The Albanian Rafting Federation (ARF) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 Rafting Guide Training & Certification Program. This intensive training is designed for individuals seeking professional certification in the specialized field of rafting, offering a unique blend of theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and participation in Albania’s premier rafting competitions.
A Historic First: The 9th Albania National Rafting Championship 2025
For the first time, this year’s training will coincide with the 9th Albania National Rafting Championship, providing participants with an extraordinary opportunity to refine their skills in a competitive setting.
Training Schedule & Application Details
- Training Start Date: Monday, April 7, 2025
- Application Deadline: Sunday, April 6, 2025
- Training Duration: 11 days
- Location: Përmet – Vjosa River & Berat – Osum River
- Organizer: Albanian Rafting Federation
- Certification: Upon successful completion, participants will receive official Rafting Guide Certification, recognized by ARF and international rafting organizations.
Legal Accreditation
The Albanian Rafting Federation is the official entity responsible for certifying guides in the fields of:
Rafting
Kayaking & Canoeing
Hydrospeed
Canyoneering
Climbing
This program is accredited under the Albanian Law on Tourism (No. 93/2015, Article 68, Point 2) and the Joint Instruction No. 517 (2017) regarding the accreditation of tourist guide qualification programs.
Expert Instructors
The training will be conducted by renowned national and international rafting professionals, including:
Zamo Spathara – Lead Instructor & ARF President
- Pioneer of rafting in Albania, with decades of experience in developing adventure tourism in the country
Andrea Gatti – International Rafting Instructor & Referee
- Vice President of the Italian Rafting Federation.
- Director of the Under-23 & Under-19 World Rafting Championships (2018).
- Organizer and participant in major international rafting expeditions, including Nepal, Russia, Mongolia, Iran, Peru, and Morocco.
Roy Gergely Környei – Kayak & Rafting Expert
- 30+ years of experience in kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and guiding.
- Extensive international expertise, including work on the Mighty Zambezi River.
- Specializes in whitewater safety, guide training, and risk management.
Training Program Overview
Week 1: Core Skills & National Championship
Day 1 – April 7: Arrival & Introduction (Përmet, Vjosa River)
- Welcome to Glamping Albania Rafting – Camp Base.
- Introduction to the training program, equipment, and safety protocols.
Day 2 – April 8: Rafting Fundamentals (Vjosa River)
- Safety briefings and demonstrations.
- Raft handling, maneuvering, and crew management.
Day 3 – April 9: Safety & Rescue Techniques (Përmet, Vjosa River)
- Rope rescue training (throw bag techniques).
- Advanced rafting skills and risk management.
Day 4 – April 10: Race Preparation & Leadership Skills
- Whitewater swimming & safety drills.
- Downriver slalom & Head-to-Head (H2H) competition training.
Day 5 – April 11: Advanced Rafting Skills
- Mechanical guiding techniques & precision maneuvers.
- Group leadership & emergency response scenarios.
Day 6 – April 12: 9th National Rafting Championship 2025
Official competition day featuring:
Slalom & Obstacle Race
Head-to-Head (H2H) Race
Timed Sprint Race
Official Referees: Andrea Gatti & Roy Gergely Környei
- Award ceremony & celebration dinner.
Week 2: Expedition & Certification
Day 7 – April 13: Vjosa Multiday Expedition – Day 1
- Overnight camping adventure on the Vjosa River.
- Evaluation of participant leadership & navigation skills.
Day 8 – April 14: Vjosa Multiday Expedition – Day 2
- Personalized training focusing on individual strengths & weaknesses.
- Advanced technical guiding practice.
Day 9 – April 15: Journey to Berat & Final Preparations
- End of the Vjosa expedition.
- Transfer to Berat for final assessments.
Day 10 – April 16: Written Exam & Osumi Canyon Exploration
- Theory assessment & exam review.
- Rafting briefing for the final race.
Day 11 – April 17: Albanian Open Rafting Championship & Graduation
- Final race in Osum River (Berat).
- Fun competition for all boat classes (Kayak, Canoe, SUP, Raft).
- Closing ceremony & celebration party.
Course Requirements
✔ Valid First Aid Certificate
✔ Rafting Experience Log
✔ Personal Rafting Equipment (available for rent if needed)
How to Apply
- Deadline: April 6, 2025
- Contact: +355 672006624
- Email: info@fshr.al (Include: full name, contact details, foreign language proficiency, and a copy of ID)
Follow the flow of the water, and you will find your flow!
