Published April 17, 2015
The Office of Continuing Education at the University of Louisiana at Monroe provides
various certificate, licensure, leisure and learning, technology, and personal development
courses for those seeking to gain extra experience, or learn a new trade. From May
2-3, the office will offer a two-day course for those seeking to start their own canoe
guide and rental service business.
The course will run May 2-3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Deadline to register
is April 23.
The class will feature indoor and outdoor classroom opportunities to learn the basics
of guiding and outfitting.
The cost is $199 per person, and includes all necessary canoeing gear (canoes, paddles,
lifejackets, safety ropes, and rescue ropes). Each participant will receive an introductory
printed package for starting a small business in nature tourism.
Participants will learn techniques to safely guide canoeists through local bayous,
rivers and lakes; the many challenges and opportunities associated with a nature tourism
business; how to proceed in the pursuit of an outfitting business, and more.
No previous canoe experience is required, but participants must be comfortable in
water settings, and must be capable of physical exertion, including lifting and loading.
John Ruskey of Quapaw Canoe Company will teach the course, assisted by Mississippi
River Guides Braxton Barden and Mark River.
Indoor portions of the course will be held at ULM, and outdoor sessions will be held
at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
For more information, or to register for this course, visit ulm.edu/ce/
