Employee Manual

Yes, we put it here on purpose for free use to keep people safe on the river.

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Overview

Company History & Purpose

Triad River Tours was founded in October of 2012 by Luke Baugh, in Bellingham, Washington. Originally from Orofino, Idaho, Luke grew up on the Clearwater River and began guiding in 2000 on the Salmon River out of Riggins, Idaho. After a few years of guiding on the Salmon, and Snake Rivers, and working during the offseason as a sales representative in the Outdoor Recreation Industry, he became very interested in the connection between people’s well being, and nature. Luke studied yoga at the Ashtanga Yoga School of Seattle under his now good friend, David Garrigues. Luke also began studying at the San Fransisco Zen Center, and took up a daily meditation practice that accompanied his work on the river as a multi-day expedition trip leader. As a single father who relied financially on a guiding career, Luke took his profession, and his responsibilities to his guests and his employers seriously.

In 2004 his brother Jess Baugh founded his own company, Mountain River Outfitters, and Luke witnessed the grueling experience of running a business and building a reputation. While outfitting was never a goal of his, it seemed inevitable, and over the years, Luke became more acutely aware that his vision of a rafting company was different than the norm; he wanted to converge wellness, meditation, and nature, through the means of professional guiding. Luke wasn’t alone in this endeavor; many river guides, friends, and mentors, supported the development of a river company structure that resembled a co-operative, where the guides were given a great amount of control, and not just responsibility. The collaborative environment of Idaho Afloat, which was operated by Bruce and Jeanne Howard, was the first time in Luke’s career that he felt that the guides were respected as professionals. This company became part of a template that developed over the course of a decade of guiding, that became the original procedures that would be Triad River Tours core values and operating systems.

Triad has been influenced strongly by several guides, outfitters, and organizations that have contributed in various ways to the current operating plan. Triad operated first on the Skagit River, and now has permits on 26 separate river sections, and has taken thousands of people down the river, from tribal elders of the Salish tribes, to congressmen, and members of many minority communities. Triad represents public access to natural places for all people, through advanced operational systems, and an awareness of social justice, and equality for the public which it serves, and reverence for the lands which are the focus of our guests experiences.

Instead of focusing on tourism from far away, Triad focuses on the local populations of Western Washington, and highlights recreational opportunities close to home for members of this community as alternatives to long distance travel and further use of natural resources. Triad seeks to artfully connect our guests with the rhythms of the river, and to the universal equality of humanity. We rely on the wisdom of the ancestors of the Salish Peoples, as well as contemporary training. Our mission is:

“To facilitate the relationship between human beings and their natural environment”

2. The Meaning of “Triad”

The word “Triad” comes from an ancient Indian philosophy, Samkhya, which is a philosophy that serves as the foundation for yoga, and was also very influential in buddhism, and many other spiritual practices. Triad means “three”, and in this respect, the three are what are known in yoga as the gunas (pronounced “gooh-nah”). In the yoga sutras, there is a belief that the experience of life as a human is for two reasons; exploration, and emancipation. The yoga sutras of Patanjali provide a perspective on life and suffering, in such a way that nature is viewed as a means to overcome suffering, which is based primarily in the mind, and a lack of awareness (avidya) that stems from a misunderstanding of how the universe functions. Essentially, we suffer because we lose our grip on reality, and instead of identifying as spiritual beings who are inhabiting the earth as visitors, we start to develop attachments, egoism, and cycles of suffering from root causes, called “kleshas”.

Nature itself cannot solve the problem of human suffering. Nature, according to yoga, is called “prakriti” in sanskrit, and represents only a part of the whole of what defines human existence. The other part is the spirit, or “purusha”. In order to surrender to the depths of our true being, we must see that we are both of these things; spirit, and material.

From the viewpoint of yoga, there is suffering caused from attachment and ego, but when we relinquish our need to identify ourselves as something dominant, something that has control over nature, but rather as something that works in harmony with it, the elements of our bodies become peaceful, and resonate with nature. According to yoga, our bodies and minds are made up of the same elements that make up the rivers, lakes, and mountains; these are the three gunas of nature, or “prakriti”, and this is where Triad got its name, from the 3 gunas.

Teaching yoga and guiding people down the river has a lot in common, if our goal is to help reduce human suffering. There is no doubt that exposure to nature, and developing a connection with nature, and those around us, is healthy for people. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we witnessed humanity’s need for nature, and the connection between nature experiences and well being.

From Luke Baugh (Registered Yoga Teacher & River Guide):

IMO, a guide is someone that explores the levels of an experience with nature and facilitates the depth of that experience. A good guide is one that brings people into deep connection in a way they are not capable of doing on their own. A poor guide is someone who can only provide an experience that satisfies the most primitive needs of their guests, like that of a machine on a carnival ride.

To me, a guide is someone who teaches others how to relate to the elements, to nature, to each other, and who themselves is committed to their own relationship to those things.

In yoga philosophy the Triad of nature is called “triguna” or a law of three. The most basic elements of the natural order are called the “three gunas”. The three are named rajas, sattva, and tamas in sanskrit. They are comprised of the elements (water, earth, fire, air, space). In sanskrit they’re called “guna” but you can think of them like physics; protons (rajas), neutrons (sattva), and electrons (tamas).

Rajas guna is the active element, or the “revolving tendency” of action. This has a positive charge. This is what we want in our work, and in our enthusiasm and passion for what we do. A love of nature that sits within us leads to us guiding others into a relationship with nature. Rajas is fire. It is bright, but it will eventually be destroyed. Rajas can be seen in things that are changing.
Sattva guna is the balanced element, with a neutral charge, and that is what we want in our organizational structure. It is clean and pure, strong, trusting. Sattva is a centripetal or cohesive tendency; it keeps things together. We need this to keep people safe on the river because Sattva is that which is not being destroyed.
Tamas guna is the expansive and destructive tendency. This has a negative charge. This is the element of rest and defeat, of destruction and the moving away of past things. It is really important, but since Tamas is the element of death and destruction, we must be careful when dealing with it as guides because we do not want destruction or negativity in certain aspects of our work, or it could lead to negative outcomes that create suffering. At the same time we have to acknowledge and respect this element as it is inevitable, so we learn to work with it.

There are a lot of ways to describe the gunas, and some religions have even deified them. We don’t need to do that in order to understand them, because we can look at the landscape where we work and see them:

Rajas guna is the sunlight that brings life to plants but also dries them up to bring death; anything that changes. It is the passion and effort that a spawning salmon gives while it fights upstream in order for its species to survive.
Sattva guna is the peaceful calm after running a rapid, and the clear water of a pool. Sattva is there when a salmon is swimming mid life cycle, simply existing as a part of nature, neither being born or dying. It is the equinox. It is the perfect pitch of a singing bird echoing over the river.
Tamas guna is the end of the day, the darkness, and it is the weight and heaviness of water. It is the erosion to the roots of a tree that falls into a rapid and gets stuck. It is the process of decay of the Salmon as it dies. It is the earth within the mountain that we cannot see, that holds the bones of the ancestors.

The three work together to ensure that nature stays in balance, and we are both a part of nature, as well as orchestrators of experiences within it.

This is what “Triad” means; the three fundamental qualities of nature. The theory is that the human spirit becomes more connected, grounded, or enlightened (if you will), by having direct connection with these elements, and those two things (the spirit and nature) constitute the divine exchange and interaction of life.

for reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gu%E1%B9%87a

3. Core Beliefs & Ethical Principles

Triad River Tours exists to serve humanity in two ways; first, to protect human life by way of safety. This means, literally, that we do not want anyone to lose their life, or become injured unnecessarily. We acknowledge that life is fragile, and we also understand that there are inherent risks; we do not try to ignore, defy, or completely overcome the risks to human life that are involved in what we do, we simply desire to professionally account for risk variables that, like the kleshas, can contribute to the suffering of our guests through unnecessary injury, or death.

The second way that Triad seeks to serve humanity is through protecting the environment. It is important to acknowledge that as a business, we have to make a profit, or we will not be able to continue doing what we do. This is step 1; nothing is perfect. We understand that it is possible that the environment can be damaged through human impact. Again, we are not trying to eliminate this entirely, but simply to reduce it as much as we can. By practicing Leave No Trace principles, operating tours based on minimalist ethics, clear organizational structure, and excellent training, we can reduce our carbon footprint, and operate in a way that is sustainable and as low impact as possible. All of our operational procedures are based on these two things: 1. Protect human life. 2. Protect the environment.

Triad is a leave no trace outfitter and believes strongly that more people should have access to wild public lands and proceeds to lead by example in terms of river etiquette and conservation.

Leave No Trace Ethics are a dynamic set of ethics that are often changing. At this time they can be referred to as the following 7 Principles (source: lnt.org):

Plan ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces (whenever possible)
Dispose of Waste Properly (and pick up trash of others)
Leave what you find (do not take rocks, and do not disrupt nature)
Minimize Campfire Impacts (or make no fire at all)
Respect Wildlife
Be considerate of other visitors

Triad believes strongly in social justice and equality for all people. We as a company are committed fully to providing opportunities for members of the public from all social and economic levels of our world opportunities to engage with nature. We take our commitment to public lands seriously both as environmentalists, as well as stewards of public lands for people of all walks of life.

4. Goals & Standards

Triad River Tours seeks to be an industry leader in whitewater safety, environmental stewardship, and goodwill towards all people as it is the spirit of the river. Triad River Tours has great respect for the river and its local inhabitants, both present and past. We seek to honor them by treating the land and the people that visit it with the utmost respect.

2. Employment Policies

2.1. Statement of Equal Opportunity

This institution (Triad River Tours) is an equal opportunity provider. We are committed to providing a work environment that is both accepting and in compliance with all applicable laws regarding employment discrimination. Triad’s policy is not to discriminate by reason of race, color, religion, disability, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, age, or veteran status. In addition, we promise to comply with all applicable laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on any other factor.

Triad River Tours will make a reasonable accommodation for all individuals with a disability, unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for our company. We want the most cohesive workplace possible and are prepared to make compromises for those with disabilities in order to keep our company as diverse in personnel as we are in innovation.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250- 9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

2. 2 Hiring Practices and Philosophy Regarding Diversity

Triad River Tours fully accepts its responsibilities to the laws regarding equal opportunity when it comes to our hiring practices. We insist that all individuals be treated with respect and dignity. We specifically aim to increase diversity in our workplace through encouraging minorities and protected groups. We absolutely encourage people of these protected groups to apply with our company.

2. 3 Discrimination and Harassment

Triad River Tours disapproves of and strictly prohibits comments or actions by anyone that may create an offensive or hostile work environment for any employee because of the employee’s race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability, ancestry, or medical condition. This policy extends not only to prohibiting unwelcome sexual advances, offensive sexual jokes, innuendos, or behaviors; but also prohibits offensive conduct related to or based upon factors other than sex.

Triad River Tours has an already difficult and often stressful work environment, which causes incredible strain for many of its employees. Our jobs require that we work in high strenuous situations in close proximity to each other. Conduct that is considered harassment is clearly dictated in Title 7 and can be found at the following

URL: http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/index.cfm.

If you do not have access to a computer or need additional assistance with these laws or feel that you may have been harassed or otherwise mistreated while working for our company, we will be happy to provide you with a paper copy of the equal opportunity laws which apply to your situation. We absolutely want you to come forward with any complaints you may have so that we can deal with them appropriately and swiftly.

Triad River Tours takes allegations of harassment very seriously. Triad River Tours expressly forbids any kind of harassment or discrimination on the job by its direct employees, contractors, managers, customers, and anyone who we do business with. We will not allow illegal harassment to take place at our company. If you at any time feel that you may have been harassed or discriminated against, immediately call (360) 510-1243 to speak with Luke E. Baugh, who is in charge of informal EEO complaints.

Employees who believe they are victims of harassment or who are aware of harassment should immediately report the situation to a supervisor, the director of human resources, a designated human resources representative, any manager, or corporate officer. An employee who thinks he or she is a victim of harassment may discuss the offensive conduct with the offender(s) before reporting it to management but is not required to do so.

Triad River Tours will promptly investigate complaints or reports of harassment. The investigation will be conducted and complaints will be handled in a confidential manner to the extent realistically feasible. When warranted by the investigation, Triad River Tours will take immediate and appropriate corrective action. This includes disciplinary action against the offender(s), which may range up to and include dismissal, depending on the severity of the conduct as assessed by Triad River Tours.

No retaliation will be permitted against an employee who registers a complaint or reports a harassment incident, against any employee who provides testimony as a witness or who otherwise provides assistance to any complaining or reporting employee, or who provides assistance to Triad River Tours in connection with the investigation of any complaint or report.

After Triad River Tours has taken appropriate corrective action to resolve a complaint or report of harassment, Triad River Tours will make follow-up inquiries after an appropriate interval to ensure that the harassment has not resumed and retaliation has not been suffered. However, victims and witnesses are not required to wait for follow-up. If harassment resumes or retaliation occurs, the victim or witness is encouraged to contact an appropriate Triad River Tours supervisor, human resources representative, officer, or other company manager immediately so Triad River Tours may promptly and effectively act against such harassment.

Prohibited Sexual Harassment includes but are not limited to the following:

Written contact such as sexually obscene letters, notes, or invitations.
Unwelcome contact in any way that offends the recipient. Examples are: pinching, brushing against another’s body, grabbing, or flirting.
Verbal contact such as sexually suggestive or obscene comments, threats, slurs, or anything which relates to a gender, sexual orientation, sexual position, or any sexual trait.
Visual contact such as staring at another’s body, gesturing, displays of sexually suggestive objects or positions, sexually suggestive movements such as touching yourself or kissing people when they do not want to be kissed, or hugging people that do not want to be hugged

2.4 Immigration Law Compliance

Triad River Tours is required by federal immigration laws to verify the identity and work authorization of all new employees. In keeping with the obligation, documentation that shows each person's identity and legal authority to work must be inspected. Each new employee must also attest to his/her identity and legal authority to work on an I-9 Form provided by the federal government. This verification must be completed as soon as possible after an offer of employment is made and in no event more than three (3) business days after an individual is hired and before the individual begins work. A copy of this form will be provided to you for your completion. All offers of employment with Triad River Tours are conditioned upon furnishing evidence of identity and legal authority to work in the United States in compliance with the federal law. Providing falsified documents of identity and eligibility to work in the United States will result in cancellation of your consideration for employment or dismissal if employed. Every rehired employee must also satisfy this requirement. It is the employee's responsibility to ensure that the work authorization on file is current. The Department of Homeland Security recommendation is to apply for renewed authorization a minimum of ninety (90) days in advance of expiration. Inability to provide renewed authorization on or prior to the expiration date of the original document will result in the employee's immediate termination.

2.5 Drug-Free Workplace

Triad River Tours is committed to providing a healthy and safe workplace, where our productivity and effectiveness are believed to be hinged on the personal health and happiness of every person involved. As a result, it is recognized that substance abuse has a potentially deadly, or at least negative, effect on our trips. You must never talk about drugs and alcohol with your guests, as it is very easy to get the wrong idea from you.

If you come to realize that you have a substance abuse problem, we are here to help. There are many organizations which offer free or by sliding scale treatment to ensure that you are properly cared for. If you feel that you may have an addiction, no one at our company is going to judge you. It is vital, however, that the situation be dealt with.

Failure to accept the consequences of addiction in this industry can destroy lives, quite literally. It is not okay for you to work and be paid as an employee if you are struggling with any kind of addiction. We must first address your personal life, and then we can put you in a position to be successful as an employee. Please recognize the very large and critical issue that substance abuse can become in our line of work. Please do not take this risk. Do not ever work under the influence of any substance at all.

