Raft Guide Qualifications & Awards
Awards range from Grade 2 (sheltered waterways) through Senior Grade 4/5 (challenging whitewater). Each qualification includes assessments, assessor fees, and a certificate.
What's included in the $750 fee
- All assessment units for the qualification
- Assessor fees
- River Rescue unit included — a requirement for Grade 3 and Grade 4/5 awards, automatically enrolled at no extra cost
- Certificate issued on successful completion
Grade 2 Raft Guide is $150. All other qualifications are $750.
NZRA Grade 2 Raft Guide
Assesses the competency of a raft guide at the Grade 2 level, covering raft guiding and river rescue. Candidates must complete both the Raft Guiding Assessment and the River Rescue Unit.
NZRA Grade 3 Raft Guide
Assesses the competency of a raft guide at the Grade 3 level. Candidates must hold a current River Rescue qualification.
NZRA Grade 4/5 Raft Guide
Assesses the competency of a raft guide at the Grade 4/5 level. Candidates must hold a current River Rescue qualification.
NZRA Senior Grade 4/5 Raft Guide
Senior assessment for Grade 4/5 guides. Focuses on planning, trip leadership, and trip leader river rescue. Prerequisite: must hold Grade 4/5 Raft Guide and current River Rescue. Requires 800 hours or 400 trips, half on Grade 4/5 minimum.
NZRA Senior Grade 3 Raft Guide
Senior assessment for Grade 3 guides. Focuses on planning, trip leadership, and trip leader river rescue. Prerequisite: must hold Grade 3 Raft Guide and current River Rescue. Requires 800 hours or 400 trips, half on Grade 3 minimum.