Experience on the river is invaluable. However, becoming a professional rafting guide requires knowledge, technical expertise, sound judgment, and structured training.

At Gi & Ydor, we actively train and assess river guides, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience on the river.

Our training programs take place on the Ladonas River and other rivers across Greece, allowing participants to gain experience in different river conditions and technical environments while developing their skills through practical training.

Training and certification follow the international standards of United Rafting – Guide Training & Education (GTE), an international training and certification system for professional rafting and river guides.

The GTE certification system was developed to provide a common international framework for guide training, assessment, and certification, with a strong emphasis on technical skills, safety, and professionalism.

Successful completion of the certification process leads to an internationally recognized United Rafting certification, according to the level and specialization for which each candidate is assessed.

River guide training goes beyond theory.

Our goal is to help every participant develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage a rafting trip responsibly and safely.

Depending on the certification level, training covers:

• Raft navigation and handling techniques.
• River reading and assessment.
• Managing different river and water conditions.
• Safety and rescue techniques.
• Risk management.
• Crew communication and coordination.
• Emergency response procedures.
• Proper preparation and organization of a river descent.
• Practical application of skills in real river conditions.

Training is tailored to the requirements of each certification level, with assessments conducted according to the United Rafting GTE framework.

The Ladonas River is one of our primary training locations. We also conduct training on other rivers throughout Greece, giving participants the opportunity to experience different difficulty levels, river characteristics, and navigation conditions.

Exposure to different rivers is an essential part of professional guide training, as real-world experience requires adaptability, sound judgment, and the ability to make decisions in changing environments.

For us, river guide training is more than simply obtaining a certificate.

It is a continuous journey of professional development.

We aim to develop guides with strong technical skills, knowledge, responsibility, and respect for the river, enabling them to provide safe, high-quality rafting experiences.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward becoming a professional river guide, contact us to learn more about upcoming training programs and available dates.

Training moves from theory to practice in real river conditions. Explore moments from our rafting guide training programs, hands-on exercises, and preparation for safe river guiding.