The costs of alcohol and drug abuse are staggering and are manifested by accidents, tardiness, absenteeism, property damage, increased occupational injury costs, increased health insurance costs, decreased productivity, the cost of replacing and retraining new employees, and employee theft. In an effort to minimize the effects of alcohol and drugs in the workplace, Triad River Tours has adopted the following policy.

The following are prohibited:
1. Purchase, use, possession, distribution or being under the influence of alcohol on Triad River Tours or client property, during working hours or at any time while on Triad River Tours business.
2. Purchase, sale, possession, use, manufacture, distribution or being under the influence of any illegal drug at any time during your employment by Triad River Tours.
3. Use or being under the influence of any prescription or non- prescription (over the counter) drug that may adversely affect your performance of the essential functions of your job or increase the risk of injury, death or property loss of you or others.
4. Purchase, sale, use, distribution or possession, during working hours or while on company business, of any drug paraphernalia, including, but not limited to any tools, equipment, supplies or materials used, designed or intended for the illegal or improper use of any drug.
5. Reporting to or being at work with a measurable quantity of any alcohol, drug, intoxicant or narcotic in the blood or urine (except for any prescribed or over-the-counter drug of the type and at a level determined in the sole opinion of Triad River Tours or its designee as neither interfering with performance of essential job functions nor increasing the risk of injury, death or property loss of you or others).

2.6 Chewing & Smoking

We at Triad River Tours recognize that smoking and chewing tobacco is offensive to some of our guests and does not always represent our core values of a healthy outdoor lifestyle. Thus, it is important that while you are working you do not smoke or chew in view of any of our guests. Smoking is only permitted in those places and at those times designated by Triad River Tours. Do not smoke near any area where flammable or combustible materials, such as solvents, are used or stored. Do not smoke near the doorways to vehicles as the smoke can travel inside and make it smell. Do not smoke near rafts or smoke while you are rigging your boat. If you need to smoke, you need to excuse yourself from the operation completely or just quit smoking altogether. Other rules regarding smoking may apply depending on your work location. If you have any questions, ask your supervisor.

2.7 Confidentiality of Information

Confidential information of Triad River Tours, of any nature and in any form, including but not limited to all data or information that is competitively sensitive or is not generally known or available to the public, client lists and files, and personnel records and data, shall be kept confidential and private and shall not be removed from Triad River Tours premises without prior written authorization of Triad River Tours. Such confidential information shall only be used for the benefit of Triad River Tours and its interests.

2.8 Employee Investigations

Triad River Tours recognizes the importance of employees who are honest, trustworthy, qualified, and reliable. For purposes of furthering these concerns and interests; before hiring an individual, Triad River Tours reserves the right to investigate the individual's prior employment history, personal and/or business references, educational background, and or other relevant information that is reasonably available.

Triad River Tours may find it necessary from time-to-time to investigate current employees, where behavior or other relevant circumstances raise legitimate questions concerning work performance, reliability, honesty, trustworthiness, or potential threat to the safety of co-employees or others. Where appropriate, these investigations may include credit reports and criminal records, including appropriate inquiries about any criminal investigation or arrest that is pending further proceedings. Employees subject to such investigations are required to reasonably cooperate with Triad River Tours to obtain relevant information, and may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination, for failure to do so.

All employees are strongly encouraged to immediately report any incidents of potentially threatening, harmful, or criminal behavior of co-employees, supervisors, customers, clients, vendors, or visitors.

2.9 Workplace Violence

The following are prohibited and will not be tolerated of any employee on Triad River Tours premises or while on Triad River Tours business:

Any direct or indirect harassing, intimidating, abusive or threatening language, actions or behavior.
Any direct or indirect plan, threat or act of violence, injury, death or property damage (including, but not limited to fistfights, wrestling or other forms of physical fighting with or without weapons).
Possession, use or display of a weapon on company premises or while on company time.

Any employee violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

2.10 Safety Policy

Triad River Tours wants every employee to enjoy a safe workplace and to understand that river guiding is very dangerous. Therefore, it is incredibly important to use caution and care with your safety, the safety of your other guides, and caring for guests. Employees must comply with all safety rules and policies. Putting others at risk will get you fired.

In accordance with applicable law, Triad River Tours has established a safety committee to constitute and have such duties as defined by applicable state law. Employee members of the safety committee will be paid for their time while attending committee meetings or while otherwise engaged in committee duties. Employees must comply with the injury prevention program adopted by the safety committee.

Please observe Triad River Tours safety rules in every phase of your work.

The following guidelines have been established as a part of Triad River Tours’ safety policy:

Simple is smooth and smooth is fast.
Work one step at a time, one day at a time.
After a task is done; pause, reflect, give/receive feedback.
The safe way is the right way to do each job. Shortcuts are not the way.
Know your job procedures. If in doubt, ask your supervisor.
Operate equipment only as authorized and with all safety guards in place.
Report unsafe acts to your supervisor immediately.
Report unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor.
Report unsafe equipment to your supervisor immediately. Do not attempt repairs no matter how skilled you feel you are.
Report any incident right away (even if no injury) to your supervisor.
At the scene of an incident, be helpful, courteous, and avoid argument or discussion of the situation. Get your supervisor immediately (documenting conditions helps us help you).
Get medical aid even for small injuries. Delay can make it worse.
Arrive at work rested, clean, and in good health. Be able to give full attention to your job.
Report infections to your supervisor (which can be evidenced by conditions such as: skin eruption, boil, sore throat, vomiting, fever, etc.).
If you feel ill at work, report to your supervisor.
Follow guidelines for health in the prevention of communicable diseases. These guidelines are for your health and safety and those with whom you work.
Warning signs help you prevent incidents. Obey them! Remind others, too.
If using chemicals, read labels carefully to follow safety warnings.
Violent acts in the workplace, including threats and intimidation are NOT allowed. This includes all threats, verbal or physical. Any such occurrences should be immediately reported to management.

2.11 Reporting Injuries

To ensure that proper attention is given and appropriate action taken when an injury occurs within the workplace, please follow these procedures:

Report the injury to your supervisor immediately. If your supervisor is not immediately available, report to the manager or other authorized person. Seek or obtain medical attention if required.
Report the injury to your Triad River Tours supervisor and/or designated human resources representative within 24 hours or as soon as practical. Worker’s Compensation laws require the processing of claims within reasonable time frames. All injuries/accidents MUST be reported promptly for claim submission.
If you are involved in or are a witness to an incident, you should provide information in order for the appropriate report to be completed. Please be aware of the importance of immediate action in recording all details of the incident.

3. Employee Responsibilities

3.1 Hours of Work Schedule

The hours of your scheduled work shift will largely be determined by the operational needs of the department in which you are assigned. Some departments will have regular schedules, which rarely change from week to week, and other departments will have schedules that vary to meet the needs of the department or Triad River Tours. If an employee has a specific schedule request, efforts may be made to accommodate that request, taking into account the operational needs of the department or Triad River Tours as a whole. However, in all events, work schedule and schedule changes are determined at the sole discretion of Triad River Tours.

Every employee is responsible for knowing and following his or her work schedule, including, but not limited to, reading the schedule and schedule updates or changes, knowing start and end times or workdays, shifts, and breaks, complying with such times, and knowing when meetings are and attending such meetings on time. It is your responsibility to, if applicable, clock in and out at the designated times on your schedule. Any desired schedule changes must receive prior approval from your supervisor.

3.2 Attendance and Punctuality

When you accept a position with Triad River Tours, you assume obligations. One of those obligations is to perform the duties of your position during the times specified. You are expected to be punctual and keep absences to a minimum. Failure to report, unjustified or excessive absence or tardiness may result in discipline, up to and including discharge from employment. Additionally, punctuality and attendance are factors that may be taken into account when determining promotions, salary increases and qualification for other benefits.

3.3 Absenteeism

Definition of Absence: Absence is any time (other than tardiness described below) that you are scheduled to work and fail to be present at the designated work location for all of the scheduled time or shift or if you fail to report to your workstation less than 5 minutes late. It includes time off for sickness but does not include pre- approved time off for vacation, leaves of absence, or designated holidays when you are not scheduled to work.

3.4 Meet-ups and Commuting

TBA

3.5 Conduct

The maintenance of extremely high standards of honesty, integrity, performance, and conduct is essential to the proper performance of our business, the satisfaction of our clients, and the maintenance of our clients’ trust. Triad River Tours expects its employees to have careful regard for our standards and avoid even the appearance of dishonesty or misconduct. Our employees are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a professional and courteous manner, to exercise good judgment in the discharge of their responsibilities, and to conduct themselves in a manner that can be supported by management.

Any misconduct or violation of the policies in this handbook or otherwise of Triad River Tours may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Following are examples of conduct that may result in such disciplinary action:

Unsatisfactory or careless performance or neglect of duties.
Failure to use or maintain Triad River Tours or client property in a proper manner.
Altering, removing or destroying Triad River Tours or client records and/or property.
Deliberate or careless damage to Triad River Tours or client property.
Inappropriate, malicious, disparaging or derogatory oral or written statements concerning Triad River Tours, or any of its clients, employees or representatives.
Falsifying personal, client or Triad River Tours records, including any employment application or other employment information, or any other records or documents related to Triad River Tours, its business or any of its clients, employees or representatives.
Absenteeism or abuse of any paid time off policy.
Failure to give proper notice of an expected absence.
Dishonesty of any kind, including theft or misappropriation of property of Triad River Tours; its employees; or past, current, or prospective clients or representatives.
Failure to learn from your mistakes
Failure to respect the chain of command, your Trip Leader, or company ownership.
Refusing to communicate with other guides.
Failure to uphold the principles that the company stands for.
Failure to run conservative lines when taking inexperienced guests down the river
Consistent mistakes on the river.
Lack of knowledge of rivers and river conditions.
Failure to study the company policies and database.
Cheeky comments.
Possession, use, or display of any weapon on Triad River Tours premises or while on Triad River Tours business.
Possession, use, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol on the premises or while on Triad River Tours business, including but not limited to: Caboose, Boatyard, Parking lot of caboose.
Any conduct endangering or any verbal or nonverbal threat to endanger, property, life, safety or health.
Disrespect for management or any supervisor or employee or client of Triad River Tours, insubordination, failure to perform any reasonable assignment, or obscene or abusive language or behavior.
Willful violation of HIPAA privacy laws.
Sharing confidential information.
Violations of Triad River Tours harassment policy or any other form of unlawful or unethical conduct, harassment or discrimination.
Off-duty or pre-employment conduct that reflects or may adversely reflect on Triad River Tours if the employee were to remain employed.

These examples are not all-inclusive, but merely illustrate the kind of conduct that may be detrimental to Triad River Tours, its clients or employees.

3.6 Employee Professionalism

Even though we are not a large corporation, we believe that the behavior and professionalism of our guides pervades the industry; we believe in leading by example. All guides are required to respect their peers and ensure a safe and positive work environment for all employees. We are all professionals creating a professional workplace atmosphere, sometimes far away from home. Triad River Tours is truly dedicated to ensuring a positive workforce, and we feel that one of the ways to do that is to remain committed to a diverse workplace. This is a workplace that relies heavily on teamwork and interpersonal communication.

3.7 Customer Relations

As an employee, you make a major contribution to our business growth. Your honesty, integrity, and competence in performing your job are necessary for customer satisfaction. Your ability to develop positive customer relations is essential to our job performance.

3.8 Appearance

Your personal appearance is an important part of the way you represent Triad River Tours to the public. Customers form an opinion of Triad River Tours from your appearance and attitude. Neat and conservative attire creates a favorable impression. Please refrain from eating, smoking, or chewing gum in the presence of customers. Such actions may be offensive to customers and portray an unacceptable image.

When you greet your guests or are at work, you represent our company. Your attire should reflect both the rugged look that guides often behold, as well as a level of professionalism and sophistication. If you are wearing an old worn out or otherwise apparently unsafe piece of equipment, see that you replace it with something that is on par with the expectations of your profession.

Whenever you operate a scenic or non-whitewater tour, you should meet your guests in a buttoned shirt. You can wear whatever you would like on the river, but at the time of meet up, unless it is too cold, you should be wearing a buttoned shirt or something of equal “sophistication” if you will.

These are the factors you should consider:

Maintaining the highest standards relating to personal hygiene, including regular bathing and use of deodorant, brushing of teeth and using mouthwash as necessary, maintaining clean hands and fingernails at all times and the moderate use of cosmetics.
The nature of the work.
Safety considerations, such as necessary precautions when working near machinery.
The nature of the employee's public contact, if any, and the normal expectations of outside parties with whom the employee will work.
The prevailing practices of other workers in similar jobs.
The requirement of the Triad River Tours’ management that all employees are expected to exercise good judgment and dress appropriately for their jobs.
Any bandage worn must be kept clean and changed as often as necessary or appropriate. An employee with an open sore or wound is not permitted to handle any food products and may be restricted from other activities, especially in the health care area.

Please note: Your particular job may include more specific requirements, which will be provided by your supervisor.

3.9 Use of Triad River Tours Equipment

Employees may not use Triad River Tours equipment or resources for personal use or benefit without prior supervisor approval. Generally speaking it is company policy to support you in any endeavor to improve your skills as an employee, and Triad River Tours generally likes to provide you with whatever resources it can within reason. If you would like to borrow a piece of equipment, simply ask permission and then return it in the same condition which you took it in the first place. If you damage any piece of equipment while borrowing it, you are solely responsible for repairing or replacing that piece of equipment.

3.10 Personal Property

All employees are cautioned not to bring valuables or large amounts of cash to work. Purses and wallets should be kept with you or stored in a locked place at all times. Triad River Tours is not responsible for personal property that is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed; this includes your personal vehicle or other means of transportation. If you ride a bicycle to work, be sure to securely lock it in the designated space. Employees are responsible for providing their own locking devices.

3.11 Outside Employment

While subject to other policies, including Conflict of Interest below, Triad River Tours has no objection to an employee holding another job (in addition to his or her employment with Triad River Tours) as long as he or she can effectively meet the performance standards for his or her position with Triad River Tours. However, we ask employees to think seriously about the effects that another job may have on their endurance, personal health and well-being, performance, and effectiveness with Triad River Tours.

3.12 Conflict of Interest

During your employment with Triad River Tours, you are prohibited from directly or indirectly competing with Triad River Tours, including, but not limited to, providing, owning an interest in, or assisting any other person or entity that is in competition with Triad River Tours or that provides any product, service, or offering of a type that is the same or similar to that provided by Triad River Tours from time to time. Additionally, during your employment with Triad River Tours, you are prohibited from at any time directly or indirectly working for, assisting, or owning an interest in any business or venture that constitutes a conflict of interest. Triad River Tours will determine in its sole discretion whether any work or interest constitutes a violation of this policy. Before you begin to directly or indirectly work for, assist or own an interest in any other business or venture other than Triad River Tours, you must notify your supervisor. If you were offered work with another outfitter, please let management know the situation and your intentions.

3.13 Supervisors

Questions about your job, pay, benefits, relations with your co-worker, policies and procedures, or Triad River Tours in general should be directed to your supervisor. Look to your supervisor for guidance and seek his/her assistance when you encounter difficulties. Cooperation and communication with your supervisor will promote a mutually beneficial work environment.

Each employee must follow the directions of his/her supervisor. Your supervisor is responsible for directing your work throughout your shift; evaluating your performance, providing instruction and guidance in your job, and taking any disciplinary action that may be necessary; though others at Triad River Tours from time to time also may exercise one or more of these responsibilities. Disrespect of management or a supervisor, or disregard of the authority of either, will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

4. Payroll Information

4.1 Tiered Pay Scale

Note: detailed explanation of tiers and employee expectations can be found in the company handbook which you will be given if you're hired by Triad. The information listed here is a brief overview.

