The MHO River Roots Paddle Guiding Program Will Change You
Outdoor adventurers and paddling enthusiasts looking to turn their hobby into a career should consider an outdoor education program. And no, we’re not talking about a classic two- to four-year program offered by select colleges and universities; instead, we’re talking about a course that will fast-track your way to a job: The River Roots Program.
Kelly Holinshead, The Shutterbug Gallery
MHO Adventure’s River Roots Program is a 42-day flat and whitewater canoe program that teaches students the skills and experience needed to become a well-rounded outdoor professional. With a mix of hands-on training sessions, formal lessons and a 21-day field expedition, students leave the program having mastered their skills, ready to begin a career in the outdoor industry.
If you are over 18 years old and looking to become a certified canoe guide/instructor or are simply looking for a grand adventure, here’s why you should consider the River Roots Program.
It’s Worth the Price
Kelly Holinshead, The Shutterbug Gallery
Students attending the River Roots Program can expect to receive six certifications, network with industry professionals and successfully complete a 21-day expedition—all for approximately $9,000.
“The program is highly immersive,” says Liz Evans, a 2021 River Roots Program graduate. “We were introduced to everything required to be a guide and were prepared to enter the outdoor industry once completing the program.”
Rather than giving students a taste of several different areas of the outdoor industry like some post-secondary programs, River Roots specifically focuses on flat and white water canoeing. Students receive in-depth training, specific certifications and unparalleled expedition experience required by outdoor adventure companies.
“Students are getting the necessary experience they need so that when they leave, they are ready to work and it takes less time, which inevitably costs them less money,” says Rianna Sterk, River Roots Program’s coordinator and instructor.
The Natural Setting is Unparalleled
MHO Adventures
Instead of fluorescent-lit rooms, uninspired lecture halls and dry PowerPoint presentations, students at the River Roots Program stay and study at the MHO Barn, located on a 20-acre piece of forested land just outside of Huntsville, Ontario. Surrounded by this natural environment and inspired by remote living, students fully immerse themselves in a unique learning atmosphere that requires a willingness to be challenged both physically and mentally.
“The first few weeks in the front-country are busy,” says Sterk. “We are up from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. We are doing things that are active and out in the elements. Very little of the program is classroom-based; a lot of the program is active and challenging practice of technical and interpersonal skills.” From lessons like risk management and conflict resolution to knots and river rescue, students cover the technical skills and concepts needed to thrive as a guide.
The Program Provides Networking Opportunities
In-class workshops are led by business owners and professionals, giving students the opportunity to build relationships with other reputable individuals and companies in the industry.
“The networking that happens at River Roots is a unique part of the program,” says Erin Pehar, MHO director and owner. “We love facilitating those networking pieces for our students because it gives them a chance to build relationships with other businesses in the industry—we’ve all gotten to where we are because of networking.”
Real-Life Backcountry Experience
Kelly Holinshead, The Shutterbug Gallery
Halfway through May, students will have completed their front-country experience and travel to the James Bay Watershed for the much-anticipated expedition. During the 21-day expedition, students will practice their skills in navigation, risk management, group management and decision making. Activities range from completing camp chores to being the “leader of the day.”
“The expedition was the first time I did something big like that, and it was challenging for everyone,” says Noémie Wolfe, a 2021 River Roots Program graduate. “My favourite memory was on day seven, my birthday. We woke up to three centimeters of snow and everything was frozen! The day before we were wind-bound, so it was good for morale to make better distance as we paddled in a small snowstorm. That evening, we had Liz’s famous mac & cheese and cake: the perfect meal after a cold and long paddling day.”
Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!
Programs like River Roots are essential in molding skilled and experienced professionals. “Most college and university programs don’t give students the exact certifications and experience they need that companies are looking for,” says Pehar. “We noticed this need in the industry and it’s ultimately why we designed the River Roots Program.”
Graduates of the River Roots Program have received jobs in canoe guiding and instructing and have gone on to leverage their certifications and experience to find other outdoor jobs in the off-season. “We have other companies asking us if they can hire River Roots grads,” Pehar says proudly.
Since graduating in 2021, both Wolfe and Evans have found employment as canoe guides with MHO Adventures and look forward to exploring other areas of the outdoor industry. “I plan to continue working my way up to longer and more difficult river trips, one day hopefully up North!” Evans says.
This Program Will Change You
Angus Moore, River Roots Student
Whether you want to become a canoe guide or are looking for a unique backcountry adventure, you will leave the program a changed person.
The program intentionally pushes students past their comfort zones to build resilience, to discover their own capabilities and to thrive in the backcountry.
“If I could, I would do it all over again,” says Wolfe. “I learned to be resilient and noticed my own limitations. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to receive all the training and an awesome expedition in 42 days.”
Evans says, “If you have a passion for the outdoors and want to share it with others, you should absolutely consider joining the River Roots Program.”
Registration is currently open for the River Roots Program 2023 Spring cohort. The program will take place from April 24 to June 4.
This article was sponsored by MHO Adventures
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