Adventure Recovery River Guide Certificate Training - New England

June 18–22, 2025

LOCATION: AR Base Camp, Housatonic River, North Canaan, CT & Deerfield River, Charlemont, MA

The AR River Guide Training provides instructions in industry standard techniques for Guiding in flat water to Class III river settings. We will focus on gaining competence in river SUP, surf and rafting to facilitate positive experiences to individuals who seek support and lasting positive change.

The Adventure Recovery River Guide Training provides participants with fundamental knowledge and application of whitewater skills to build upon the “nature as healer” concept and outdoor leadership philosophies from AR Coach training. You will gain professional development skills that will set a foundation for further advanced external credentials. These skills include understanding and reading river dynamics, fundamental strokes and maneuvers, whitewater navigation, knowledge and proper use of equipment, group organization on the river, and swiftwater rescue training.

During this training, we will take the industry standard techniques for whitewater river skills and learn how to apply them to interpersonal relationships, the essential values of nature-based healing, and fundamentals of AR guiding. This curriculum imparts trainees with a greater sense of self, assuredness in nature, and access to the skills needed to support others on their journey. This training also acts as an assessment, both personal and professional, related to one’s continuum along the Adventure Recovery Guide track.

Upon Completion of the AR River Guide training and supervised practice hours, you will possess the necessary skills and knowledge to safely facilitate or support on Adventure Recovery outings and set the stage for earning advanced credentials to work in other environments.

*The training is facilitated by ACA and PSUPA certified instructors, Tim Walsh and Paula Saaf

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This program is designed for people who work with individuals and groups seeking positive change: People in Recovery, Wellness Professionals, Yoga Teachers, Life Coaches, Therapists, Counselors, Recovery Coaches, Educators, Recovery Advocates, etc. Adventure Recovery is the leading provider of outdoor coaching, guiding, mentorship and training in the recovery profession. AR Coaches and Guides are professionally trained in both recovery coaching and exceptional and transformative adventure experiences. The Adventure Recovery model is distinctive in the unique way our expertly trained guides hold both the recovery coaching component and the safety-first, technical outdoor guide practices for clients. The techniques and skills in outdoor leadership and recovery coaching include:

DETAILS

AR River Guide Training: 5 Days, 4 Nights

-Flatwater and Whitewater SUP, River Surf and River Rafting

-River Dynamics

-Fundamental Strokes and Maneuvers

-Whitewater Navigation

-Group Dynamics on the River

-Knowledge and Use of Equipment

-Risk Management & Swiftwater Rescue Training

-Expansion on AR Philosophy and application to Addiction Recovery and Mental Health

Suggested gear list:

The following gear list is necessary for individuals considering professional tracks in river guiding:

• Rescue PFD (Type V)

• Whitewater helmet

• Appropriate clothing (wetsuit, spray top, booties, etc.)

The following gear is not necessary but recommended for individuals considering professional tracks in river guiding:

• Personal water craft (SUP, kayak, river surfboard)

• Personal paddle

• Drybag

• Waterproof first-aid kit

• River rescue kit

Evaluation

Upon completion of the Adventure Recovery River Guide Training and following team review, follow-up, and assessment, individuals will be given clear directions for development and growth. Ongoing mentorship and support from senior AR Guides is part of the process. We hold relationships with our trainees every step of the way, to ensure they are clear on their needs and areas to focus on going forward, depending on the desired path.

Trainees who successfully complete the Adventure Recovery River Guide training will be eligible to work with individual clients and groups through Adventure Recovery. The skills acquired in AR River Guide Training will provide a foundation of technical and professional understanding in Whitewater River Skills that will benefit anyone looking to further their career in a River Guide track.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Following registering, we will send you a complete packing list and syllabus for the Adventure Recovery River Guide Training.

Please note that we will be outdoors for the majority of the experience, covering long distances in rough terrain with prolonged exposure to the elements. The gear list we send will be considered essential items for outdoor leaders.

Long days and nights are to be expected.

Cold, rain, snow, cold water immersion, steep terrain, exposed cliffs, darkness are all expected (and welcomed).

Challenging group dynamics and personal boundaries will be tested. You will be supported by the group and by the Adventure Recovery Training and Leadership Team through any exceptionally challenging moments.

Faculty

Tim Walsh, AR Founder, Level IV ACA Swiftwater Rescue Instructor, Whitewater Kayak Instructor

Paula Saaf, AR Guide, PSUPA Instructor Trainer.

We can’t wait to see you outside!

REGARDING COVID-19: We are applying all necessary safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.Read more about how Adventure Recovery upholds best practices.