Women’s Whitewater Guide Training on Ma Ganga

The United States Amateur Rafting Coalition is proud to support: 2024 NariNauka: Women’s Whitewater Guide Training, Breaking Waves and Stereotypes on Ma Ganga, India. March 26-30, 2024

The Need:

Despite a growing interest, there is a complete and noticeable absence of female raft guides on the Ganges River.

Many women who aspire to become guides have been discouraged, or told to seek training in other countries, creating an unjust and financially repressive situation for these women that love the river and want to make a career out of guiding.

Pioneering female kayakers have faced hostility. And otherwise capable women are driven away by misogynistic attitudes from male guides.

The lack of a clear path and supportive space has hindered the growth of women in this profession.

Our Solution:

We have meticulously designed a comprehensive curriculum that covers all the content recommended by the International Rafting Federation's Guide Training Program.

Upon completion of this world-class training program, these women pioneers will be dually certified with ACA Raft Guide Certifications and USARC Raft Guide Certifications.

The Importance of Women Instructing Women:

To genuinely empower and foster a robust and enduring community of female river guides, it is essential that they receive instruction from fellow women.

Gender-specific skills, which include distinct approaches to boating, play a pivotal role in women's sustained success in whitewater adventures.

This nurturing and supportive atmosphere is of paramount importance, particularly in a profession historically dominated by males.

Hosted by long time, world class river guides Jeremy Anderson and Elisha McArthur.

Their Background:

With over 2 decades each as experienced seasoned river guides, they understand the nuances of this profession, especially regarding the challenges women face in a male-dominated industry. Both women have been instrumental in the formation and inspiration that sustains USARC and it's our turn to give back.

Their journey as river guides is nurtured in a supportive environment where women supported one another and collectively thrive; this is not the case for so many women here and abroad who dare to break into the whitewater community.

Their collective experience inspired them to provide a similar opportunity for women in the Ganges region of India and we are thrilled that they have invited us a long as a "back at home" sponsor.

Our Feet on the Ground Support:

While USARC is supporting Jeremy and Elisha here at home organizing logistics and prepping for their journey abroad, USARC is fortunate to have the support of "Red Chilli Adventure," a well-established local outfitter with years of experience in the region. Their assistance with logistics locally is invaluable in ensuring the success of our program.

We have enthusiastic women, who are eager to embark on this journey, as well as a team of experienced guides ready to impart their knowledge lined up. All we need is the money to make it happen.

The Call for Change:

We firmly believe that the time is ripe for change in the rafting industry on the Ganges.

This initiative marks the evolution of the industry by introducing women to the forefront, making it more inclusive and diverse.

Your Support:

We are now seeking your financial support to turn this vision into reality.

Your sponsorship will enable us to provide the necessary resources, training materials, equipment, and logistical support required to establish and run this groundbreaking Women's Whitewater Raft Guide School.

Your contribution will directly impact the lives of aspiring female river guides and contribute to the broader goal of achieving gender equality and empowerment in this field.

We humbly request your generous sponsorship to be part of this transformative journey, changing the face of the rafting industry and fostering the first generation of women raft guides on the Ganges.