Triad pays on a 5 tier wage system paid per trip. Because Washington State requires that all wages are broken down hourly, that is what is presented here. Note that we have very specific regulations regarding how our employees are signed on to trips and how days off are administered. In general, our company believes that all guides have the right to confirm or deny their place on a trip at the time of the trip being offered to them; although we expect our guides to confirm trips at the time of requesting, they have the ultimate right of refusal at this time. Once a guide is confirmed they must run that trip. Conversely, we will not hire you for the day or require you to be available without giving you paid work (this means no morning guide calls for veteran guides who show up and do shop work and then go home unpaid if there are no trips for you). Our reservation and cancellation policies are rigid so that the guides have a reliable scheduling system and thus a dependable wage through their season. Triad understands completely that more experienced guides with a more consistent schedule means better trips, and our scheduling and compensation systems are designed for this purpose.

Triad trips are on average 4 hours apart from each other (if they go over that you'll be paid at the listed hourly rates). There is no food on our day trips so you do not need to factor in any prep, meal times, or sandwich making, etc. Our system is very streamlined, lean, and efficient; it is most likely very different from what you have experienced at other companies, so when you do the math on your wages make sure to take this into account. Triad consistently has tier 2-4 guides making well over $1000 per week gross in the middle of the season. Our system is designed to run 3 trips per day; this efficiency of operations allows you 3 opportunities to make a great wage and earn a tip. You can expect a 12 hour work day if you run 3 trips; these can be long and tiring, which is why it’s critical that you prepare yourself well by studying, training, taking care of your body, and perhaps most importantly, working together and communicating effectively with your team. Triad’s system is very rough on guides that have lived the “float and bloat” lifestyle where they stay up late at night partying prior to your trip; this lifestyle simply will not work at Triad. We have a deeply rooted philosophy that outfitters should put their best effort towards getting as much work as possible for guides. By working fewer guides more often; we cut down on expenses, environmental impact/carbon footprint, and create a staff that is more effective in working together in life threatening situations due to their familiarity with each other and the system. All our guides are expected to work hard; they can take whatever days off they want. On those days off, it’s definitely wise to rest and/or enjoy yourself, but when it’s time to work; this is work.

While none of the following credentials are required to work at Triad River Tours, you will be paid more, and will be eligible to work more difficult and dangerous rivers if you have the following qualifications:

Class 5 whitewater experience (AW standard rating) -and/or- 1500 miles of commercially navigated whitewater Class 3 or higher (AW standard rating) working as a professional guide.
Professional Safety Kayaking ability in Class 5 Whitewater
Advanced Medical training (WFA, WFR, EMT)
SRT-1 certificate (preferably from Swiftwater Safety Institute)
Commercial Drivers License (Class B CDL)

This current pay-scale system correlates roughly to the following hourly wage rates (note that most trips are 4 hours long & most days are 1-3 trips per day, with 3 trips days likely on weekends and 1-2 trip days on weekdays):

2022 Pay Scale (for reference)

Tier 1/entry level employee: $16/hr. Entry level guide with state minimum requirements. 50 hour WA guide certification and First Aid/CPR card required to guide at entry level
Tier 1.5/qualified rookie: $19/hr. Rookies that have SRT-1 and any advanced medical training WFA/WFR/EMT (if you need help attaining these qualifications Triad can help via our training program). Guides that opt to pay for their own SRT-1 (or previously have that certification) are compensated at a higher rate than guides who participate in our internship program (company pays for SRT-1 and guide training certification).
Tier 2/veteran: $22/hr. Note: at least 2 of the above qualifications required. Minimum 2 years guiding.
Tier 3/industry pro: $25/hr. Note: At least 3 of the above qualifications required. Minimum 4 years guiding.
Tier 4/trip leader: $28/hr. Note: At least 4 of the above qualifications required. Additional discretionary bonuses as agreed. Minimum 4 years guiding and one full year with Triad.
Tier 5/river manager: $32/hr. Note: River Manager (additional discretionary bonuses as agreed). Minimum 4 years guiding.

2023 Pay Scale

Tier 1/entry level employee: $18/hr. Entry level guide with state minimum requirements. 50 hour WA guide certification and First Aid/CPR card required to guide at entry level

Tier 1.5/qualified rookie: . $21/hr. Rookies that have swiftwater rescue training (PRO-1 provided to committed guides) and any advanced medical training WFA/WFR/EMT (if you need help attaining these qualifications Triad can help via our training program). Most rookie guides start at this wage after completing guide training and passing evaluations showing improvement in skills and competency after 10 commercial trips.

Tier 2/veteran: $24/hr. At least 2 of the above qualifications required. Standard minimum 2 years guiding. This is the starting wage for incoming veteran guides, who are given an evaluation after 2 weeks or 10 commercially guided trips, prior to being moved to tier 3. That is to say if you are a vet you will be at this tier during your 2 week evaluation period. First year (“rookie”) guides who show high levels of competency and development reach this pay tier during their first season.

Tier 3/industry pro: $28/hr. At least 3 of the above qualifications required. Standard minimum 4 years guiding. This wage tier is common for industry professionals that are in their first year at Triad. It is rare but not impossible for a first year guide to reach this pay tier through exceptional work. This pay tier is the most common paid to guides at our company.

Tier 4/trip leader: $32/hr. At least 4 of the above qualifications required. Additional discretionary bonuses as agreed. Minimum 4 years guiding and one full year with Triad. The majority of our returning senior guides are at this pay tier.

Tier 5/river manager: $38/hr. River Manager (additional discretionary bonuses as agreed). Minimum 4 years guiding. Guides at this tier typically are responsible for all aspects of river trips, and are fully committed to Triad River Tours.

Note: We pay fuel expense for any traveling that is done in a personal vehicle in service to Triad River Tours (as agreed to by management). These wages do not include tips, housing, or other fringe benefits of the position (only what we pay you).

Note: Trips are often paid at a standard/minimum of 4 hours each. There is a maximum of 3 trips per day. The average number of trips per day worked over the course of the summer is 1.7 trips per day; this means that most guides tend to work almost 2 trips per day on average.

Note: Guides are encouraged to work 4 days per week. Guides are allowed to work 2 trips per day on busy days, or 3 trips per day, typically there is a “morning shift” where guides work the morning (9am), mid-day (1pm) trip and are off work by 5pm, -or- they work the “evening shift” and work the mid-day (1pm) and afternoon (5pm) trips, and are off work by 9pm. Guides may choose to work all 3 trips in a day. Notably, if a guide works 2 busy 3 trip days, they will work 24 hours in just those two days; this is a good way to maximize earnings within a shorter amount of time, and give yourself 3 days off during the summer, while also making a great wage. We advise that guides who are physically capable of the rigors of working 3 trips days take a look at this setup.

Note: Trips are paid at a standard/minimum of 4 hours each. There is a maximum of 3 trips per day. The average number of trips per day worked over the course of the summer is 1.7 trips per day; this means that most guides tend to work almost 2 trips per day on average.

Note: Typical number of trips (during main season) per week for full time guides are as follows (aggregate average over the past 5 years):

May: 5
June: 10
July: 13
August: 11

Triad River Tours has never struggled to keep their guides staff working full time during the rafting season. We are always busy enough to give our guides as much work as they want or don’t want.

Most guides that choose to work as much as possible work 12-15 trips per week during the busy season. This is very demanding physically and mentally. If we see guides taking this much work and struggling, our management reserves the right to take any guide off the river.

Note regarding overtime: We always pay overtime beyond 40 hours per week as is required by law. As an example, if a tier 3 guide making $25/hour ($100/trip) works 10 trips per week they are making $1000/week; each additional trip worked that week (Mon-Sun) is paid at 1.5x wages, so in this case $37.50/hour, or $150/trip. If a guide works 15 trips per week at tier 3 wage (the highest number of trips possible in our system) the total gross wages for that week would be $1750.

While we do not want our guides working overtime, we understand that living the seasonal lifestyle may require financial planning that includes getting in as much work as possible during the busy season. We will work with you to include overtime as part of your wage structure, in this case.

Average Gross Weekly Income before tips (consider an additional 20-50% of gross wages for tips) per tier at full time (40 hours/10 trips per week):

Tier 1 : $640/wk + tips
Tier 1.5: $760/wk + tips
Tier 2: $880/wk + tips
Tier 3: $1000/wk + tips
Tier 4: $1120/wk + tips
Tier 5: $1280/wk + tips

Discretionary Certification Based Bonus Structure

The following bonus structure is for additional certifications a guide holds in addition to those required by their current respective pay tier. Add the following amounts to the above tiers and then you have your per trip wage.

Notes: If your tier requires the certification there is no additional bonus (the bonus is built into the additional hourly wage inherent in the tier).

Your certifications must be current and must be either uploaded to our company database/communication software or emailed prior to the beginning of the pay period in order to receive the bonus.

Wage Example: Base wage is $16/hour, trips are paid at 4 hours thus $64/trip; add bonus per trip: SSI SRT-1, CDL, WFR=total of $18 per trip. Total wage is $20.50/hour, or $82 per trip.

Certification Bonus Notes/Requirements

SRT-1 from Swiftwater Safety Institute: $1/hour ($4 per trip)
SRT-1 non SSI: $.50/hour ($2 per trip)
SRT-2 (or advanced re-cert) from Swiftwater Safety Institute: $1.50/hour ($6 per trip)
Wilderness First Aid/WFA: $.50/hour ($2 per trip) (note that you may only get one medical cert. bonus)
Wilderness First Responder/WFR: $1/hour ($4 per trip)
Emergency Medical Technician/EMT: $1.50/hour ($6 per trip)
Class B Commercial Drivers License/CDL: $1.50/hour ($6 per trip- added at all tiers)
Class 5 Kayaker $1/hour ($4 per trip) (World Class Kayak Academy grad or similar skill set; i.e solid Class 5 boating skills as determined by our staff) Note: You must have all of your kayak gear prepared and be willing at any time to run a solo protocol run in order to receive this bonus. Each employee is categorized as either exempt or non-exempt. Ask your supervisor if you are not certain of your classification. In addition, each employee is classified as either a full-time or part-time employee.

A full-time employee is defined as a common law employee employed in a category designated by management and scheduled to work at least 35 hours per week, or 1,820 hours per year. Full-time classification does not include part-time, temporary or occasional employees.

A part-time employee is defined as a common law employee employed in a category designated by management and scheduled to work less than 35 hours per week, normally averaging 18-25 hours per week. Part-time classification does not include full- time, temporary or occasional employees.

4.2 Payroll System

We currently use Quickbooks Time.

4.3 Payroll Deductions

Certain deductions are required by law to be taken from everyone’s pay while others are employee authorized. Deductions required by law include federal withholding tax, social security and Medicare contributions, and in most states, state withholding tax.

Deductions from pay also will be made in accordance with any legally binding order or garnishment. Employees also may voluntarily elect to make certain deductions from pay for certain employee benefits offered from time to time by Triad River Tours.

Employee authorized deductions are those which may include premium payments for benefits.

4.4 Performance Reviews

Your performance is reviewed in writing by your supervisor at least annually. It may also be reviewed at any time at your supervisor’s discretion or upon your request. The reviews are designed to provide an opportunity to discuss your position, review performance, and set goals and objectives for future performance. Any adjustments to compensation are made based on a number of considerations, including performance. Generally, your compensation is reviewed in conjunction with your annual review. More frequent evaluations do not include a review of, or adjustments to, compensation.

4.5 Compensation Guidelines & Qualifications Checklist

Qualifications & Skills Checklist

(assists in moving up from tier 1-2, and required for pay tiers 3-4)

SRT-1/Swiftwater Rescue Training: Triad River Tours offers SRT-1 swiftwater rescue training in partnership with Swiftwater Safety Institute. This 3 day course takes place on the Skykomish and/or Snoqualmie Rivers (depending on river conditions), and provides graduates of the course with a 3 year certification. The non-exclusive course is 24 hours of coursework in total (most hours will count towards your 50 hour guide certification), and is mandatory for all current and hopeful guides of Triad River Tours. This SRT-1 course is specifically designed for river runners and is highly recommended for all river rafting and river guiding professionals. Attendees with varying levels of experience are welcome to attend. All Triad River Tours operations procedures, risk management protocols, and standards of safety are based on what you will learn in the SRT-1 curriculum. Each year we select our guide trainees from the SRT school and put a great deal of emphasis on swiftwater rescue skills in our guide training program. If you would like to attend our upcoming SRT-1 course, please make your reservation as early as possible to ensure your spot. Details for the content of this course can be found here. We like to see our potential rookie guides sign up for and pay for their SRT-1 training. This training usually takes place early in the year, during April. College students often will need to take one day (Friday) out of classes in order to attend. This training usually runs $300-350 in total. When we have a chance to see a guide applicant in action and work with the rest of us in a neutral setting which is demanding in a similar way to our duties as guides, we have a better idea of how and if they will fit in with our program.
WFA/Wilderness First Aid/EMT: After an SRT-1 training the next step is to make sure you have the proper First Aid capabilities. Even if you're on the river as a trainee, someone can always go underwater for too long, break an arm, or need to be evacuated. We really like the Wilderness First Aid course provided by Remote Medical International (click here to explore that course). These courses are often taught at Western Washington University in Bellingham as well as various locations in the Seattle area, and run about $200. The curriculum is up to date and extremely applicable to what we do. The Wilderness First Responder is a longer course which will give you the skills to deal with life threatening emergencies on multi-day trips, specifically in locations where you will be far away from Emergency Medical Services. The WFR is definitely a great course, but if you don't have time for it, the WFA is also a great course and is acceptable for our guides. EMTs are eligible for promotion opportunities and tier advancements by default over guides with less comprehensive medical training; they are also compensated for additional responsibilities related specifically to their skill set and are handled on a case by case basis (example: they are paid to monitor first aid kits and oversee any accident reports).

5. Standard Operating Procedures

5.1 WA State Law

RCW 79A.60.430

Vessels carrying passengers for hire on whitewater rivers—Safety requirements.

While carrying passengers for hire on whitewater rivers in this state, the licensed whitewater river outfitter shall comply with the following requirements at the beginning of every trip:
1. If using inflatable vessels, use only vessels with three or more separate air chambers;
2. Ensure that all passengers are wearing a securely fastened United States coast guard-approved type V personal flotation device of the proper size, and that all guides are wearing a securely fastened United States coast guard-approved type III or type V personal flotation device;
3. Ensure that a spare United States coast guard-approved type III or type V personal flotation device in good repair is accessible to all vessels on each trip;
4. Ensure that each vessel has on it a bagged throwable line with a floating line and bag;
5. Ensure that each vessel has accessible an adequate first aid kit;
6. Ensure that each vessel has a spare propelling device;
7. Ensure that a repair kit and air pump are accessible to inflatable vessel;
8. Ensure that equipment to prevent and treat hypothermia is accessible to all vessels on a trip; and
9. Ensure that each vessel is operated by a guide who has complied with the requirements of subsection (2) of this section.
No person may act as a guide unless the individual is at least eighteen years of age and has:
1. Successfully completed a lifesaving training course meeting standards adopted by the commission;
2. Completed a program of guide training on whitewater rivers, conducted by a guide instructor, which program must run for a minimum of fifty hours on a whitewater river and must include at least the following elements:
  1. Equipment preparation and boat rigging;
  2. Reading river characteristics including currents, eddies, rapids, and hazards;
  3. Methods of scouting and running rapids;
  4. River rescue techniques, including emergency procedures and equipment recovery; and
  5. Communications with clients, including paddling and safety instruction; and
3. Completed at least one trip on an entire section of whitewater river before carrying passengers for hire in a vessel on any such section of whitewater river.
A guide instructor must have traveled at least one thousand five hundred river miles, seven hundred fifty of which must have been while acting as a guide.
Any person conducting guide training on whitewater rivers shall, upon request of a guide trainee, issue proof of completion to the guide completing the required training program.

