Outdoor Academy - Summer Activities Training Program

1. Basic Rafting Course

• Duration: 7 days (plus 3 days Rescue 3)
• Content: Basic raft techniques/manouevres, paddle techniques, safety talk, commands, planning and preparation, equipment, emergency training, rescue techniques, signals

2. Practical Work Experience

• Duration: minimum 5 training days before the assessment
• Students can apply for working experience and training trips on the designated days in the schedule.

3. Assessment

• Duration: 1 day
• The assessment will be held on a class III river according to SOA assessment standards. Successfull completion of the exam will result in a certification as a SOA rafting guide 1 (up to WW-Class III).

Rescue 3 Whitewater Rescue Technician WRT-PRO

• Duration: 3 days
• Mandatory training module for raft guides
• Content: Hydrology, self-rescue in Whitewater, rope rescue techniques, tethered boat techniques, incident management, and much more…
• This is a highly valued, internationally recognized certification in water rescue, teaching students self-rescue and basic rope rescue skills in a Whitewater environment.

1. Basic Canyoning Course 1

• Total Duration: 4 days
• Content: Basic canyoning techniques, rappelling/abseiling, rope systems, basic rescue systems, signals an hand signs, equipment, meteorology, hydrology, Whitewater swimming and rescue techniques

2. Basic Canyoning Course 2

• Total Duration: 4 days
• Content: More canyoning techniques, rappelling/abseiling, further training in rope systems and rescue techniques, assessment preparation

3. Practical Experience

• Duration: min. 10 Canyoning trips in 5 different canyons before the assessment.

• Students can apply for work experience and training trips on the designated days in the schedule.

4. SOA Assessment

• Duration: 3 days
• The assessment course will contain 2 days of canyoning and a 1 day practical assessment according to SOA assessment standards. Successful completion of the exam will result in a certification as a SOA canyoning guide

SOA Seilpark Operateur

• Duration: 3 days
• This is a training course/assessment that finishes off with the SOA qualification that allows students to work in various rope activities (abseiling, high ropes courses, zip lines).
• Content: Knots, rope management, rope techniques, controlling of rope courses, emergency procedures, customer care and much more…

The training program will extend over a period of ten weeks in the peak summer season. Arrival date is Sunday June 16, 2024, and departure date is August 25, 2024.

The total investment for the summer activities training program is CHF 11’500 per student and includes transportation, fully furnished and equipped accommodation, all necessary equipment, coordination/support and the complete training program including course manuals.

After the successful completion of the training program there is opportunities for the students to stay in the industry and work as guides or assistants on numerous activities to earn money. The wage at Outdoor is dependent on qualification and experience and starts at 25 CHF/h for assistants and goes up to 40 CHF/h for a fully qualified Outdoor Guides with a federal diploma.

Athletic, adventurous people that are looking for a physical and mental challenge.

• Complete 10-week training program (details see above)
• All training documents (e.g., handbooks, manuals)
• Accommodation in fully furnished appartment including bedding, fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities.
• Transportation during all courses
• All necessary equipment needed for courses and practical training.
• Fully licenced canyoning, rafting and rope activities instructors.
• Head coordinator and support manager
• Licencing fees and certificates (upon successful completion of exams)

• Personal belongings needed for 10 weeks stay
• Personal medication
• Outdoor clothing for all conditions (incl. good footwear)
• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunglasses and hat
• Paper and pens for theory classes

• Min. age 18
• Good general health condition, sporty, no fear of heights
• First Aid Qualification, not older than 2 years (if you don’t have one, additional first aid course can be organized during the training program)
• Speak and understand English (official program language)

Participants are not insured through the organiser and need a valid accident and travel insurance

The summer activities training program will be planned as a collaboration with Swiss Outdoor Training Center and Outdoor Switzerland AG and our respective partners. A fully structured program including a training program head coordinator, a support manager for the students, various course instructors and a strong local outdoor activities provider will make sure, the students get a supportive, organized and character-building experience including real work experience in the industry.