Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Safety Kayaker • Standing Wave • Eddie Turn

Scouting

Term from River Rafting Guiding industry explained for recruiters

Scouting in river rafting refers to the important safety practice of checking river conditions before taking guests on trips. River guides use scouting to examine water levels, identify potential hazards like rocks or fallen trees, and plan the safest route through rapids. This is different from Boy/Girl Scout activities - in river rafting, scouting is a professional skill that helps guides make informed decisions about river navigation and guest safety. When you see this term in a resume, it shows the guide has experience in risk assessment and route planning on rivers.

Examples in Resumes

Performed daily Scouting of Class III-IV rapids to ensure safe passage for guests

Led Scout runs of new river sections to document hazards and establish emergency exit points

Trained junior guides in proper Scouting techniques and hazard identification

Typical job title: "River Guides"

Also try searching for:

Whitewater Guide River Rafting Guide Adventure Guide Outdoor Recreation Guide River Tour Guide Safety Leader Trip Leader

Where to Find River Guides

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Online Communities

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you make decisions about whether to run a section after scouting in challenging conditions?

Expected Answer: A senior guide should discuss their risk assessment process, including evaluating water levels, weather conditions, group skill level, and alternative routes. They should mention how they communicate decisions to both team and guests.

Q: How do you train new guides in scouting techniques?

Expected Answer: Should explain their teaching method for hazard identification, reading water patterns, identifying safe exit points, and developing judgment skills in newer guides.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key things you look for when scouting a rapid?

Expected Answer: Should discuss identifying main hazards, looking for safe passages, noting eddies and rescue points, and considering different water levels' impacts.

Q: How do you document and communicate scouting information to other guides?

Expected Answer: Should explain their method for recording hazards, sharing updates about river conditions, and ensuring all guides have current information.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic steps of scouting a rapid?

Expected Answer: Should describe the process of safely stopping above rapids, where to look from, basic hazard identification, and when to ask for help from senior guides.

Q: When is it necessary to scout a rapid versus running it blind?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of when scouting is mandatory (new rivers, changing conditions) versus optional (familiar, straightforward rapids).