About Felix Unite River Trips

Felix Unite guides come from a wide variety of backgrounds and interests. However all are united by a love for the outdoors and a passion to share this love with others.

All have started at the bottom, as a "handlanger" (unpaid spare pair of hands). While it is necessary to obtain qualifications in river safety and first aid before becoming a trip leader, one of the most important aspects of Felix guide training, is the hands on experience, working as an assistant, and learning the "Felix way" from senior guides.

Our guides are not only experts on river safety, they are also gourmet chefs, knowledgeable on the flora and fauna, and group entertainers of note

How we train our guides

To become an assistant guide, no previous qualifications or experience is required, however with that being said you should be able to swim. We require you to have a sense of humour, the ability to work hard, and a love of both the outdoors and of people.

The African Paddling Association (APA) offers 2 courses, both of which are required to be completed successfully should you want to move up the ranks of river guiding.

1. River Guide course. This 3 day course, teaches the basics of river terminology and safety. Boat and rope skills, minimum impact camping and the law. Following this course, an assistant needs to get 20 days experience on river, and then complete both a written and a practical exam. As a qualified river guide, you are then only qualified to assist in safety.

2. Trip leaders course. This 3 day course, follows the river guide course, and whilst teaching advanced safety, it also focusses on group dynamics, and leadership. Once this course is completed, the guide is a qualified trip leader.

A trip leader is also required to have a valid level 3 first aid. This is a 20 hour course, followed by both a written and practical assessment. This course must be redone every 3 years.