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Alejandro Cuéllar Giordano

I was born in Mexico City, and from an early age, I felt a deep connection to rivers and the outdoor environments that came with them. While studying Civil Engineering, I started working as a rafting guide—a decision that would shape the rest of my life. There was something about being on the water, navigating the rapids, and connecting with the river that resonated with me on a level I couldn’t ignore.

Over the next five years, I worked on the east coast of Mexico, guiding rafting trips and abseiling activities. Even as I earned my degree in Civil Engineering, my passion for rivers never wavered. This led me to travel to the United States to explore different construction opportunities, but I always kept rafting in my heart—and soon, I realized my life’s path was clear. I was on a continuous search for rivers around the world.

This search took me to South America and Europe, where I expanded my role to include rafting guide, rafting instructor, safety kayaker, and operations manager. As I gained more experience, my journey continued to Africa, Asia, and Central America, building a truly global career in whitewater sports, safety, and education.

Along the way, I also competed in several rafting and river kayaking competitions, earning 1st and 2nd place multiple times. The competitive side of these sports has always driven me to hone my skills and push the limits of what I can do on the water.

In 2013, I became an officially certified instructor with the International Rafting Federation (IRF), specializing in rafting, safety kayak, and safety craft for rivers up to class IV. A couple of years later, in 2015, I achieved certification as a Swift and Whitewater Rescue 3 Instructor. I’ve since become an Advanced SRTA-W and WRTA Instructor. Through my partnership with Karma Turismo Activo and Rescue 3 Europe, I deliver Rescue 3 courses, and through my own company, Raftguide-Training.com, I teach Rescue 3 courses throughout Latin America with Rescue 3 International.

My path into rescue work was deeply personal. At the age of 18, I was part of a search and rescue team that recovered a young child from the bottom of a river. That experience sparked my passion for rescue operations, and since then, I’ve participated in numerous search and rescue missions around the world, dealing with all types of casualties applying the knowledge from Advance First Aid and Wilderness First Responder courses that need to be re-taken every 2 years.

The joy of being on the water—whether it’s guiding a raft, kayaking or teaching someone a life-saving skill—fuels everything I do. Teaching is the heart of my work, and I find fulfillment in helping others develop the skills to stay safe and confident on the water.

Beyond whitewater, I am a passionate freediver and a Molchanovs Wave 3 Master Instructor. I’ve taught freediving in places like Indonesia, the Philippines, Europe, Central America, and Mexico. The ocean, like the rivers I love, offers endless opportunities for learning and growth, and I’m thrilled to share my expertise with others.

greece rafting
sjoa river amot section
alejandro cuellar giordano beach

In the summer months (May to September), I take on the role of Head Guide at Uteguiden, where I lead training and development for guides, manage safety standards and protocols, oversee equipment, and help with hiring staff. It’s a position that lets me pass on my years of experience and ensure that our team is always operating at the highest standards.

During the winter, I travel to warmer destinations where I continue to teach freediving, as well as Rescue 3 and IRF courses. Whether I’m guiding a group downriver or teaching a new skill, I always strive to create an experience that goes beyond expectations.

Outside of work, I am dedicated to maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Yoga, nutrition, and mindfulness are important parts of my routine, and they help me stay grounded and connected to the natural world around me.

What I value most in life is connection—whether it’s with the rivers I love, the students I teach, or the colleagues I collaborate with. I’m known for my positive energy, excellent communication, and leadership abilities. My goal is always to ensure that the people I work with feel supported, safe, and inspired.

If you’re looking for a guide, instructor, or someone to lead your next adventure or course, I’d be honored to help you achieve your goals and exceed your expectations.

SAFETY FOR A FILM PRODUCTION

Part of the Safety Team for Mission Impossible 7 – Tom Cruise

CAMERA MAN

River camera on spot at The Amazing Race

Reality Show

Canyoning Guide for the Netflix Series Below Deck

TV Series

Head of Safety for the TV Series Succession

VISION AND ASPIRATIONS

My Vision

My vision is to bring rafting education to low inconme communities, equipping local Guides with the skills, tools, and knowledge to create self-sustaining programs that empower people, protect rivers, and generate long-term opportunity.

Community Integration

To connect rafting communities by sharing knowledge, aligning safety standards, and promoting best practices to ensure safer, more responsible rafting experiences.

Exploration

I enjoy exploring new rivers, cultures, and systems, then drawing patterns from each experience to discover similar solutions across different rafting environments—and sharing those insights with others.

Workshops in low Economy Countries

workshop honduras 2022
honduras irf support for workshop

Donations make it possible for me to run rafting and kayaking safety workshops for river guides and paddlers in countries with very low economic standards—places where access to professional training is limited, but the rivers are powerful, busy, and often dangerous.

Your support directly funds hands-on education in whitewater safety, rescue techniques, river reading, and professional guiding standards. These workshops help local guides and kayakers improve their skills, reduce accidents, and create safer experiences for both locals and visiting paddlers. In many of these communities, guiding is not just a sport—it is a primary source of income.

I have already successfully delivered one full workshop in Honduras, proving that this model works. With the right support, the same impact can be expanded to other countries across Central America, where talented river people are eager to learn but lack the financial means to access high-quality training.

  • Safer rivers and fewer accidents

  • Stronger local guiding communities

  • Improved livelihoods through better professional standards

  • Long-term, sustainable skill development rather than one-time aid

By donating, you are not just supporting a workshop—you are investing in safety, education, and opportunity for river communities that depend on their rivers every day.

How donations help

Contributions are used to:

  • Cover travel and logistics to reach remote river communities

  • Provide training materials and safety equipment

  • Keep workshops free or very low-cost for local guides and kayakers

  • Ensure knowledge stays local by empowering participants to train others

The impact

  • Safer rivers and fewer accidents

  • Stronger local guiding communities

  • Improved livelihoods through better professional standards

  • Long-term, sustainable skill development rather than one-time aid

By donating, you are not just supporting a workshop—you are investing in safety, education, and opportunity for river communities that depend on their rivers every day.

Valldal surfing kayak blunt