(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 09, 2009 ) WOFFORD HEIGHTS, CALIF. – In April when snow begins to melt, Kern River Outfitters’ general manager Keith “Luther” Stephens will be on the Kern River surrounded by two dozen guide-hopefuls. The young men and women will be participating in the 2009 Kern River Outfitters Whitewater School – an annual six-day course designed to teach the basics of being a whitewater rafting guide and a sort of “on-the-water interview,” as Stephens put it.

“Each summer we hire about five or six new guides for our Kern River rafting trips,” said Stephens. Kern River Outfitters is anticipating more applicants for their guide school, which is slated from April 18 through April 23, and to hire more guide school participants than ever before.

“Most of the participants we have had are college students who want to work in a fun, exciting, and outdoorsy environment,” comments Stephens. “They often have gone on a trip with us and asked their guide how to get in. Our season tends to fit perfectly with their summer vacations so it’s an easy transition for any student looking for summer work.”

Jim Ritter, the general manager for Rogue River Journeys (http://www.roguerivertrips.com) in Southern Oregon, concurs with Stephens. His company is running a special five-day Women’s Whitewater School on the Rogue River from June 17 to June 21. “Becoming a river guide is appealing if you enjoy being outside, working with people, and being active. It’s a healthy lifestyle and, because most students have an open summer, the rafting season is a natural fit for their schedules.”

Deb Meymarian, an instructor for the Women’s Whitewater School, said “Our course on the Rogue is designed for women guides, taught by women instructors, and will be a great first step for women who love the outdoors and have thought about guiding.” The school will place emphasis on learning how to read whitewater. When it comes to navigating rapids, Meymarian added, "Guiding a boat is not about pure strength. On our trip you'll learn from seasoned guides that 'finessing' the river is really important."

At both schools, participants will learn how to ‘read’ whitewater and how to manage the logistics of a river trip, as well as important tips and techniques on gear maintenance, river rescue, river etiquette, wilderness camping, cooking and natural history.

Tuition for the Kern River Whitewater School (http://www.kernrafting.com/whitewaterschool.html) is $595 plus a 3% Forest Service fee. To apply, contact Kern River Outfitters General Manager Luther Stephens at 1-800-323-4234, or e-mail luther@kernrafting.com. Tuition for the Rogue River Women’s Whitewater School (http://www.roguerivertrips.com/womens_whitewater_school.html) is $995. To apply, contact Rogue River Journeys General Manager Jim Ritter at 1-866-213-7754, or e-mail jim@roguerivertrips.com.

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Contact Information:
Kern River Outfitters
Keith
Tel: 1-800-323-4234
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