Pillow
A pillow is a key river feature that forms when water flows over a submerged rock or obstacle, creating a raised, cushion-like surface on the water. In river rafting job descriptions, knowledge of pillows is essential as these features can affect raft navigation and guest safety. Understanding how to read and navigate pillows is a fundamental skill for river guides, similar to understanding other water features like eddies or rapids. When mentioned in resumes or job descriptions, it typically refers to a guide's ability to identify, explain, and safely maneuver around or through these water formations.
Examples in Resumes
Expertly navigated Class IV rapids including Pillow features on the Snake River
Trained junior guides on identifying and safely maneuvering through Pillow formations
Led safety workshops covering river features including Pillows, holes, and eddies
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 Level Questions
Q: How would you train new guides to identify and navigate pillow features?
Expected Answer: A senior guide should explain their teaching methodology, including on-shore demonstrations, controlled practice runs, and progressive skill building. They should emphasize safety protocols and different approaches based on various water levels.
Q: Describe a challenging situation involving a pillow feature and how you handled it.
Expected Answer: The answer should demonstrate leadership, quick decision-making, and deep understanding of river dynamics, including how they adapted their approach based on conditions and group skill level.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when deciding whether to hit or avoid a pillow feature?
Expected Answer: Should discuss water levels, guest experience level, boat type, and current conditions. Should show understanding of risk assessment and decision-making process.
Q: How do you explain pillow features to guests during a safety briefing?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to communicate technical concepts in simple terms while maintaining guests' confidence and understanding of safety procedures.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a pillow feature and why is it important to recognize one?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe basic characteristics of a pillow feature and explain why they can be both helpful and potentially hazardous in river navigation.
Q: What are the basic techniques for safely navigating through a pillow?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic approach angles, paddle commands, and safety considerations when encountering pillow features.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic identification of river features including pillows
- Understanding of fundamental safety protocols
- Basic paddle commands and techniques
- Knowledge of basic rescue procedures
Mid (2-4 years)
- Confident navigation through various river features
- Strong group management skills
- Advanced rescue techniques
- Ability to read changing water conditions
Senior (5+ years)
- Expert river navigation in all conditions
- Training and mentoring capabilities
- Advanced risk management
- Emergency situation leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to identify basic river features
- Lack of current safety certifications
- Poor communication skills with guests
- No experience with varying water levels
- Inadequate knowledge of emergency procedures
Related Terms
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