5.2 Communication

Communication is of utmost importance in our line of work, and it’s often the biggest area where guides can improve on personally in order to make a difference. On the river we communicate cordially and professionally with our guests, while we communicate directly and clearly to our fellow guides. While keeping personal feelings separate, give honest and direct feedback regardless of how you might think the guide may take what you say.

Most of the time we communicate with our guides very succinctly, utilizing some aspects of “military rules of communication”. For reference here are some examples which you will need to know and which are commonly used here:

When you have understood the message, acknowledge the receipt with the words “COPY“, “RECEIVED“, “ROGER” or “ACKNOWLEDGED.”
The word “COPY” is preferred to confirm receipt of a message.
If the caller requires some actions you may use “WILCO” instead of “ROGER” to notify that you WILL COMPLY (=”WILCO”). At Triad, “ROGER” is preferred.
If you do not comprehend the message, do not confirm it. Use “SAY AGAIN”, “REPEAT”, “STAND BY” instead.
Never pretend that you heard someone if you did not understand what they told you; someone’s life could depend on what was said.
Always premeditate your statements to other guides while working and speak directly, clearly, and do not mumble or say filler words. Work diligently to keep your communication clear, loud, appropriate, professional, and as objective as possible.
If you are asked a question by Triad management, for example; to work on a date, you will be asked to “PLEASE CONFIRM”. Your reply of “CONFIRMED” states that you will be at the specified time and location to run that trip or work on that day (or anything else discussed).
Detailed explanations are of no use on the river when a simple answer will do.
Respond to Yes/No questions with one of the two FIRST, and then your explanation to follow if timing is deemed appropriate.
Incident Command is assumed to trickle down from the Trip Leader. If the Trip Leader says to do something in the positive you should confirm in the positive unless there is a legitimate and important reason to call them into question (especially if guests are present).
If guides are in doubt about doing something, they check with the Trip Leader. When the guide has an idea to help things along, that person mentions it to the leader-and if the word is yes, the guide does it. On the river, guides strictly follow the Trip Leaders directions. If they do not understand the directions, they get clarification THEN AND THERE. But if they don’t understand the reasons behind the directions or disagree with them or have what might be a better idea, they talk with the leader, aside, at the earliest convenient moment. Sometimes, when things are thick and busy, it may be best to just do what the leader says and ask questions later (Guides Guide).

When a guide has a complaint or negative feeling toward another staff member it is vital that, at the appropriate time in private away from the guests, he or she expresses these feelings directly to the person. Good guides do not bottle up their feelings and never grumble behind other peoples’ backs. You must communicate openly with your guides about your thoughts and feelings, or you will suffer bad consequences and the quality of the trip will suffer with it (Guides Guide).

5.3 Incident Reports

An incident report must be filled out and signed by any employees who witness an incident or injury immediately following the occurrence. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action or termination. This policy is important to the safety and well being of all our employees, and is required by law.

When do you file an incident report? After each trip decide if everything went “super smooth”. If something was not smooth, identify if that thing had a direct impact on human safety. If anything on a trip had an impact, either actual or potentially, get with your crew and file an incident report.

Every time you have a flip, or have to open a med kit, you need to file an incident report.

Any time a guest complains of any injury, wether that injury was sustained on the trip or not, you must file an incident report.

If you participate in any rescue that requires the opening of the sweep kit, you must file an incident report.

It is not necessary to file more than one incident report for each incident, and often times it is not the person involved in the incident who is in the best place to file the report. Thus, it is the responsibility of the entire crew to ensure that incident reports are filed on time (within 24 hours of incident).

An incident report, in general, should be objective, detailed, and must have the following:

Date/Time (provide an adequate timeline for incident)
River Section
Location of Incident
Trip Leader (if applicable)
Other guides present (if applicable)
Witnesses (if applicable)
Customer name and name of booking party
Objective description of incident
Injury description (if applicable)
First Aid (if applicable) details:
1. Notebook (or picture of notebook) outlining Patient assessment including vital signs if vital signs were taken.
2. Was the patient stabilized and or moved? If so, explain how this was done.
Evacuation (if applicable)
1. Was physical assistance provided to anyone during evacuation?
2. Describe the evacuation route, timing, and procedure utilized.
Guide thoughts

You may use the above as a template. You may also use this form below:

Incident Report Form

5.4 online

5.5 online

5.6 Personal Gear

Gear you need for SRT, guiding, and basically anytime you go on the river:

PFD
Helmet
Proper footwear
Dry suit/dry top
Warm under layers
Paddle
Flip line
Whistle
Knife
Basic first-aid kit
Pin-kit
Throw-bag
Camping gear
Personal items
Your A-GAME

Keep your gear contained, don't forget your gear, and don't leave personal gear in company vehicles or on the ground (at all).

5.7 Rafting Equipment

1. Sweep Kits | 1 per trip (see picture on database)

1. Medical Kit

1. Splint/Fracture (Sam splint)

2. Wound kit/tegaderm

3. CPR Mask

4. Gloves

5. Emergency Blanket

6. Notebook and Pen

7. Shears

8. Benadryl

9. Tourniquet

2. Hardware Backup

1. Frame Tool

2. Oar Lock and Ring

3. Straps

4. Duct Tape

3. Pin Kit

1. Z-Drag Kit

1. Locking Carabiners

2. Pulleys

3. Prussics

4. Rigging Plate

2. 200’ Static Line

4. Evacuation Kit

1. Protocols

2. Copy of Permits

3. Whistle

4. Lighter

5. Cell Phone

5. Backups

1. K-pump

2. Spare PFD

2. Small Med Kits | 1 per raft (note: can be substituted with NRS ultralight paddler First Aid)

1. Triad Kit (see picture on database)

1. Gallon ziplock bag inside the pelican box to keep water out; occasionally opening to check to make sure it’s not full of water.

2. Do not leave them in rafts over the weekends; rather take them out of the rafts at the end of the day and open them to make sure no water is inside

3. Contents:

i. glucose

ii. benadryl

iii. NUmask CPR mask

iv. gauze roll

v. small cut zippy w/ benzoin, steri-strip, tegaderm, and a few bandaids

vi. little .3 med kit

vii. gloves

3. Systems Inventory (In addition to vehicles and trailers). Note: picture of NRS order of basic inventory for reference on database.

1. Rafts

2. Cat + frame & oars

3. Adult PFD

4. youth PFD

5. Guide sticks

6. Guest Paddles

7. Helmets

8. Small First Aid Kits

9. Pro Rescue (Dyneema) Throw Bags

10. Small Throw Bags (red)

11. Barrel Pump

12. 300’ Static Line

13. Sweep Kit

14. Bus Box

15. Wetsuit Inventory (as needed)

5.8 Guide Training Outline

Download here.

Notes: Company approved references: Swiftwater Safety Institute Manual, Remote Medical International WFA or WFR Manual, River Rescue by Les Bechtel, The Guides Guide Augmented by William McGinnis, Safety Code of American Whitewater (online)

5.9 Simple Reminders for Guides

Here is an open list of things we can do to put our best foot forward as a company and teach others how to show respect for the land and community.

Do not put gear on the ground
Be fast
Pick up litter
Do not cuss or say dirty jokes in front of children (or those who will not appreciate your joke)
Know the history, Native American stories, and environmental facts of where you guide.
Honor and show respect for people of all nationalities, religions, political beliefs, ability levels, physical size, age, orientation, gender, et. al.
Keep the buses clean, swept, and smelling freshly of Lysol
Accept responsibility and step up when your team comes to you for help. Go to Luke for help when you need it.
Do not hang equipment, wetsuits, or anything in the trees of our national forests or at RV parks, or camp (take the time to get this gear to our shop where it belongs)
Get off the boat ramp quickly. Help others off the boat ramp. Develop solid boat ramp skills.
Communicate with your team, work as a part of the team, and do not let your negative mindset or talk affect the team.
Keep a smartphone or other device handy so that you can access permits, insurance, and stay informed.
Trust your team, trust your training, trust the system.
Always say thank you when someone buys you food
Take the time to visit with other boaters, locals, business partnerships, federal (USFS, NPS) representatives, county employees, and law enforcement. In short, BE a pillar of the community, not something that relies upon the pillars.
Be honest with your team members, even when they do something wrong.
Do your best
Take each day, each trip, as it comes
Trust the system
Respect the Law

5.10 Cancellation Policy (provided to guests)

Should you have to cancel your trip plans, deposits and final payments are non- refundable. Alternate guests are always welcome to come in your place, at no charge. If we replace your canceled space(s) with other guests, a cancellation fee is charged -$50 per person for single day trips, $150 per person for 3 or 4 Day trips and $200 per person for 5 or 6 Day trips.

If you feel you may not be able to make your trip please inform us as soon as possible and we can try to find alternate guests. You own spaces on our rafts because you've paid for them. As soon as a reservation is made we lose the right to sell that trip to someone else. Our opportunity cost for every space on every trip is the retail price. If you have purchased a trip, the amount you have paid is relevant not to the amount of money it costs us to run the trip with you, but rather the amount that it costs for us to prepare a trip for you (we do not save money when you cancel a trip; the costs are the same for us). We price our trips at rates which ensure high quality and competitive wages for professional guides. We never make exceptions to this policy. We do this out of a legal and ethical commitment to running safer trips and compensate our employees fairly.

Triad River Tours is under a legal and ethical obligation to treat its employees with respect and pay them fairly; and you as a customer are the most important part of that obligation as our guides are paid directly from the funds we receive when you make a booking. We must enlist guides to begin preparing for your river trip on the day that you make your reservation. We make a commitment to our employees as soon as you make your reservation, and they make a commitment to be your guide for that day. We believe that guides work best when they run the same river again and again with a consistent plan and execution. Guides work best when they are familiar with the team structure and personnel with which they are running the river. So, even if you cancel your trip, our guides run the trip together and follow the exact same safety protocol if you showed up or not. There is no difference, in terms of cost, between a trip which is run with or without you; once you make a reservation, we put the plan in place. Adapting a safety protocol or changing it as a result of a cancellation is not safe, and we will not do it. We believe strongly that preparation, and early placement of the appropriate guides, is a key element to why our trips are some of the safest in the industry. We are proud of our safety record and we believe that our cancellation policy empowers safer trips. If your group does not show up, we will run the exact same trip, just as we would have if you were there, in order to provide the same level of safety for our other guests. Note that it is not cheaper for us to run the trip without you. Your money went to the staff provided for that trip, who are guaranteed a wage, and are covered by law to be paid.

We promise that our guides are paid even if a trip is canceled. It is a reflection of our commitment to safety and preparation on the river and a belief that the most qualified guides are going to require the most considerable compensation. In order for us to continue employing top quality professional guides, we find it necessary to ensure that they are guaranteed a fair wage for their efforts, even in the case of unavoidable trip cancellations for any reason whatsoever. Unlike other companies who leave a slew of undertrained guides always at the ready, we consistently pay our guides on time for every single trip. This commitment starts with the contract you engage in when you make a reservation, which results in our commitment to run a safe trip with the most thoroughly competent guides who demand and deserve a fair wage for their work.

Please understand that we cannot insure your investment in river trip reservations. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Once you sign up, we lose the right to sell your reserved space to other individuals or groups. Our number of trips and spaces per trip are limited by river management plans. We regret that we cannot make exceptions for personal emergencies. You must show up on time for rafting trips. We are committed to the safety of all people on the trip, and if you are late we reserve the right to adapt the trip to the lesser number and run the trip without you.

Triad River Tours operates under strict safety protocols and reserves the right to move your reservation to a different section of river if conditions are even remotely unsafe.

Typically, this will involve a minor inconvenience, but in the interests of doing business safely, we cannot accept cancellations in the event of an itinerary change for safety reasons.

Trip Insurance

We will send you information on Trip Insurance on request. Cancellation and interruption insurance can include full refund should you cancel due to health, medical and other reasons. If you cannot afford to forfeit your reservation dollars, you should purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Final Payments

All payments are due at time of reservation.

Charter Trips

Check with us regarding "exclusive" charter trip reservations.

Assumption of Risk

You will be required to sign an "assumption of risk agreement" in order to join a river trip with Triad River Tours.

Children and Minors (under 18)

Triad River Tours grants permission to minors on rafting trips on a case by case basis. In general, all Skagit River Scenic Float trips, such as the Eagle Watching and Wine Tasting, can take any child 50 lbs. and higher. Children weighing at least 50lbs are invited on the Upper Skagit River and should be prepared to swim in whitewater. Sauk River Whitewater is available for minors who have previous whitewater experience or have passed rescue tests the day of the trip. All Sauk River guests must weigh at least 90lbs or receive special permission (due to fitment into appropriate life jackets) at the time of booking (please feel free to call 360-510-1243). All Skykomish River guests must weigh at least 90lbs and be at least 14 years of age with no exceptions.

If we cancel a trip

Sometimes trips do not meet minimum participant requirements, or due to river conditions (or otherwise) certain trips may occasionally fail to meet the safety thresholds of our protocol systems. These safety protocols are independently audited by professional rescue agencies, and they constitute vital information which is part of our contracts with government agencies such as the National Parks Service or the United States Forest Service. Breaking these protocols is only done when our river managers make special exceptions. If we ever cancel a trip due to conditions you will be given the opportunity to transfer your reservation to another river (if applicable). If we cancel a trip and cannot offer you a similar trip on the same day, we will refund your money immediately and in full.

5.11 Liability Release and Acknowledgement of Risk

In Consideration of the services of Triad River Tours, their guests, owners, officers, volunteers, participants, employees, and all other person or entities acting in any capacity on their behalf (hereinafter collectively called Triad), I hereby agree to release and discharge Triad, on behalf of myself, my children, my parents, my heirs, assigns, personal representative and estate as follows:

1. I acknowledge that boating on rivers entails known and unanticipated risks that could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis, death, or damage to myself, to property, or to third parties. I understand that they cannot eliminate such risks simply without jeopardizing the essential quality of the activity. The risks include, among other things: whitewater rapids will be encountered. You can be jolted, jarred, bounced, thrown back and forth and shaken about during rides through these rapids. It is possible that you could be injured if you come into contact with food boxes, other storage containers, or fixed equipment necessary to the operation of the expedition and the outfitting of the raft. Boats could turn over or you could be washed overboard. You can slip or fall during a hike, resulting in damage to equipment or personal injury. Accidents can occur getting on and off the rafts. Rafts are slippery when wet. Exposure to the natural elements can be uncomfortable and/or harmful. You should be aware that this exposure could cause sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or heat cramps. Also prolonged exposure to cold water can result in hypothermia and in extreme cases cause death and accidental drowning is also a possibility. Furthermore, Triad guides have difficult jobs to do. They seek safety, but they are fallible. They might be ignorant of a participant's physical fitness or ability. They might misjudge the weather, the elements, or the terrain. They may give inadequate warnings or instructions, and equipment being used might malfunction.

I expressly agree and promise to accept and assume all risks existing in this activity. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary, and I elect to participate in spite of the risks.

I expressly agree and promise to not leave any valuables or personal property in the care of Triad as they are not at all responsible for my personal belongings.

I promise to read all information in the safety protocol, and be prepared by reading all relevant information on the trip prior to departure. I realize that Triad River Tours' guests are expected to have internet access, and these materials are often only available online, so I will find them there.

Should Triad or anyone acting on their behalf, be required to incur attorney fees and costs to enforce this agreement, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless for all such fees and costs.

I certify that I have adequate insurance to cover any injury or damage I may cause or suffer while participating, or else I agree to bear all costs of such injury or damage myself. I further certify that I have no medical or physical conditions that could interfere with my safety in the activity, or else I am willing to assume and bear the costs of all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by any such condition.

In the event that I file a lawsuit against Triad, I agree to do so solely in the State of Washington, and I further agree that the substantive law of that state will apply in that action without regard to the conflict of law rules of that state.

