International River Guide Training Course (IRGT)
The most comprehensive river-guide training programmes in the world, IRGT utilizes a world-class, experiential based curriculum designed to teach the skills required to be a professional whitewater guide. Located within the Heart of the Himalayas, the Nepal 2012 IRGT Course operates within Asia’s most dynamic river systems. The raft guide training programme is the only expedition oriented course, where advanced outdoor instruction and environmental leadership combine. IRGT caters to a diverse market including gap year, university students and adventure enthusiasts. Upon completion of the course, participants are accredited with the following skills based certifications: Whitewater Rescue Technician (Rescue 3 International), First Aid/CPR: Emergency First Aid in the Outdoors (H.S.E.) and Class II-IV International River Guide & Environmental Leadership Certification (O.V.A.C./N.A.R.A.).
First Aid/CPR: Emergency First Aid in the Outdoors (H.S.E. Accredited)
The course begins on the dynamic Trisuli River where participants explore Himalayan hydrology, river running, risk assessment, navigation and rescue techniques. Evening fireside discussions include talks on geography, environment and Nepali river livelihood trends. Following comprehensive river training, participants enjoy a peaceful rest day in the lakeside town of Pokhara. Students then undertake a multi day river expedition and further training on the Kali Gandaki River, a high volume drainage situated between three 8,000-metre peaks in the Heart of the Himalayas. The 16 day course concludes on the Trisuli for on-river assessments and IRGT Celebrations.
2011 Testimonials:
“Himalayan river-running is phenomenal. It's amazing how much you can learn in three weeks! IRGT is an awesome course with highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic leaders. You won't find a better training programme and International experience on the market.” Lorraine Koller (IRGT Graduate 2011)
"Three weeks of incredible river training… I received qualifications and skill sets that have opened up a world of opportunities. I'd recommend the IRGT Course to any adventure enthusiast" Ewan Reissmann (IRGT Graduate 2011)
Following IRGT Course completion, each student will undergo a thorough, skills-based assessment designed to match individual whitewater skills with the International Scale of River Difficulty, I-VI Grading System. Participants are also evaluated in the following categories: Whitewater Rescue, First Aid and the IRGT Course Curriculum.
Gerry Moffatt: Guide & Whitewater Navigation Lecturer
World-renowned Expedition Leader and Filmmaker, National Geographic refers to Gerry Moffatt as, “the most experienced River Guide in the Himalayas.” His 30 year kayaking, mountaineering (Everest 2007, 2009) and outdoor skills-based teaching career spans throughout Asia, Africa and South America.
Anthony’s industry leading outdoor centre (OVAC) and ‘Outdoor Instructor Academy’ provides professional training programs and expeditions focused on adventure sports and skills based travel. For over 25 years, his world-class facility and staff continue to be a preferred outdoor education provider for Rescue 3 International and the British Canoe Union.
Natalie holds a M.Sc. in Advanced Environmental & Energy Studies and a B.A. in Asian Studies. Her work in international development in rural Asia and North Africa spans a decade; she speaks Hindi, Arabic and Urdu. Natalie grew up as an outdoor athlete, on the rivers and mountains of Idaho.
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AM
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PM
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Evening Lecture
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Camp Location
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1
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KTM Arrival
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KTM Group Orientation
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Departure Meeting
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Kathmandu Hotel
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2
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KTM-Trisuli Travel
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Intro Raft Experience
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WRT Lecture 1
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Trisuli Camp Charoudi
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3
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Intro: Guiding Skills
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WRT 2 (River)
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WRT Lecture 3
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Trisuli Camp Charoudi
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4
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Introduction to River Reading
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WRT 4 (River)
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ENV Lecture 1
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Trisuli Camp Charoudi
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5
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WRT 5 (Land)
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Himalayan Hydrology
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First Aid
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Trisuli Camp Charoudi
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6
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Guide Seat: Lower Trisuli
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Trisuli-Pokhara Travel
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OFF
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Pokhara Hotel
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7
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CPR Certification
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OFF
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Team Dinner
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Pokhara Hotel
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8
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Pokhara-Baglung Travel
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Expedition Prep Skills
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ENV Lecture 2
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Camp: Kali Ghandaki
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9
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Expedition Prep Skills: Kali
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WRT 6 (River)
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ENV Lecture 3
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Camp: Kali Ghandaki
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10
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Expedition River Running
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WRT 7 (River)
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ENV Lecture 4
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Camp: Kali Ghandaki
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11
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Expedition River Running
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Kali-Pokhara Travel
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OFF
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Pokhara Hotel
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12
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OFF
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OFF
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Kali Debrief
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Pokhara Hotel
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13
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Upper Seti River
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Pokhara-Trisuli Travel
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ENV Lecture 5
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Trisuli Camp Charoudi
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14
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Assessment Prep: Trisuli River
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Assessment Prep: Trisuli River
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OFF
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Trisuli Camp Charoudi
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15
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Final River Guide Assessments
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Final River Guide Assessments
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Individual Reviews
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Trisuli Camp Charoudi
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16
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Team Breakfast
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Trisuli - KTM Travel
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Travel
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Kathmandu
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Note on International River Running - The Experience of a Life Time
Expedition based river running is a phenomenally rewarding skill-set. River systems are often the only access to remote, rural villages abundant in culture, rich pastimes and untouched landscapes. As a worldwide raft guide training programme, IRGT hosts courses within the Alps, Andes and Rocky Mountain Regions. The 2012 Nepal Programme combines diverse Himalayan Culture with adrenalin packed whitewater rafting and kayaking. A unique opportunity to learn from the best, participants depart with the skills required to work as an international river guide. The IRGT experience is one of the most unique educational programmes on the market – and by far – the most fun.
Participant Prerequisites:
The IRGT Course requires significant physical demands, the ability to lift up to 50lbs/23kg and proficient swimming skills are utilized throughout the 16-day experience. Whitewater rafting and/or kayaking skills are helpful but not required. A love for the outdoors and willingness to participate and lead in dynamic group scenarios is essential. Prior to IRGT Course departure, the Whitewater Rescue Comprehensive Training Manual, Region-Specific IRGT Workbook and Course Syllabus are provided to prepare participants for a fun and rewarding program.
Cost & Booking:
The next 2012 IRGT raft guide training course will be held in Nepal from October 15th- October 30th. To ensure a safe, hands-on and rewarding experience, IRGT can accept no more than 16 participants per course, therefore it is highly recommended interested parties book well in advance to secure a place. Charges for the 2012 Nepal Himalaya IRGT Course is £1800.00 GBP per participant.
Charges include all tuition, workbooks and certification, and all land transport in Nepal as per the listed itinerary. All accommodation, camping equipment and food during river training periods (except as listed on the kit list) is included in the course fees also.
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara is on a shared, room only basis. Meals in kathmandu and Pokhara are NOT included in the cost, this allows students to choose from the fantastic selection of bars and restaurants available. Alcoholic drinks and soft beverages are not included in the course fee. International flights, entry visas and personal insurance are not included and participants will be subject to these as per the terms and conditions of booking. Participants are required to have the own personal protective equipment for the course as listed on the supplied kit list.
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