Draw Stroke
A Draw Stroke is a fundamental paddling technique used by river rafting guides to safely maneuver rafts on the water. It's a basic but crucial skill where the guide pulls their paddle through the water parallel to the raft to move the boat sideways or hold position in the current. Think of it like parallel parking for a raft - it helps guides position their rafts precisely to avoid obstacles or dock safely. When you see this term in a resume, it indicates the person has formal training in raft control and understands basic river navigation.
Examples in Resumes
Mastered Draw Stroke and other advanced paddling techniques for Class III-IV rapids
Trained new guides in essential maneuvers including Draw Stroke and ferry angles
Applied Draw Stroke techniques to safely navigate challenging river sections with commercial trips
Typical job title: "River Rafting Guides"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find River Rafting Guides
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Guide Questions
Q: How would you teach a new guide to perform a Draw Stroke?
Expected Answer: A senior guide should explain the teaching process step by step, including proper hand positioning, body mechanics, and common mistakes to watch for. They should also mention how they adapt their teaching style to different learners.
Q: In what situations would you choose a Draw Stroke over other techniques?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of various water conditions and scenarios where Draw Strokes are most effective, such as avoiding obstacles, maintaining position in current, or precise maneuvering near shore.
Intermediate Guide Questions
Q: How do you modify your Draw Stroke technique in different water conditions?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they adjust the stroke based on water speed, obstacles, and raft positioning, showing practical experience with the technique in various situations.
Q: What are common mistakes people make with Draw Strokes and how do you correct them?
Expected Answer: Should identify basic form errors like incorrect blade angle or poor body positioning, and explain how these affect the stroke's effectiveness.
Junior Guide Questions
Q: Can you describe the basic steps of performing a Draw Stroke?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the fundamental movements: paddle placement parallel to the boat, pulling water toward the raft, and proper body positioning.
Q: What is the purpose of a Draw Stroke and when do you use it?
Expected Answer: Should explain that it's used to move the raft sideways or hold position, and give basic examples of when to use it, like approaching a dock or avoiding obstacles.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic Draw Stroke execution
- Understanding of river safety basics
- Knowledge of basic river terminology
- Ability to follow senior guide instructions
Mid (2-4 years)
- Refined Draw Stroke technique
- Ability to teach basic strokes to others
- Good river reading skills
- Experience with various water conditions
Senior (5+ years)
- Expert Draw Stroke execution in all conditions
- Ability to train other guides
- Advanced river navigation skills
- Emergency situation management
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to demonstrate proper paddle grip and stance
- No formal river guide certification or training
- Lack of understanding about river safety protocols
- No experience with actual guest trips