By signing this document, I acknowledge that if anyone is hurt or property damaged during my participation in this activity, a court of law may find me to have waived my right to maintain a lawsuit against Triad on the basis of any claim from which I have released them herein. I have had sufficient opportunity to read this entire document, I have read and understood it, and I agree to be bound by the terms. I understand I have given up substantial rights by signing it and that I sign it without any inducement.

I will pay close attention to all safety information provided at the river in the safety talk as well as beforehand through the confirmation email as well as the videos that are on Triad's website, and agree that I have watched any and all related safety videos which were provided to the person who made the reservation. I acknowledge that I am responsible for preparing myself for this activity and that if Triad deems me unfit or unprepared to run the river that they may cancel my reservation at any time with or without notice.

5.12 Removal of Wood Debris

A Hydraulic Project Approval from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife will be obtained by Triad River Tours prior to removal of wood debris in waterways.

6. Safety Protocols

These documents are a living description of river running systems of Triad River Tours on a specific section of river. While this document is at all times malleable at times of need and is always subservient to the directives of the professional guides of Triad River Tours, it should be considered an authoritative manuscript, while being subservient to the in-the-moment decision making of a professional guide staff. It details critically important data and river running systems and methods utilized by Triad River Tours on commercial whitewater trips. At all times because of the nature of river situations, all river situations are different and fall under the jurisdiction of the incident commander or trip leader.

Notes: All protocols are indeed written as suggested guidelines for professional guides. All river guides employed by Triad River Tours are trained professionals who have exceeded legal minimums, and as such they are given, in all situations, the authority to override what is written in this document should their judgement deem it in the best interests of all involved to do so.

6.1 | Sky1 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2209 https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/3409/ video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syhtOOm9WbA

River Name: Skykomish Section Code: Sky1

Section Description: Skykomish River from Cable Drop to Big Eddy Nearest Town: Gold Bar/Index

Put in: Cable Drop/Hwy2 Bridge i.e. “Confluence Pool” Take out: Big Eddy

Length of trip: 8 miles from Cable Drop, 6 miles from Confluence Pool Duration at high water/low water: 1.5 hours -2.5 hours

Normal Season: May-August Logistics:

Meeting Location: Big Eddy State Park Distance from Seattle: 50 miles Distance from Bellingham: 88 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 18 (14 with previous experience of Class 3 or higher) Minimum weight: 90 lbs.

Wetsuits required: Yes (all times of year)

Borg level of exertion: Somewhat Hard 20%, Very Hard 80%

Notes: Guests should not attempt to run the Sky unless they are strong swimmers. Guests are encouraged to have previous whitewater experience prior to running the sky; preferably with Triad. Guests should be aware of the potential for a long swim, in cold water, in serious, life threatening rapids.

Itinerary (example):

8:30am: meet guides at Big Eddy, fit into gear 8:45am: drive to Cable Drop (et al)

9:00am: prepare to launch/begin safety talk

10:00am: on river (depending on traffic)

10:00am-12pm: have fun

12:00-12:15pm: off river

12:30pm: Trip Debrief

Guide Requirements:

• Trip Leader must have 6 trips on this section of river

• At least one SRT-1 (or equivalent) must be on the trip

• At least one guide with advanced first aid experience (does not need to be current) must be on the trip (example: WFR, WFA, EMT)

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Risk Analysis:

Classification & Description: The Skykomish is the most difficult whitewater run in Washington and possibly the Northwest to guide in a raft because of Boulder Drop, which causes significant problems due to continuous technicality through three separate and consequential must make moves at all flows (entry, picket fence, house rocks).

Because of Boulder Drop a class 3 river becomes class 4 or even considered class 5 by many professional guides. While the Skykomish is closer to Seattle than the Wenatchee, it is still highly underutilized. The Sky is a great commercial run, but much respect must be given to Boulder Drop as it is both difficult and consequential.

Activities/Revenue streams: rafting, kayaking, photography Craft used: raft, kayak, cataraft

Number of rapids: 10

Highest possible classification: 5 Lowest possible classification: 4

Emergency Contacts:

Triad Office: 360-510-1243

Emergency Response (911):

Index Fire and Rescue: 10-15 minutes Gold Bar Fire Department: 10-15 minutes

Significant Hazards & Risk Management:

• Hypothermia (all levels): Wetsuits are required at all times. Evacuation procedures practiced ensuring expedited evacuation in case of hypothermia. Avoidance of flipping. Carry extra warm clothing and fire starting material.

• Entrapment (all levels): Detail foot entrapment during safety talk. Avoid flipping.

• Flush drowning (high water): Safety boats required in high water.

• Blunt trauma (all levels): Helmets required. Expedient rescues.

• Inexperienced rafters: Clear description of dangers and requirements on website.

Points of emphasis for guides:

• Big and Little House Rocks

• Entry move into Boulder Drop

• How to scout Boulder Drop

• Rock sieve to right of Big House Rock (low water)

• Traffic concerns along Highway 2

• Avoid swimming the Weir

• Be careful pulling out of the Confluence Pool pullout (bridge)

• Flip Recovery speed in Boulder Drop

• Working with other outfitters for safety

Evacuation Points:

Evac 1: confluence of N. and S. fork (bridge). Mile 35.5

Evac 2: Above Boulder Drop (roadside; ferry across). Mile 34

Evac 3: Split Rock. Mile 33

Evac 4: Proctor Creek (accessed from Fir Road at Big Bend). Mile 31

Significant Rapids:

1. Boulder Drop:

a. Suggested navigation line up to 1800 cfs: enter slightly to the right of umbrella rock, move to the left of the river in the pool above the picket fence, then proceed to take “airplane turn” around the left side of the river, then run the slot between “big house” and “little house” rocks.

b. Suggested navigation line between 1800-7500cfs (standard line): Enter slightly to the right of umbrella rock, stay aligned through the wave train and do not stray off course. Enter “the needle” with the point of the raft angled at approximately 20 degrees to the right (pointing at the right bank slightly). Drop the needle (approximately 6 foot drop) at a relatively slow rate of speed, and allow the front end of the raft to be directed back towards the center of the river, with the angle of the raft then pointing at the left bank. If possible, maneuver the raft behind “dragons back”. Proceed from there directly into the wave train and into the gap between “big house” and “little house” rock. Alternatively, if dragons back is underwater (above 5000cfs) simply make the move from right to left in order to complete the run through the gap between big house and little house rock.

c. Suggested navigation line above 8000cfs (Mercy shoot line): Enter slightly to the right of umbrella rock/hole and maneuver the raft to the right side of the river to miss the needle to the right. Follow the run through the rightmost slot until you are past “big house” rock to its right.

d. Flip and Recovery at Boulder drop can be difficult. Note that the Weir is directly below the rapid and it is best to recover guests prior to them swimming the Weir. Swimmers may be instructed to swim left in case of an accident. All flips require an incident report.

e. Boulder Drop will be scouted in any case where water levels have changed significantly since the previous run, or if the guide crew changes (those running guests) since the previous run.

Current Operational Procedures:

Upper bound cutoff: 14,000 cfs

Lower bound cutoff: 2800cfs w/ 8 loads (w/ stern mounts). Full cutoff is 1200 cfs.

High Water Craft (example): Maravia Williwaw 1.5 Low Water Craft (example): NRS E-136

Safety Boat: Cataraft or Kayak

Safety Boaters:

Kayaks will have a hard time pulling multiple people out of the pool at Boulder Drop so try to rescue high in the rapid and direct traffic. Escort swimmers through The Weir if necessary. Work with other boaters and outfitters under any and all circumstances to ensure the safest run through Boulder Drop for all people. Inexperienced safety boaters should be prepared to be on their own if they swim Boulder Drop. Catarafts are often preferred on the Sky due to the tendency for boats to flip in Boulder Drop and swim The Weir. Use hand signals.

6.2 | Sky2 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: none

River Name: Skykomish Section Code: Sky2

Section Description: Big Eddy to Sultan/”kayaking stretch” of the Sky Nearest Town: Gold Bar & Sultan

Put in: Big Eddy Take out: Sultan

Length of trip: 11 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 1.8 hours 2.2 hours Normal Season: All Year

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Big Eddy State Park Distance from Seattle: 50 miles

Minimum age: 5 Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Guide Requirements:

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Risk Analysis:

Classification & Description: Sky2 is a class 2 with full “read and run” procedures from all craft.

Activities/Revenue streams: rafting, kayaking, fishing, powerboating, photography Craft used: raft, kayak, cataraft, jet sled

Number of rapids: 0

Highest possible classification: 3 Lowest possible classification: 2

6.3 | Sky3 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: none

River Name: Skykomish Section Code: Sky3

Section Description: Sultan to Monroe

Nearest Town: Sultan & Monroe

Put in: Sultan City Boat Launch

Take out: Monroe Boat Launch

Length of trip: 15 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 1.8 hours 2.2 hours

Normal Season: All Year

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Sultan Boat Launch

Distance from Seattle: 40 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 5

Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Guide Requirements:

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Activities/Revenue streams: rafting, kayaking, fishing, powerboating, photography

Craft used: raft, kayak, cataraft, jet sled

Number of rapids: 0

Highest possible classification: 3

Lowest possible classification: 2

6.4 | Sky4 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2212/

River Name: North Fork Skykomish

Section Code: Sky4

Section Description: Skykomish River from Drumbeater to South Fork

Nearest Town: Skykomish & Index

Put in: Cable Drop/Hwy2 Bridge i.e. “Confluence Pool”

Take out: Big Eddy

Length of trip: 12.5 miles

Duration at high water/low water: 2.5 hours-4hours

Normal Season: May-July

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Big Eddy State Park

Distance from Seattle: 50 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 88 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 18 (14 with previous experience of Class 3 or higher)

Minimum weight: 90 lbs.

Wetsuits required: Yes (all times of year)

Borg level of exertion: Somewhat Hard 20%, Very Hard 80%

Notes: Guests should not attempt to run the NF Sky unless they are strong swimmers. Guests are encouraged to have previous whitewater experience prior to running the sky; preferably with Triad. Guests should be aware of the potential for a long swim, in cold water, in serious, life threatening rapids.

Guide Requirements:

• At least one SRT-1 (or equivalent) must be on the trip

• At least one guide with advanced first aid experience (does not need to be current) must be on the trip (example: WFR, WFA, EMT)

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Risk Analysis:

Classification & Description: The North Fork Skykomish represents continuous class 4 whitewater and is definitively a very challenging complete river trip for most guides and must be taken on carefully by only experienced and qualified guides and excellent equipment suited for the task.

Activities/Revenue streams: rafting, kayaking, photography Craft used: raft, kayak, cataraft

Number of rapids: 20

Highest possible classification: 5 Lowest possible classification: 4

Emergency Contacts:

Triad Office: 360-510-124

Emergency Response (911):

Unknown

Significant Hazards & Risk Management:

• Entrapment (all levels): Detail foot entrapment during safety talk. Avoid flipping.

• Flush drowning (high water): Safety boats required in high water.

• Blunt trauma (all levels): Helmets required. Expedient rescues.

• Inexperienced rafters: Clear description of dangers and requirements on website.

Points of emphasis for guides:

• Continuous whitewater protocol

• “Exposure” without easy evacuation access

• High level of commitment

• Exhausting amount of paddling

• Guests must be in good condition

Evacuation Points:

TBD

Significant Rapids:

• Drumbeater (5)

• Let’s Make A Deal (4+)

• Rooster Tail (4+)

• El Nino (4)

• Minefield (3+)

Current Operational Procedures:

Upper bound cutoff: 4,500

Lower bound cutoff: 2250

High Water Craft (example): Maravia Williwaw 1.5

Low Water Craft (example): NRS E-136

Safety Boat: Cataraft and/or Kayak

6.5 | Sky5 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: none

River Name: South Fork Skykomish

Section Code: Sky5

Section Description: South Fork Sky

Nearest Town: Index

Put in: Beckler River

Take out: Bridge Above Baring

Length of trip: 9.5 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 3 hours

Normal Season: All Year

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Big Eddy

Distance from Seattle: 50 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 5

Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Guide Requirements:

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Risk Analysis:

Classification & Description: Sky5 is a class 2 with full “read and run” procedures from all craft.

Activities/Revenue streams: rafting, kayaking, fishing, photography

Craft used: raft, kayak, cataraft

Number of rapids: 0

Highest possible classification: 3

Lowest possible classification: 2

6.6 | Sauk1 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2198/

River Name: Upper Sauk

Section Code: Sauk1

Section Description: Sauk River from Bedal to White Chuck Boat

Launch Nearest Town: Darrington

Put in: Bedal Campground (near bridge)

Take out: White Chuck Boat

Launch Length of trip: 8.3 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 2 hours -3.5 hours

Normal Season: May-August

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Old School Park in Darrington, WA.

Distance from Seattle: 80 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 85 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 7

Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Wetsuits required: Yes

Borg level of exertion: Somewhat Hard 80%, Very Hard 20%

Guide Requirements:

• At least one guide with advanced first aid experience must be on the trip (example: WFR, WFA, EMT)

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Activities/Revenue streams: rafting, kayaking, fishing, photography Craft used: raft, kayak, drift boat, cataraft

Number of rapids: 3

Highest possible classification: 3+

Lowest possible classification: 2

Emergency Contacts:

Triad Office: 360-510-1243

Emergency Response (911):

Darrington Fire Department: 30 minutes

Significant Hazards & Risk Management:

• Entrapment (all levels): Detail foot entrapment during safety talk. Avoid flipping.

• Flush drowning (high water): Safety boats required in high water.

• Blunt trauma (all levels): Helmets required. Expedient rescues.

• Inexperienced rafters: Clear description of dangers and requirements on website.

Evacuation Points:

None (notably)

Current Operational Procedures:

Upper bound cutoff: 7,000 cfs

Lower bound cutoff: 1500cfs w/ 8 loads. Full cutoff is 1000 cfs.

High Water Craft: Maravia Williwaw 1.5

Low Water Craft: NRS E-136 (3 thwarts)

Safety Boat: Cataraft or Kayak

Notes: Kayaks are usually preferred as safety boats on this river due to its dynamic nature. Also, the Sauk is dynamic with high wood risk, so scouting runs are common.

6.7 | Sauk2 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2199

video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GiMooNyDHQ

River Name: Middle Sauk

Section Code: Sauk2

Section Description: Sauk River from White Chuck to Bachman

Nearest Town: Darrington

Put in: White Chuck Boat Launch

Take out: Bachman Park

Length of trip: 7 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 1.2 hours 2.5 hours

Normal Season: May-August

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Old School Park in Darrington, WA.

Distance from Seattle: 80 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 85 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 18 (14 with previous experience of Class 3 or higher)

Minimum weight: 90 lbs.

Wetsuits required: Yes

Borg level of exertion: Somewhat Hard 50%, Very Hard 50%

Notes: The Sauk tends to bring in less experienced rafters that are not truly ready for continuous class 3 whitewater which it provides in abundance. Many people booking the Sauk are beginners who do not want to take the “beginner run” on the Skagit. As a result, this offering pressures the guides to instruct guests harshly as they may not fully realize (or want to admit) that they are in over their proverbial heads.

Trip Itinerary (example):

9am: meet guides at Old School Park, fit into gear

9:15am: drive to White Chuck Boat Launch

9:30am: prepare to launch/begin safety talk

10:15am: on river (depending on traffic)

10:15am-12:15pm: have fun

12:15-12:30pm: off river/ride back to your car at Old School Park

12:45pm: Trip Debrief

Guide Requirements:

● Trip Leader must have 6 trips on this section of river

● At least one SRT-1 (or equivalent) must be on the trip

● At least one guide with advanced first aid experience must be on the trip (example: WFR, WFA, EMT)

● Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Risk Analysis:

Classification & Description: The Sauk is dangerous at high water and severely technical at low water. It is near the road most of the time but even then the road is difficult to access due to significant underbrush, etc. The Sauk is ultimately quite remote which makes it difficult for rescues of all kinds. The Sauk is a class 3 river, for the most part, but if taken lightly it has the potential to wreak havoc for guides that do not respect it.

