This ACA Swiftwater Rescue Level 4 course is offered in collaboration with Lee Baker of Gradient River Essentials LLC. In this course participants will learn the fundamentals of rescue.
This course is highly interactive and is designed to challenge all levels of whitewater enthusiasts. It is appropriate for beginning to advanced canoeists, kayakers and IKers. The course will be less relevant to rafters as the scenarios we practice will be with smaller craft.
The course teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental and more advanced techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins, also are practiced. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context.
When: The coursework will occur on Saturday, July 1st and Sunday, July 2nd, plus a Friday night orientation. The pre-course orientation and welcome campfire at ~8pm on Friday, June 30th is not required, but it is highly recommended. On Saturday we’ll start early and go late. You’ll want to have your camp established and be well rested at the start. Some club members will arrive days early to explore local whitewater offerings that are normally out of our range. The earlier you arrive the more time you’ll have to get acquainted with your fellow club members.
Where: This course will take place on the Middle Fork Willamette River. We’ll camp at Black Canyon Campground (group sites already reserved!!!) which is located about 8 miles east of Oakridge on Hwy 58.
Meals and Other Logistics: You’ll be on your own for meals, though the LCCC has a history of putting on some pretty epic potluck dinners so we’ll likely coordinate at least one shared meal once the participant roster is complete.
Course Size: We can accommodate up to 18 participants.
Cost: This course typically costs $175 per person. The LCCC is making it available to members for $125 per person. You must be an LCCC member to participate.
