced guides.

5. Customer Service Training: Since whitewater rafting guides interact closely with customers, they receive customer service training to ensure they provide a positive experience. This training includes effective communication, conflict resolution, and addressing customer concerns. It is typically conducted by the company’s customer service manager or experienced guides.

6. River Navigation: The new guide is trained in river navigation, which involves learning how to read the river, identify safe routes, and make quick decisions during unexpected situations. This training is usually conducted by experienced guides who have extensive knowledge of the river.

7. First Aid and CPR Certification: Whitewater rafting guides must be certified in first aid and CPR to handle any medical emergencies that may arise during trips. The new guide is required to complete a first aid and CPR course, which is often facilitated by certified trainers or external organizations.

8. Group Management: Since guides often lead groups of rafters, they receive training in group management. This includes learning how to effectively communicate with participants, assign roles, and ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. This training is typically conducted by experienced guides or the company’s group management specialist.

9. Environmental Education: Whitewater rafting guides play a crucial role in promoting environmental awareness and conservation. They receive training on local flora, fauna, and environmental issues to educate participants during trips. This training is usually conducted by environmental specialists or experienced guides with a strong environmental background.

10. River Rescue Techniques: Guides are trained in river rescue techniques to handle emergency situations, such as capsized rafts or participants in distress. They learn how to perform swiftwater rescues, use throw bags, and execute proper rescue protocols. This training is typically conducted by experienced guides who specialize in river rescue.

11. Company Policies and Procedures: The new guide is familiarized with the company’s policies and procedures, including employee code of conduct, safety protocols, and reporting mechanisms. This task is usually performed by the company’s HR department or a designated supervisor.

12. Shadowing Experienced Guides: To gain practical experience and learn from seasoned professionals, the new guide is paired with experienced guides for a period of shadowing. They observe and assist in guiding trips, learning from the expertise and guidance of their mentors.

13. Evaluation and Feedback: Throughout the onboarding process, the new guide receives regular evaluations and feedback from their supervisors or experienced guides. This helps them identify areas for improvement and ensures they are meeting the company’s standards.

14. Ongoing Training and Development: Whitewater rafting guides are encouraged to participate in ongoing training and development programs to enhance their skills and knowledge. This may include attending workshops, seminars, or specialized courses related to guiding, safety, or environmental education. The company’s training coordinator or HR department typically facilitates these opportunities

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Whitewater Rafting Guide checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Whitewater Rafting Guide up to speed and working well in your Tourism team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.