Number of rapids: 10

Highest possible classification: 4

Lowest possible classification: 3

Emergency Contacts:

Triad Office: 360-510-1243

Emergency Response (911):

Darrington Fire Department: 15-20 minutes

Significant Hazards & Risk Management:

● Hypothermia (all levels): Wetsuits are required at all times. Evacuation procedures practiced ensuring expedited evacuation in case of hypothermia. Avoidance of flipping. Carry extra warm clothing and fire starting material.

● Entrapment (all levels): Detail foot entrapment during safety talk. Avoid flipping.

● Flush drowning (high water): Safety boats required in high water.

● Blunt trauma (all levels): Helmets required. Expedient rescues.

● Inexperienced rafters: Clear description of dangers and requirements on website.

Points of emphasis for guides:

● Flips in Jaws can result in swims through the following rapid sometimes called

“Demon Seed”

● People underestimate the Sauk

● Evacuation points are critical as walking through the brush is very difficult

● Technical whitewater in low water

● Watch out for wood (sometimes freshly deposited wood)

● 8 loads in low water require skill

● Alligator tends to create problems in low water

● Watch current lines on bottom ½ of section as it flattens and slows

Evacuation Points:

Evac 1: Below Alligator rapid, beach on river left (road access from “turnaround” camp)

Evac 2: Murphy Creek Trail

Evac 3: Popeye (Old Sauk River Trail)

Evac 4: Clear Creek (HWY 530 bridge)

Significant Rapids:

Jaws: This rapid is complex and long. Notably, there is a sneak route to the far left in high water (above 3500cfs on the AB White Chuck USGS gauge). You can tell it is high water when the channel to the right of the island opens up, and you therefore must wade across it to scout the rapid from the newly formed “island”. Jaws is not difficult in high water if you take the sneak, but if you take the meat of the rapid in flows above 2000, you must be certain to go right or left of “Demon Seed” rock, named by Lonnie Hutson of Sundog Expeditions after a failed attempt to run the pour-over. Typically, the right route is easiest as it has more current going there, but the left run becomes more available as flows drop, and the diagonal wave ceases to push boats towards the right bank. Jaws can be scouted from the right, and it should be scouted if flows change dramatically during high water conditions.

Alligator (low water only): This rapid has a difficult entrance in low water as guides must perform a very abrupt maneuver in technical water, moving from river left across the entire river to river right as the river “slides” across boulders to the bottom. There is a rock/hole in the bottom center that is best avoided at most flows, though it is not much of a raft flipper.

Current Operational Procedures:

Upper bound cutoff: 7,000 cfs

Lower bound cutoff: 1500cfs w/ 8 loads. Full cutoff is 1000 cfs.

High Water Craft: Maravia Williwaw 1.5

Low Water Craft: NRS E-136 (3 thwarts)

Safety Boat: Cataraft or Kayak

Notes: Kayaks are usually preferred as safety boats on this river due to its dynamic nature. Also, the Sauk is dynamic with high wood risk, so scouting runs are common.

6.8 | Sauk3 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2201/

River Name: Darrington area Sauk

Section Code: Sauk3

Section Description: Sauk River from Backman Park to Sauk River Park

Note: Can be broken up into two sections (take out or put in at Darrington city bridge)

Nearest Town: Darrington

Put in: Backman Park

Take out: Sauk River Park

Length of trip: 14 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 3 hours -5.5 hours

Normal Season: May-August

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Old School Park in Darrington, WA.

Distance from Seattle: 80 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 85 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 7

Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Wetsuits required: Yes

Borg level of exertion: Somewhat Hard 80%, Very Hard 20%

Guide Requirements:

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Activities/Revenue streams: rafting, kayaking, fishing, photography

Craft used: raft, kayak, driftboat, cataraft

Number of rapids: 3

Highest possible classification: 3

Lowest possible classification: 2

Emergency Contacts:

Triad Office: 360-510-1243

Emergency Response (911):

Darrington Fire Department: 15-20 minutes

Significant Hazards & Risk Management:

• Entrapment (all levels): Detail foot entrapment during safety talk. Avoid flipping.

• Flush drowning (high water): Safety boats required in high water.

• Blunt trauma (all levels): Helmets required. Expedient rescues.

• Inexperienced rafters: Clear description of dangers and requirements on website.

Evacuation Points:

Roadside nearly the entire trip

Current Operational Procedures:

Upper bound cutoff: 2,000 cfs

Lower bound cutoff: 30000cfs (Sauk at Sauk gauge)

High Water Craft: Maravia Williwaw 1.5

Low Water Craft: NRS E-136 (3 thwarts)

Safety Boat: Cataraft or Kayak

6.9 | Sauk4 | Protocol

River Details:

River Name: Lower Sauk/Confluence Sauk

Section Code: Sauk4

Section Description: Sauk River Park to Faber Landing (Skagit River)

Nearest Town: Darrington & Rockport

Put in: Sauk River Park

Take out: Faber Landing

Length of trip: 17 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 4 hours -6 hours

Normal Season: May-August

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Old School Park in Darrington, WA.

Distance from Seattle: 80 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 85 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 7

Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Wetsuits required: Yes

Borg level of exertion: Somewhat Hard 80%, Very Hard 20%

Guide Requirements:

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Activities/Revenue streams: rafting, kayaking, fishing, photography

Craft used: raft, kayak, driftboat, cataraft

Number of rapids: 3

Highest possible classification: 3

Lowest possible classification: 2

Emergency Contacts:

Triad Office: 360-510-1243

Emergency Response (911):

Darrington Fire Department: 15-20 minutes

Significant Hazards & Risk Management:

• Entrapment (all levels): Detail foot entrapment during safety talk. Avoid flipping.

• Flush drowning (high water): Safety boats required in high water.

• Blunt trauma (all levels): Helmets required. Expedient rescues.

• Inexperienced rafters: Clear description of dangers and requirements on website.

Evacuation Points:

Roadside nearly the entire trip

Current Operational Procedures:

Upper bound cutoff: 2,000 cfs

Lower bound cutoff: 30000cfs (Sauk at Sauk gauge)

High Water Craft: Maravia Williwaw 1.5

Low Water Craft: NRS E-136 (3 thwarts)

Safety Boat: Cataraft or Kayak

6.10 | SK1 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: none

River Name: Skagit

Section Code: SK1

Section Description: Faber Landing to Baker River

Nearest Town: Concrete

Put in: Faber Landing

Take out: Baker River (mouth) near Concrete

Length of trip: 5 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 1.8 hours 2.2 hours

Normal Season: All Year

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Howard Miller Steelhead Park

Distance from Seattle: 90 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 55 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 5

Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Guide Requirements:

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Risk Analysis:

Classification & Description: The Skagit is a class 2 with full “read and run” procedures from all craft.

Activities/Revenue streams: rafting, kayaking, fishing, powerboating, photography

Craft used: raft, kayak, cataraft, jet sled

Number of rapids: 0

Highest possible classification: 3

Lowest possible classification: 2

6.11 | SK2 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: none

River Name: Skagit

Section Code: SK2

Section Description: Howard Miller Steelhead Park to Faber Landing

Nearest Town: Rockport

Put in: Howard Miller Steelhead Park

Take out: Faber Landing

Length of trip: 5 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 1.8 hours 2.2 hours

Normal Season: All Year

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Howard Miller Steelhead Park

Distance from Seattle: 90 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 55 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 5

Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Guide Requirements:

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Activities/Revenue streams: rafting, kayaking, fishing, powerboating, photography

Craft used: raft, kayak, cataraft, jet sled

Number of rapids: 0

Highest possible classification: 3

Lowest possible classification: 2

6.12 | SK3 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2205/

River Name: Skagit

Section Code: SK3

Section Description: Eagle Watching section | Marblemount to Rockport

Nearest Town: Rockport

Put in: Marblemount Boat Launch

Take out: Howard Miller Steelhead Park

Alternate Take out: Sutter Creek

Length of trip: 8 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 1.8 hours 2.2 hours

Normal Season: All Year

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Howard Miller Steelhead Park

Distance from Seattle: 90 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 55 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 5

Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Guide Requirements:

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Activities/Revenue streams: rafting, kayaking, fishing, powerboating, photography

Craft used: raft, kayak, cataraft, jet sled

Number of rapids: 0

Highest possible classification: 3

Lowest possible classification: 2

6.13 | SK4 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2205/

River Name: Skagit

Section Code: SK4

Section Description: Copper to Marblemount

Nearest Town: Marblemount

Put in: Copper Creek

Take out: Marblemount Boat Launch

Length of trip: 6 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 1.4 hours 2.2 hours

Normal Season: All Year

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Marblemount Boat Launch

Distance from Seattle: 100 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 65 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 5

Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Guide Requirements:

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Activities/Revenue streams: rafting, kayaking, fishing, photography

Craft used: raft, kayak, cataraft

Number of rapids: 0

Highest possible classification: 3

Lowest possible classification: 2

6.14 | SK5 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2206/

USGS: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?12178000

Video: https://vimeo.com/128435332?utm_source=email&utm_medium=clip- transcode_complete-finished-20120100&utm_campaign=

River Name: Skagit

Section Code: SK5

Section Description: Skagit River from Goodell to Copper

Nearest Town: Marblemount

Put in: Goodell Creek Boat Launch

Take out: Copper Creek

Length of trip: 8 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 1.8 hours 2.2 hours

Normal Season: All Year

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Marblemount Boat Launch

Distance from Seattle: 100 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 65 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 7

Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Wetsuits required: Yes, when water temperatures are below 50 degrees.

Borg level of exertion: Somewhat Hard 90%, Very Hard 10%

Notes: The Skagit is cold, but very predictable, straightforward, and at times big. Road access is relatively simple compared to other rivers. A small but reliable first response team resides in Marblemount. Wood issues are rare but possible. The S-Bends is the only significant rapid on the run. This trip beckons inexperienced rafters, so medical conditions, kids, and people with disabilities are primary focuses in terms of risk management.

Trip Itinerary (example):

9am: meet guides at Marblemount Boat Launch, fit into gear

9:15am: drive to Goodell Creek Boat Launch

9:30am: prepare to launch/begin safety talk

10:15am: on river (depending on traffic)

10:15am-12:15pm: have fun

12:15-12:30pm: off river/ride back to your car at Marblemount Boat Launch

12:45pm: in your car headed home in style with a fresh reminder of the greatness of your relationship with mother nature.

Guide Requirements:

• Trip Leader must have 1 trip on this section of river

• At least one SRT-1 swiftwater rescue trained guide (or equivalent) must be on the trip

• At least one guide with advanced first aid experience (does not need to be current) must be on the trip (example: WFR, WFA, EMT)

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Risk Analysis:

Classification & Description: The Skagit is a class 2 river with the S-Bends which can measure as a gentle class 3- towards nearly being class 4 in higher flows. It is a great beginner and family section, and is an ideal training grounds for inexperienced commercial guides.

Activities/Revenue streams: rafting, kayaking, photography

Craft used: raft, kayak, cataraft

Number of rapids: 5

Highest possible classification: 3

Lowest possible classification: 2

Emergency Contacts:

Triad Office: 360-510-1243

Emergency Response (911):

Marblemount: 20-25 minutes

Note: The National Park does not have a river rescue team.

Significant Hazards & Risk Management:

• Hypothermia (all levels): Wetsuits are required when river temperatures are below 50 degrees. Evacuation procedures practiced to ensure expedited evacuation in case of hypothermia. Avoidance of flipping. Carry extra warm clothing and fire starting material.

• Entrapment (all levels): Detail foot entrapment during safety talk. Avoid flipping.

• Flush drowning (high water): Safety boats required in high water.

• Blunt trauma (all levels): Helmets required. Expedient rescues.

• Inexperienced rafters: Clear description of dangers and requirements on website.

Points of emphasis for guides:

• The right side of the second rapid in the S-Bends tends to push rafts towards the sharp rocks on the bank, especially in lower water.

• Inexperienced rafters abound.

• Break-ins have been experienced at the meet up location

• Boat Launch issues are prevalent due to private boaters (especially in August)

• Parking jams occur at Copper Creek take-out, and as a result we must be very careful about placement of vehicles on the USFS road leading to the boat launch. Occasionally we leave the bus on the Highway.

Evacuation Points:

No specific evacuation points have been detailed for this protocol, as the road parallels the river for much of the run. One trip down this river will make obvious the access points, which are numerous and prevalent.

Significant Rapids:

S-Bends: This rapid has 4 sections, of which the first two are more commonly the biggest and most consequential. The first rapid has towering waves and pushes you ultimately towards the left bank. The second pushes hard to the right and then a wave train leads you towards the center/left of the river. The third features a large rock that creates a hole/wave, capable of flipping a raft at most flows. It is easy to miss this rock to the right, and yet another more technical line exists to the left of it. The fourth rapid is simple, and has a rock towards the bottom which pushes the river to the right.

Hydraulics form at the bottom of the fourth rapid which are powerful enough to cause significant “down time” for guests, even in type 5 PFDs.

Update 2022: In the summer of ‘22 we flipped 2 rafts in the second wave of the second rapid. Notably, both of these flips were by experienced veteran guides who were running the standard commercial line, and were not the result of mistakes. Both of these flips occurred between 3k-5k cfs. This wave is very powerful and can be avoided to the left. Hitting the wave squarely with momentum will likely punch through. This wave changed during the floods of Novermber 2021, and will likely not return to its previously smooth splashy form. This is a crashing “haystack” wave and it is a flipper.

Current Operational Procedures:

Upper bound cutoff: None

Lower bound cutoff: None

Note: Seattle City Light is obligated contractually to keep this river above 1500cfs. Runs at this flow are low and arduous but nowhere near any pressing safety concern. Triad has run this river numerous times between 1500-2000cfs. Triad has also ran this river as high as 20k cfs without issue, although the waves in the S-Bends do get big and are significant class 3 at those levels (to call them class 4 would be incorrect, but the river gets big and powerful at those levels).

High Water Craft: Maravia Williwaw 1.5

Low Water Craft: Maravia Williwaw 1.5

6.15 | Sno1 | Protocol

AW: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2219/

USGS: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=12141300

Native History: http://www.snoqualmietribe.us/history

River Name: Upper Middle Fork Snoqualmie

Section Code: Sno1

Section Description: Middle Fork Snoqualmie from Taylor River to Concrete Bridge

Nearest Town: North Bend

Put in: Bridge View pullout (mile 11.3, as advised by Tom O’Keefe)

Take out: Concrete Bridge (mile 5)

Length of trip: 7 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 2/3 hours

Normal Season: April-mid June

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Torguson Park in North Bend

Distance from Seattle: 30 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 110 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 10

Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Wetsuits required: Yes

Borg level of exertion: Somewhat Hard 90%, Very Hard 10%

Notes: This is a section scouted with Tom O’Keefe of AW and we can expect river access to improve over time. Note that traffic is awful on sunny weekends and care should be taken to arrive on time. Wood hazards are prevalent and during higher flows very dangerous.

Trip Itinerary (example):

9am: meet guides at Torguson Park, fit into gear

9:15am: drive to Bridge View Put in

9:45am: prepare to launch/begin safety talk

10:30am: on river (depending on traffic)

10:30am-12:30pm: have fun

12:30-12:45pm: off river/ride back to your car at Torguson Park

12:45pm: in your car headed home in style with a fresh reminder of the greatness of your relationship with mother nature.

