Colorado River Outfitters Oar Certification and Guide Training—Learn From The Best To Be The Best

If you’re an aspiring fly fishing guide with dreams of leading float trips through some of the most breathtaking river corridors in the country, there’s one key step that will set you apart: professional oar certification and guide training from seasoned experts who have lived, worked, and thrived on the water. At Colorado River Outfitters, we offer an intensive, hands-on guide training course designed to give you the skills, confidence, and credibility to succeed as a float guide—and we’re proud to say, you’ll be learning from the best in the business.

Why Certification Matters

Guiding isn’t just about rowing a boat—it’s about leading an unforgettable, safe, and successful experience on the river. Our Oar Certification and Guide Training is built specifically for those who want to combine the technical mastery of rowing with the art of fly fishing guiding. Whether you’re planning to work for an outfitter or are just looking to hone your skills for epic weekend fun, this 50-hour training will prepare you to do it all with professionalism, safety, and finesse.

A certification from a reputable and highly experienced group like Colorado River Outfitters doesn’t just check a box—it builds your foundation. Clients and outfitters look for guides who have formal training, especially those who know how to handle high water, read the river, and keep their cool in unpredictable conditions.

What You’ll Learn

Our curriculum goes well beyond rowing technique. Over the five-day course, you’ll gain real-world experience and personalized instruction in:

• Rowing and Navigating Whitewater: Learn to read water, identify hazards, line up your boat, and row with precision and confidence—even in technical rapids.

  
  

• Guiding While Fishing: Balancing navigation with client experience is no small feat. We teach you how to fish while guiding, anchor properly, set up productive drifts, and position clients for the best shots at fish.

  
  

• River Etiquette: From proper boat spacing to how to share runs with other anglers, our course instills a deep respect for other river users.

  
  

• Rescue and Emergency Situations: Be ready for anything with training in swimmer retrievals, flipping boats, throw bag usage, and situational awareness.

  
  

• Guide Professionalism: First impressions matter. We cover how to carry yourself with confidence, lead with humility, and create a safe, welcoming environment for your guests.

  
  

• Safety Talks and Client Communication: Learn how to deliver a clear, concise safety speech, manage expectations, and communicate on the water with professionalism and patience.

  
  

• Fishing Strategy While Floating: From choosing the right section of river to setting up the perfect drift, you’ll learn how to guide clients into fish while maintaining full control of your boat.

By the end of the week, you’ll have completed 50+ hours and 50+ miles of on-river instruction and will meet the minimum qualifications to guide float trips on many Western rivers.

Meet Your Instructors

We’re not just another outfit offering a cookie-cutter certification. Our instructors are the heart and soul of this program, each with decades of experience guiding, rowing, teaching, and fishing.

Matt Fletcher – With over 20 years guiding throughout the Vail Valley, Matt is a master boatman known for his calm demeanor, sharp eye for reading water, and unmatched ability to teach complex river techniques in a clear, relatable way. His passion for mentoring new guides is contagious.

Tim McAdow – A Colorado native and whitewater safety expert, Tim brings a deep understanding of river rescue and risk management. He’s been a professional float guide in the Vail Valley and certified guide instructor for nearly 15 years and specializes in helping guides develop a strong safety-first mindset without compromising the guest experience.

Paul Killino – A legend in the fly fishing world, Paul has guided in Colorado for over 25 years. His technical fishing knowledge is second to none, and he’s spent the last 15 years training the next generation of guides. He has a reputation for doing EVERYTHING in the guide business by the book, both on and off the water. If you want to learn how to teach clients to fish while managing a boat, all while being a true professional, Paul is your guy.

Learning from these three instructors isn’t just a course—it’s a legacy.

Limited Spots—Act Now

Dates: May 19th–23rd

Cost: $1500 per person

This course is capped to ensure individualized instruction and ample hands-on practice. As of today, there are only TWO spots remaining. If you’re ready to turn your passion into a profession, this is your moment.

Set Your Career Up for Success

Certification is more than a credential—it’s your entry into a network of seasoned professionals and your first step toward becoming the kind of guide that outfitters fight to hire and clients rave about. With the guidance of Matt, Tim, and Paul, you’ll leave the river not just certified—but confident.

Book now before the final spots fill up. Call us at 970-236-1937 to reserve your place.

Because if you’re going to learn… learn from the best!