MONTANA RIVER GUIDES

Swiftwater Rescue Training

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2009 Swiftwater Rescue Training:

Montana River Guides, in cooperation with The Whitewater Rescue Institute, is offering a variety of rafting and river rescue training during the Spring 2009 throughout Montana. These certified classes are being taught by longtime guides and swiftwater rescue instructors Mike Johnston and Cody Harris.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Whitewater Rescue Technician
A two and a half day course designed for raft guides and private boaters, the Whitewater Rescue Technician is a 20 hour class with a half day of classroom instruction followed by two days developing and practicing skills on the river. While the initial emphasis is safety & self rescue, the class offers an in-depth look at reading water, recognizing and avoiding hazards, quick rescue techniques, boat-based rescues, dealing with boat wraps and entrapments, technical rescue systems, and a variety of practical scenarios. We analyze footage of actual river rescues in the classroom and progress from a solid foundation of rescue skills and practice into rescue scenarios on the river. The class is challenging, fun and tailored to the students needs. A manual, test, patch, I.D. card, and certification are included. Cost: $295

The classes are scheduled for almost every weekend from late March through late June throughout Montana and the Northwest. You'll need a full wetsuit or drysuit; a pair of neoprene booties and gloves, a helmet (w/skullcap or hat); and a lifejacket. Personal equipment rentals are available from Montana River Guides for $25 the first day of class. Bring a lunch, water and extra dry, warm top & bottom layers such as fleece and polypropelene.

Register by calling to confirm space in the class. We require a 50% deposit to hold your spot. Just call and give us a credit card number or send the deposit and your contact information to: Montana River Guides 761 Hidden Valley Rd, Florence MT 59833.

Thanks,

Mike Johnston, Instructor
Montana River Guides
406-77-RIVER
406-240-0560 (cell)

Email: rivers@montana.com

Wedding Adventures

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Located just 30 minutes west of Missoula, The Alberton Gorge Ranch is conveniently located just off I-90 along the Clark Fork River. The ranch is a beautiful setting for wedding parties and family reunions. It's also the headquarters for the raft company so it has a rather unique atmosphere. It's best suited for small, rustic, outdoor wedding parties (less than 125 people). There's plenty of parking, space for live music and dancing, and shelter as a back-up if the weather doesn't cooperate. Our raft trip and ranch BBQ’s are a favorite of our longtime customers. It’s the perfect place to get together for a rehearsal dinner or family party relax and enjoy a Montana sunset, play horseshoes, ping pong, volleyball, or take a trail ride. Choose one of our listed packages or talk to a special adventure for your group.

RAFT TRIPS: The Alberton Gorge is the premium whitewater run in Montana with rollicking Class 3 rapids and absolutely stunning canyon scenery. In between rapids you and your guests will enjoy the spectacular surroundings and watch for eagles, osprey, kingfishers, moose, deer, bear and mountain lions. The Gorge is a great family float. Younger kids (ages 6 and up) and older folks can ride in bigger rafts for a milder float while people who want a wilder ride will go in smaller paddle rafts. After running legendary rapids like Cliffside, Tumbleweed and Fang, guests can swim, relax and soak up the sun and scenery.

Wedding Party – Alberton Gorge Half Day Raft Trip : About four hours round trip this is a popular choice for bachelor or bachelorette parties looking for a fun adventure. Morning, afternoon and evening trips available daily. Cost: $49/person

Wedding Party-Full Day Alberton Gorge Raft Trip:
Raft the Alberton Gorge and stop along the way for a delicious riverside picnic at a beautiful swimming hole. Our lunches are legendary and still include Bernice’s homemade brownies. Fish Creek is one of the best swimming holes in Montana. Savor it all on the full day adventure. Launch times between 9 and 11am. Cost: $74/person

Raft Trip & BBQ: The Alberton Gorge Ranch:
An afternoon of rafting and whitewater fun followed by a ranch-style BBQ at the Alberton Gorge Ranch. Perfect for rehearsal dinners, wedding parties or large groups who have a few people who can’t make the raft trip but want to come to the BBQ and party afterward. Custom Launch Times: $85/person

Riverboarding: For the party who wants the ultimate whitewater thrill as a part of their Montana wedding, riverboarding the Alberton Gorge on a guided trip is the way to go. You’ll wear a wetsuit, lifejacket, helmet, & fins and run the rapids on a specially designed bodyboard with handles. Learn to surf if you’re gung ho! This adventure has been covered in publications ranging from Men’s Health Magazine to the New York Times. Cost $85

Dear Mike, Meg, Bernice & Team,
I just wanted to write you and thank you once again for making my wedding a wonderful experience.... Being out on the water, in the sun with great friends and a competent team made this day so pleasurable,..the rafting trip was really the big hit of the wedding celebration. I applaud your team for your professionalism and your flexibility. I know each and every person from our trip enjoyed it immensely!.... I highly recommend it for all wedding parties. From the beginning to end--PERFECT!All our best to you-many thanks. -Kirsten Schimke-Jones

Become a Whitewater Guide!

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RAFT GUIDE SCHOOLS:
Montana River Guides offers two to five day classes designed for new professional raft guides and/or people wanting to lead private river trips. We focus on safety, reading water, and guiding paddle rafts and oar rigs through Class II, III and IV whitewater. Topics include trip preparation, safety talks, equipment, rigging, boat handling, communications, paddle commands, and rescue techniques. Our five day Raft Guide School combines river instruction with a certified Whitewater Rescue Technician class the first two days. On days three, four and five you'll guide whitewater raft trips on the Blackfoot River and Alberton Gorge. The course is hosted at the Alberton Gorge Ranch and includes a Whitewater Rescue Technician certification and certificate of completion. Tuition: $435.
Our Spring Break Raft Guide School is scheduled for March 21-25. The April Raft Guide School takes place March 26-28 & April 3-5. The May Raft Guide School is scheduled for May 18-22. Finally, expect highwater at the June Raft Guide School, June 12-16, 2009.
All classes are headquartered at the Alberton Gorge Ranch where camping is available for all participants. Call 800-381-RAFT for details.