Guide Requirements:

• Trip Leader must have 2 trips on this section of river

• At least one SRT-1 (or equivalent) must be on the trip

• At least one guide with advanced first aid experience (does not need to be current) must be on the trip (example: WFR, WFA, EMT)

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Risk Analysis:

Classification & Description: The Snoqualmie is sneaky, cold, and provides a challenge. It is similar to the Sauk in many ways, with several small rapids leading up to one major rapid that includes large boulders and consequences. The danger here exists primarily in two aspects; cold water, and the abrupt must make move in House Rocks, particularly during higher water. Inexperienced guests are often an issue, while (typically) this early season run brings in some of the best guides Triad has to offer to counterbalance the risk.

Number of rapids: 3

Highest possible classification: 3

Lowest possible classification: 2

Emergency Contacts:

Triad Office: 360-510-1243

Emergency Response:

North Bend Fire & Rescue: 20-30 minutes

Significant Hazards & Risk Management:

• Hypothermia (all levels): Wetsuits are required at all times. Evacuation procedures practiced to ensure expedited evacuation in case of hypothermia. Avoidance of flipping. Carry extra warm clothing and fire starting material.

• Entrapment (all levels): Detail foot entrapment during safety talk. Avoid flipping.

• Flush drowning (high water): Safety boats required in high water.

• Blunt trauma (all levels): Helmets required. Expedient rescues.

• Inexperienced rafters: Clear description of dangers and requirements on website.

Points of emphasis for guides:

• Inexperienced paddlers Evacuation Points:

Evac 1: River Bend pullout (mile 10.2). This access is right next to the road.

Evac 2: Russian Butte view pull out (mile 8)

Significant Rapids:

Headwall Rapid (Class 2+) Rainy Creek Rapid (Class 2+)

Current Operational Procedures:

Upper bound cutoff: 9,000 cfs

Lower bound cutoff: 1200cfs

Note: Sno1 is used as an alternate run for Sno2 commercial trips during high water. Sno1 upper bound cutoff is 3500cfs. Above 3500cfs expect to run Sno1 instead of Sno2.

High Water Craft: Maravia Williwaw 1.5

Medium Water Craft: NRS E-136

Safety Boat: Cataraft or Kayak

Notes: No preference in regards to safety boat.

Rescue Procedures: Standard

6.16 | Sno2 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2220

USGS: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=12141300

Native History: http://www.snoqualmietribe.us/history

River Name: Middle Fork Snoqualmie

Section Code: Sno2

Section Description: “Middle Middle” Snoqualmie from the concrete bridge to Tanner

Nearest Town: North Bend

Put in: Concrete Bridge

Take out: Tanner (easement)

Length of trip: 7 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 1.5-2 hours

Normal Season: April-mid June

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Torguson Park in North Bend

Distance from Seattle: 30 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 110 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 18 (14 with previous experience of Class 3 or higher)

Minimum weight: 90 lbs.

Wetsuits required: Yes

Borg level of exertion: Somewhat Hard 50%, Very Hard 50%

Notes: The Snoqualmie is an early season run and thus often very cold (often deceptively so), and the run is rarely in the sun. The river itself is relatively and consistently clear of wood, although large trees line the banks and a wood issue could come into play at some point. Private land owners dot the landscape on the lower end. Evacuations are short but complex due to steep banks. Guests often choose the Snoqualmie out of convenience, as it is the closest section we offer in proximity to Seattle, but it is not always kind. The Snoqualmie serves up a significant whitewater challenge through House Rocks, and in high water this rapid is certainly class 4 for rafters.

Trip Itinerary (example):

9am: meet guides at Torguson Park, fit into gear

9:15am: drive to Concrete Bridge Put in

9:30am: prepare to launch/begin safety talk

10:15am: on river (depending on traffic)

10:15am-12:15pm: have fun

12:15-12:30pm: off river/ride back to your car at Torguson Park

12:45pm: in your car headed home in style with a fresh reminder of the greatness of your relationship with mother nature.

Notes: Of all of our river trips this one has the most unpredictable traffic. Be advised of changes to timing due to traffic on Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road.

Guide Requirements:

• Trip Leader must have 2 trips on this section of river

• At least one SRT-1 (or equivalent) must be on the trip

• At least one guide with advanced first aid experience (does not need to be current) must be on the trip (example: WFR, WFA, EMT)

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Risk Analysis:

Number of rapids: 8

Highest possible classification: 4+

Lowest possible classification: 3+

Emergency Contacts:

Triad Office: 360-510-1243

Emergency Response (911):

North Bend Fire & Rescue: 15-20 minutes (unconfirmed)

Significant Hazards & Risk Management:

• Entrapment (all levels): Detail foot entrapment during safety talk. Avoid flipping.

• Flush drowning (high water): Safety boats required in high water.

• Blunt trauma (all levels): Helmets required. Expedient rescues.

• Inexperienced rafters: Clear description of dangers and requirements on website.

Points of emphasis for guides:

• Learn the route through House Rocks

• Learn the evacuation points as they are not obvious from the river

Evacuation Points:

Evac 1: Island Drop Rapid, 1.5 miles downstream from put in. Short trail to road on river left at small rock beach. Good for any type of evac.

Evac 2: A-Frame Rapid. Short, but steep trail to the road on river left at bottom end of the pool below A-Frame Rapid. Not a good evac for lower body injury. Last opportunity to leave river if people are cold/scared before House Rocks and other significant Rapids.

Evac 3: House with kayak in tree on river right. Roughly .5 miles below House Rocks Rapid. Private property but permission to use as emergency evac. Address: 46303 SE 134th St North Bend.

Property owner: Matt Davidson (phone?)

Significant Rapids:

House Rocks area rapids: This rapid has several waves as an entry into an abrupt right turn which heads into a few large boulders, which you may want to be right of. House Rocks is not simple, and while you can avoid it if you are set up correctly, you will find yourself in trouble if you’re off line even slightly. The crux of the section includes over a mile of nearly continuous class III-IV+ rapids with House Rocks being the biggest.

Current Operational Procedures:

Upper bound cutoff: 3500 cfs

Lower bound cutoff: 1200cfs

Notes:

River can be run at very high flows with a safety boater (be cautious of House Rocks and the “right move” there at all flows above 2500).

High Water Craft: Maravia Williwaw 1.5

Medium Water Craft: NRS E-136

Safety Boat: Cataraft or Kayak

Notes: No preference in regards to safety boat.

Rescue Procedures: Standard

6.17 | Sno3 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2221/

River Name: Middle Fork Snoqualmie

Section Code: Sno3

Kayak lesson section: “Club Stretch”

Nearest Town: North Bend

Put in: Tanner

Take out: Blue Pool

Length of trip: 4 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 1.8 hours 2.2 hours

Normal Season: All Year

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Torguson Park

Distance from Seattle: 30 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 110 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 5

Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Guide Requirements:

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Risk Analysis:

Classification & Description: Class 2 with full “read and run” procedures from all craft. All guidelines in AW followed regarding limits and upper/lower bound procedures.

Activities/Revenue streams: rafting, kayaking, fishing, photography

Craft used: raft, kayak, cataraft,

Number of rapids: 0

Highest possible classification: 3

Lowest possible classification: 2

6.18 | Sno4 | Protocol

River Details:

River Name: Lower Middle Fork Snoqualmie

Section Code: Sno4

Section Description: Sunset stretch

Nearest Town: North Bend

Put in: Blue Pool

Take out: Bridge near conf

Length of trip: 6 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 1.8 hours 2.2 hours

Normal Season: All Year

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Torguson Park

Distance from Seattle: 30 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 110 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 5

Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Guide Requirements:

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Risk Analysis:

Classification & Description: Class 2 with full “read and run” procedures from all craft. All guidelines in AW followed regarding limits and upper/lower bound procedures.

Activities/Revenue streams: rafting, kayaking, fishing, photography

Craft used: raft, kayak, cataraft,

Number of rapids: 0

Highest possible classification: 3

Lowest possible classification: 2

6.19 | Stilly1 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/2240/main

USGS: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/12161000/#parameterCode=00065&period=P7D

Native History:

River Name: Middle Stillaguamish Above Robe

Section Code: Stilly1

Section Description: Stillaguamish River “Above Robe”

Nearest Town: Granite Falls

Put in: Red Bridge Campground

Take out: Verlot Campground

Length of trip: 7 Miles (approx.)

Duration at high water/low water: 1.5-2 hours

Normal Season: April-mid June

Note: River levels change often on this section. Later in the season smaller boats must be used.

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Verlot (across from USFS camp and buildings known as “Verlot Public Service Center”)

Distance from Seattle: 55 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 75 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 18 (14 with previous experience of Class 3 or higher)

Minimum weight: 90 lbs.

Wetsuits required: Yes

Borg level of exertion: Somewhat Hard 50%, Very Hard 50%

Notes: The Stillaguamish is cold and continuous. Guests without previous experience should be cautious and may want to consider a Skagit trip slightly later in the season.

Trip Itinerary (example):

9am: meet guides at Verlot, fit into gear

9:15am: drive to Red Bridge Campground Put in

9:30am: prepare to launch/begin safety talk

10:15am: on river (depending on traffic)

10:15am-12:15pm: have fun

12:15-12:30pm: off river/ride back to your car at Verlot

12:45pm: in your car headed home in style with a fresh reminder of the greatness of your relationship with mother nature.

Guide Requirements:

• Trip Leader must have 1 trip on this section of river

• At least one SRT-1 (or equivalent) must be on the trip

• At least one guide with advanced first aid experience (does not need to be current) must be on the trip (example: WFR, WFA, EMT)

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Risk Analysis:

Classification & Description: The Stillaguamish can be summarized by two words: continuous, and wooded. This river has a high level of gradient coupled with sweeping corners and unstable (geologically young) river corridor and large trees, which have a tendency to end up in the river.

Number of rapids: 6

Highest possible classification: 4

Lowest possible classification: 3+

Emergency Contacts:

Triad Office: 360-510-1243

Emergency Response (911):

Granite Falls Fire Department: 20-30 minutes

Significant Hazards & Risk Management:

• Entrapment (all levels): Detail foot entrapment during safety talk. Avoid flipping.

• Flush drowning (high water): Safety boats required in high water.

• Blunt trauma (all levels): Helmets required. Expedient rescues.

• Inexperienced rafters: Clear description of dangers and requirements on website.

Points of emphasis for guides:

• Stay updated with current river conditions

Evacuation Points:

Evac 1: Hemple Creek Picnic Area

Evac 2: Blue Bridge (house on river right below bridge)

Evac 3: 342nd Drive NE (Bridge)

Note: The river runs near the road at various points, and all of these points visible to the road should be considered viable evacs, especially because the entire river is void of reliable cell coverage. There is a long section of road that parallels the river near the biggest rapid at Wiley Creek. Guides should mindfully inspect the road prior to guiding this run as the road is key to evacuations.

Significant Rapids:

Wiley Creek

Current Operational Procedures:

Upper bound cutoff: 15 feet

Lower bound cutoff: 6 feet

Note: Safety boaters are required at flows above 9 feet. Stern mounts –or- rafts under the control of experienced guides required above 9 feet.

High Water Craft: Maravia Williwaw 1.5

Medium Water Craft: NRS E-136

Safety Boat: Cataraft or Kayak

Notes: No preference in regards to safety boat.

6.20 | Stilly2 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2242/

River Name: Stillaguamish

Section Code: Stilly2

Section Description: Lower Stillaguamish River

Nearest Town: Granite Falls

Put in: Granite falls (difficult)

Take out: Verlot Campground

Length of trip: 7 Miles (approx.)

Duration at high water/low water: 1.5-2 hours

Normal Season: April-mid June

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 7

Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Wetsuits required: Yes

Borg level of exertion: Somewhat Hard 90%, Very Hard 10%

Guide Requirements:

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Emergency Contacts:

Triad Office: 360-510-1243

Emergency Response (911):

Granite Falls Fire Department: 20-30 minutes

6.21 | Nook1 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2171/revision/1191965/

USGS: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?12205000

River Name: Nooksack

Section Code: Nook1

Section Description: Nooksack Canyon Section

Nearest Town: Glacier

Put in: Douglass Fir Campground

Take out: Milepost 27 (just past the Warnick bridge)

Length of trip: 6 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 1.2 hours 2.5 hours

Normal Season: May-August

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Douglass Fir Campground (other side of river near the steps)

Distance from Seattle: 115 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 36 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 18 (14 with previous experience of Class 3 or higher)

Minimum weight: 90 lbs.

Wetsuits required: Yes

Borg level of exertion: Somewhat Hard 50%, Very Hard 50%

Notes: The Nooksack is very wooded and dynamic.

Trip Itinerary (example):

9am: meet guides just across from Douglass Fir Campground, fit into gear

9:15: prepare to launch/begin safety talk

10:00am: on river (depending on traffic)

10:00am-12:00pm: have fun

12:00-12:15pm: off river/ride back to your car at Douglass Fir Campground

12:30pm: in your car headed home in style with a fresh reminder of the greatness of your relationship with mother nature.

Guide Requirements:

• Trip Leader must have 6 trips on this section of river

• At least one SRT-1 (or equivalent) must be on the trip

• At least one guide with advanced first aid experience (does not need to be current) must be on the trip (example: WFR, WFA, EMT)

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Risk Analysis:

Classification & Description: The Nooksack’s primary danger is the dynamic changes in the wood deposits, as well as cold water. Wetsuits are mandatory at all times, and safety runs must be taken when dramatic changes in flow occur between trips.

Number of rapids: 5

Highest possible classification: 4

Lowest possible classification: 3

Emergency Contacts:

Triad Office: 360-510-1243

Emergency Response (911):

Glacier Fire Department: 5-10 minutes

Significant Hazards:

• Flush Drowning (high water)

• Hypothermia (all levels)

• Entrapment (low water)

• Blunt trauma (all levels) Points of emphasis for guides:

• Dramatic changes with water flows over 2,000cfs

• People underestimate the Nooksack

• Evacuation points are few

• Watch out for wood (sometimes freshly deposited wood)

Evacuation Points:

Evac 1: Glacier Creek

Significant Rapids:

During the gorged out section there are several class 3 rapids that link together and are continuous.

Current Operational Procedures:

Upper bound cutoff: 7,000 cfs

Lower bound cutoff: 1500cfs w/ 8 loads. Full cutoff is 1000 cfs.

High Water Craft: Maravia Williwaw 1.5

Low water craft: NRS E-136

Safety Boat: Cataraft or Kayak

Notes: Kayaks are usually preferred as safety boats on this river due to its dynamic nature (and the numerous great kayakers that live in Bellingham and will go with us).

6.22 | Nook2 | Protocol

River Details:

River Name: Nooksack

Section Code: Nook2

Section Description: Warnick Bridge to Maple Falls

Nearest Town: Maple Falls

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 7

Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Wetsuits required: No

6.23 | Nook3 | Protocol

River Details:

River Name: Nooksack

Section Code: Nook3

Section Description: Maple Falls area Nooksack

Nearest Town: Maple Falls

Put in: Maple Falls

Take out: Bridge at Mosquito Lake Road

Length of trip: 8 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 2 hours -3 hours

Normal Season: All year

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 7

Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Wetsuits required: No

6.24 | Nook4 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2172/

USGS: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?12205000

River Name: Nooksack Section Code: Nook4

Section Description: Nooksack Horseshoe Bend

Nearest Town: Glacier

Put in: Nooksack Falls

Take out: Douglass Fir Campground

Length of trip: 3 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 1 hours -2 hours

Normal Season: May-August

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 18

Minimum weight: 90 lbs.

Wetsuits required: Yes

Borg level of exertion: Somewhat Hard 10%, Very Hard 90%

Notes: Very Difficult. Only experienced paddlers with excellent paddle ability and swimming skill.

