River Access Paddle Program (RAPP!) seeks to form a licensed and insured water-based tour guiding program or business that’s cooperatively run for and by people who live, work and visit the Duwamish Valley. You will help to provide affordable, safe and accessible water-based paddling tours of the Duwamish River. Our goal is to promote the Duwamish River as a safe and accessible place to get exercise, build community connections, and learn about the history and environment of Seattle’s only river.  

In 2025, we are able to recruit and train 10 adult guides (with a focus on BIPOC participants) to complete a 2-day professional kayak river guide training. You will learn about cold water safety, paddle sport guide leadership, historically accurate information, and current impacts on the Salish Sea and Duwamish Waterway. Trainees will receive a $200 stipend after completing the training. 

People who successfully complete the guide safety training this year will also receive paid opportunities to host your own community events, garbage pickup events and guided tours happening throughout 2025. We ask that you commit to at least 3 guided tours in 2025. Additional paid guiding work for school and community groups will be available. We look forward to seeing you on the river! 

We ask that you commit to at least 3 guided tours in 2025. Increase of pay available as you guide more!

Please use this form to apply for the professional river guide training. 

Due to space limitations we can't guarantee that all applicants will be selected for this first round of guide training in March. 

We will contact applicants for a short phone interview, and may ask to contact references. 

Selected trainees will be contacted by February 10, 2025.

This project is funded in part by the Duwamish River Opportunity Fund (DROF) award from the City of Seattle.