Rapid Horizons Training - Autumn Raft Guide School 2025

Our Autumn Raft Guide School wrapped up last week, and what a brilliant week it was. Based across the Lake District and Yorkshire, the team made the most of classic northern rivers, training and assessing guides on everything from personal guiding control to advanced rescue techniques. With high water to start and medium flows by the end, the conditions were perfect for a dynamic, challenging, and genuinely rewarding week on the river.

Rivers, Levels & Conditions

Across the five days we paddled a strong lineup of venues, including the Tees, Rawthey, Kent, and Leven. Each river offered its own character and teaching opportunities, from technical moves to big-water control and everything in between. Early in the week, high water created fast, powerful flows—ideal for developing confidence and practising advanced manoeuvres. As levels gradually dropped, sessions shifted toward precision, clean lines, and refined guiding technique.

Who Attended?

We welcomed a mixed group of candidates, creating a supportive and balanced learning environment. Some were new guides taking on their first formal assessments, while others were experienced raft guides pushing toward higher-grade awards and endorsed leadership pathways. This blend made for great teamwork, shared learning, and plenty of on-river development.

Coaching Team

The course was delivered by Rapid Horizons’ own Jon Best, alongside Rob Hirst, with Jamie Howard assisting throughout the week. Together they provided a wealth of experience across rafting, safety and rescue, and BCAB standards—ensuring every candidate received detailed feedback, structured coaching, and clear development goals.

What We Worked On

Throughout the week, guides developed a range of essential skills including:

• Personal guiding technique – fine-tuning boat control, reading water, taking clean lines, and operating confidently in high-energy environments.

• Safety frameworks – understanding positioning, pre-planning, and managing risk in dynamic situations.

• Flotilla control – guiding multi-boat groups through complex sections safely and efficiently.

• Rescue and incident management – bank-based, boat-based, and in-river techniques applied in real scenarios.

• Group leadership – communication, decision-making, and leading teams on technical water.

In addition to the core guiding content, the week included:

• BCAB Advanced White Water Safety & Rescue

• BCAB Endorsed Grade 3 (Raft Guide) Training

• BCAB Grade 2 and Grade 3 Assessments

Candidates had the opportunity to train, consolidate skills, and (for many) complete their official

assessments under realistic, varied river conditions.

A Great Week of Progress

Overall, the Autumn Raft Guide School delivered exactly what we aim for: high-standard coaching, quality environments, and a positive, professional learning atmosphere. Watching guides progress—whether stepping up a grade, refining their decision-making, or completing their assessments—made for an awesome week.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, and to Jon, Rob, and Jamie for delivering another strong Rapid Horizons Training programme.

If you’re keen to join a future Raft Guide School or progress your rafting awards, keep an eye on our upcoming dates—or get in touch to discuss the right pathway for you.