Trip Itinerary (example):

Always custom

Guide Requirements:

• At least one SRT-1 (or equivalent) must be on the trip

• At least one guide with advanced first aid experience (does not need to be current) must be on the trip (example: WFR, WFA, EMT)

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Risk Analysis:

Number of rapids: 5

Highest possible classification: 5

Lowest possible classification: 4

Emergency Contacts:

Triad Office: 360-510-1243

Emergency Response (911):

Glacier Fire Department: 5-10 minutes

Significant Hazards:

• Flush Drowning (high water)

• Hypothermia (all levels)

• Entrapment (low water)

• Blunt trauma (all levels) Points of emphasis for guides:

• Dramatic changes with water flows over 2,000cfs

• People underestimate the Nooksack

• Evacuation points are few

• Watch out for wood (sometimes freshly deposited wood)

Evacuation Points:

Trail runs next to river most of the way, beginning 200 yards downstream from putin. Road is not far.

Current Operational Procedures:

Expert guides situational procedures

Notes: Kayaks are preferred safety boats.

6.25 | Sue1 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2243/

River Name: Upper Suiattle

Section Code: Sue1

Section Description: Sulphur Creek to Rat Trap

Nearest Town: Darrington/Rockport

Put in: Sulphur Creek

Take out: Rat Trap Bridge

Length of trip: 16 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 3 hours-5hours

Normal Season: May-August

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Sauk River Boat Launch

Distance from Seattle: 80 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 70 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 14

Minimum weight: 50 lbs.

Wetsuits required: Yes

Borg level of exertion: Somewhat Hard 50%, Very Hard 50%

Guide Requirements:

• At least one guide with advanced first aid experience (does not need to be current) must be on the trip (example: WFR, WFA, EMT)

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

6.26 | Sue2 | Protocol

River Details:

AW: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2244/

River Name: Commercially Ran Suiattle

Section Code: Sui2

Section Description: Rat Trap Bridge to Sauk River Boat Launch (at green bridge)

Nearest Towns: Darrington/Rockport

Put in: Rat Trap Bridge. Typically the best spot is just upstream of the river right side of the bridge; moderate to significant difficulty.

Take out: Sauk Boat Launch (big green bridge on Hwy 530) . Mild difficulty.

Length of trip: 13 Miles

Duration at high water/low water: 2.5 hours - 5 hours.

Notably on 7/20/23 at approx. 1100cfs the run was made in 3.5 hours.

Normal Season: May-August

Logistics:

Meeting Location: Sauk River Boat Launch

Distance from Seattle: 80 miles

Distance from Bellingham: 70 miles

Guest Participation:

Minimum age: 18

Minimum weight: 90 lbs.

Wetsuits required: Yes, when water temperatures are below 55 degrees.

Borg level of exertion: Somewhat Hard 80%, Very Hard 20%

Guide Requirements:

• At least one guide with advanced first aid experience (does not need to be current) must be on the trip (example: WFR, WFA, EMT)

• Guides must all adhere to Washington State RCW 79A.60.430 http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.430

Risk Analysis:

Wood dangers prevalent

Emergency Contacts:

Triad Office: 360-510-1243

Emergency Response (911):

Darrington Fire Department: unknown/highly variable response time

Significant Hazards:

• Flush Drowning (high water)

• Hypothermia (all levels)

• Entrapment (low water)

• Blunt trauma (all levels) Points of emphasis for guides:

• Evacuation points are few

• Watch out for wood (sometimes freshly deposited wood)

Evacuation Points:

Roadside Campground: located approximately 7 miles into the run, which can be accessed through the logging road on river left. Verizon cell coverage available here.

Significant Rapids

Rabbit Skull (technical but manageable at most flows).

Note that it is around a blind corner; can be scouted from left bank with the safety boater going ahead to give hand signal directions.

Current Operational Procedures:

Upper bound cutoff: 3,000

Lower bound cutoff: 800

Note: we use the All Creek Hydrograph but if this is unuseable or washed out we will estimate using the remaining operable hydrographs.

High Water Craft: Maravia Williwaw 1.5

Low water craft: NRS E-136, Aire Super Puma

Safety Boat: Cataraft or Kayak

7. Industry Standards

7.1 White Water Ability Levels and River Classifications

Beginner: Trips with a beginner designation are meant for just that; people who are capable of enjoying a rafting trip but don’t have the necessary skill or ability to tackle more difficult or technical whitewater. While any whitewater trip could lead to a rescue, a flipped raft, or strenuous exercise, it is much less likely on these trips.

Intermediate: Trips with an intermediate designation are meant for experienced rafters or beginners who are exceptionally willing and fit to tackle more difficult, technical whitewater on their very first trip. Be cautious: intermediate trips bring an increased likelihood of rescue, flipped raft, or sustained high level physical activity, and physical fitness is a must.

Advanced: Trips with an advanced designation aren’t meant for beginners. These trips are for people in good physical condition who are ready and able to take on demanding conditions, difficult technical and/or big whitewater, and involve a high likelihood of a rescue or raft flip. Advanced trips require paddlers to participate in aspects of more difficult rescues that guides cannot perform on their own.

7.2 River Classification

River Classification is a generalized, subjective label given to certain rivers as a means of coordinating general categories of risk. It is typically relevant only to the river itself and not to the abilities of the people running it. There are several white water rafting levels. Below is the American Whitewater International Scale of River Difficulty (credit: American Whitewater)

Class I Rapids:

Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.

Class II Rapids: Novice

Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class II+”.

Class III: Intermediate

Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self- rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class III-” or “Class III+” respectively.

Class IV: Advanced

Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require “must” moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class IV-” or “Class IV+” respectively.

Class V: Expert

Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain** large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential. Because of the large range of difficulty that exists beyond Class IV, Class 5 is an open-ended, multiple-level scale designated by class 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, etc… each of these levels is an order of magnitude more difficult than the last. Example: increasing difficulty from Class 5.0 to Class 5.1 is a similar order of magnitude as increasing from Class IV to Class 5.0.

Class VI: Extreme and Exploratory Rapids

These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. After a Class VI rapids has been run many times, its rating may be changed to an appropriate Class 5.x rating.

7.3 Cold Water Immersion (duty to warn)

Article (click here)

Cold water immersion is often the most difficult variable to account for, and is usually the most dangerous aspect of the trips we run. Do not take cold water lightly and make sure that you come to the river aware and prepared for the dangers. We offer rentals of 3mm neoprene wetsuits as a vital line of defense against hypothermia. It is important to take cold water seriously, and on each of our whitewater trips it will be a focal point of your safety orientation.

7.4 Environmental Impact Statement

The Future of the Outdoor Industry: The Minimalist Approach

We are reaching a critical point in our culture and society where we must decide when enough is enough when it comes to our material possessions. Our environment is unquestionably polluted, beyond repair in some areas, and we either live in the mess that is a result of excess, or we transport it to others who then have to deal with it. It's time we make a change in the way we go about enjoying ourselves, away from indulgent vacations which destroy resources and the environment, and towards a lifestyle where our recreational activities are as clean as the scenery and experiences they provide to us.

"Leave No Trace" ethics are just the first step in making sure that we as river runners leave our natural lands for those that will come after us. Just as the people who came before us have had an effect on the environment, so will we. Triad River Tours believes strongly in the minimalistic approach to outdoor activities, which is why we operate under several strict protocols that go beyond what is required of us by governing and legislative authorities. These include but are not limited to:

• No piece of equipment is carried that does not directly influence the safety of the trip. While we take extra precautions by making sure that each boat has above and beyond the required safety equipment, we do not take candy bars, soda pop, or any trash whatsoever. Every piece of equipment that is taken on the river on a Triad River Tours day trip has a direct purpose related to the safety of our guests.

• We typically do not stop for lunch on our day trips. Multi day trips are where we go to wine and dine our guests, but all of our day tours are specifically designed to have little to no impact on the river corridor, therefore we do not pull over to make food for our guests, which creates an opportunity for litter or "micro trash" which can then attract insects.

• We run the same section of river repeatedly. Other outfitters are busy driving giant vans, buses, and cargo trucks to and from the various rivers and back again to their places of business. Triad River Tours has made a strong commitment to remain local to what we believe to be a great river system which can provide our guests with the absolute finest whitewater rafting experience. As guides we have yet to tire of the Sauk and Skagit Rivers, and we think with the changes in the river, the changes in the seasons, and the abundance of story telling, social networking, and great wildlife, that you will always see something new on each and every Triad River Tours day trip.

• We are fast and we are light. One thing notice immediately about our crew is how efficient we are both on and off the boat ramp. We take great care in staying out of the way of other boaters wherever we are, as well as offer our hand and support to any and all who may need help on the river. In an effort to increase our efficiency at the boat ramps and while on the river, we spend significant amounts of time and money researching and purchasing the most updated and cutting edge river rescue equipment we can find, and make sure that all of our equipment is routinely tested and is the absolute best piece of equipment we can possibly find to take rafting with us. We absolutely despise "disposable" equipment, and make every effort necessary to purchase only equipment which will last for many years under even the harshest environments that river rafting can provide.

• We do not allow plastic water bottles on our trips. Guests who absolutely need to drink water during their 1-2 hour trip on the water are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles that can be fastened to the rafts, so that in the case of a raft capsize we do not add waste or litter to the river system.

• We go on the trips with our guests. When you go rafting with Triad you go in one vehicle unless it is overloaded and we need a second. There is often no equipment vehicle because our systems are so efficient and our guides trained and prepared to run the trip with you for the greatest experience. Our systems are so efficient and quick that our guests can go right along with us to the river. Furthermore, since we voluntarily and intentionally limit the size of groups on each Triad River Tours River Tour, we do not need to "stage" large amounts of equipment at the river before we get there. Leaving equipment at the river is a poor and unprofessional practice in the view of our river managers and should not be necessary with a highly trained crew of rafting guides. Triad prides itself on making a small footprint on the river, on the boat ramp, and on the road.

• Our guides all share one critical viewpoint: less is more. All Triad River Tours guides are trained to the highest degrees of effectiveness for safety, rescue, and professional hospitality. Furthermore, Triad makes sure, during the hiring and training process, that the values of our company are held in the hearts and minds of all of our guides. When we pay guides a wage well above the industry standard, and we are clear of our expectations for them as professionals, we have seen that these people have the enthusiasm and care to show our guests a great time. Guides make the trip, and we at Triad are well aware of that. Whitewater rafting and scenic float trips can be ran by a number of different companies, but when you ride with us, with one of our guides, you support a company that exists for a purpose. All of us want to act as stewards of the river, and work to guide you as you take in your experience with nature on your river tour. We pride ourselves in doing this in the safest, most effective, most efficient manner.

Triad River Tours operates under continuously evolving safety protocols and mechanisms. Before any decision about how and why a trip operates a certain way is adopted, there are fundamental ethics that must first be considered. What is our primary objective in our trips? First and foremost, we value human life and the environment. It is actually the synergy of these two things which provide the platform for our trips to have meaning. Without an awareness and honor of the two, our trips will lose their potency, thus our customers will fail to see their value, and ultimately we will not only have failed as a business, but we will have failed to live up to the demands of our own conscience.

“Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul”

— Edward Abbey

Triad River Tours looks for opportunities to donate time and resources to non-profit organizations which are dedicated to preserving our natural places. We work closely with government personnel to ensure that our lands are protected and that we are always abiding by the most stringent environmental practices while on the river.

7.5 Tensile Strengths of Common River Rescue Materials

Dyneema Rope: 5200lbs.

1” Tubular Webbing: 4000lbs.

NFPA 3/8” Rescue Rope (in our sweep kits): 3200lbs.

5mm Prusik: 1100lbs.

6mm Prusik: 1900lbs.

7/16” Sterling Rescue Rope (in bus kits): 4400lbs.

Note: Refer to SSI manual for more detailed information regarding tensile strengths. The above represent the entirety of what is in the current Triad system.

7.6 Communication

Whistles:

From Charlie Walbridge of AW:

This update was drafted after Jeff Wilson posted in TRPC regarding overuse of whistles on a recent river trip.

SAFETY WHISTLE ETIQUETTE for paddlers and wilderness rescue

The standard use of whistles taught in wilderness rescue courses is:

-NO whistle blast if the person/swimmer and gear are being managed and there is no threat of bodily harm or equipment loss. Verbal noises or commands can be used in place of a whistle blast, if coordination is required.

-ONE whistle blast is used when person / swimmer still needs help or gear is floating unaddressed.

-TWO whistle blasts are typically *never used* so as not to confuse the distinction between simply calling one’s attention versus a true EMERGENCY.

-THREE whistle blasts are used to define a SEVERE INJURY or LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY requiring all hands on deck. Novice paddlers should get to an eddy or take out on shore immediately. Veteran paddlers should immediately collocate and prepare for extreme rescue, extraction, or complex first aid. Ropes and first aid kits should be at the ready.

Triad River Tours

8. Guide Training Outline

& Study Materials

Notes: This is an older version of our guide training which now has an online training component, but this version has the core curriculum, and is offered to the public as an educational and safety tool.

Instructions:

Review the “Washington State and Federal Guide Training Requirements” video below (all guides).
To pass 50 hour guide training program if you are a rookie
1. Study all materials in each module (listed below as well as on the OPS document).
2. Request exam at the end of studying each module, and pass that exam with 80% or better.
  1. Note: Exams are multiple choice and short answer.
3. After passing module 4 exam -or- if you have passed guide training elsewhere, you are able to participate in hands on skills training and guide skills checklists in module 5.
4. After passing module 5 exam:
  1. Rookies: You are now qualified under Washington State Law to guide in Washington.
To pass -or- be exempt from guide training program if you are a veteran with previous guide training certification. Note: While all veteran guides are required to follow all policies and protocols in the company manual, they are not required to follow the structure of guide training.
1. Send a river log showing 1500 guided river miles -or- a guide training certification from another employer -or-
2. Follow these steps:
  1. Review the information in the modules, at your leisure. You are not required to take the exams, but you are responsible for knowing all Triad policies.
  2. Pass Evaluations and hands on Skills Tests in Module 5:
    1. Once passed; you are now qualified to guide for Triad and get checked off on any river in accordance with the protocols mentioned in section 6 of the employee manual.
3. Get checked off on each individual river you wish to guide on.

Module 1

Guest Policies

Employee Manual Section 1
Website: www.triadrivertours.com
Review sites
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g58350-d3600220-Reviews-Triad_River_Tours-Bellingham_Washington.html
- https://www.google.com/search?q=triad+river+tours&oq=triad+river+tours&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i59j69i60j69i61l2j69i65l3.2177j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#lrd=0x52d78a9246856491:0x39629e13d5b11b4f,1,,,
Safety Talk: https://triadrivertours.com/safetytalk
Waiver: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/533b3849af835/web
Cancellation policy: https://triadrivertours.com/cancellationsreschedule
Photography:
- https://store.picthrive.com/triadrivertours/?utm_campaign=custom_link&utm_content=&utm_medium=button&utm_source=triadrivertours&utm_term=custom_text
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Pe9S0ZD6g8
Pack List: https://triadrivertours.com/pack-list
Triad Staff (add your photo and bio): https://triadrivertours.com/meet-the-guides
Retail eCommerce Store: https://triadrivertours.com/new-products

Module 2

Guide Policies

Fill out a W-4 form: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4.pdf
Employee Policies: Employee Manual Section 2
Employee Responsibilities: Employee Manual Section 3
Payroll Policies: Employee Manual Section 4
NRS Guide Account: request via email
Sexual Harrassment: Sexual Harrassment Form
Equal Opportunity & Social Justice:
- https://triadrivertours.com/equal-opportunity
- https://triadrivertours.com/statement-on-racial-and-gender-equality
Permits:
- USFS Permits and NPS Permits
Environmentalism: https://triadrivertours.com/environmentalism
Overview of Apps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0vXzVDF59M