The training program covers all technical whitewater skills and river rescue skills needed to guide professionally on any commercially rafted river in the world. The program also includes: how to work as a team, how to run all our other activities including kayaking, alpine tower, low ropes course, paintball, adventure races, tubing trips, rock climbing, and rappelling. Training is self-paced, so progress will vary depending on the individual. Training is divided into several stages. You must pass knowledge and skills tests to progress to the next stage.

Training at OAR is free.  However, OAR requires all guides to hold current Wilderness First Responder, Advanced Swiftwater Rescue, and CPR for the Professional Rescuer certifications. OAR provides these certifications to trainees for a total cost of $350. Scholarships and financing is available. If you already have current certifications (equivalent or higher), fees are waived. Your first training weekend is free. If you decide to continue, you must pay your certification fees in full or make arrangements for financing or a scholarship. The fee is non refundable if you decide to quit. You do not have to get your certifications through OAR. If you find the courses cheaper somewhere else, or another course fits your schedule better, don’t hesitate to take the course outside of OAR.