Instructor: Lee Baker (Gradient River Essentials LLC)
Course Dates: Saturday, August 9– Sunday, August 10
Pre-Course Orientation and Welcome Campfire: Friday, August 8 at 9 PM
Cost: $155 per person for LCCC or WKCC members.
Course Size: Maximum of 18 participants.
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.
It is a highly interactive and thorough course suitable for all levels of whitewater enthusiasts, from beginners to advanced paddlers.
The course is designed for canoeists, kayakers, and inflatable kayakers (IKers). While rafters are welcome, the scenarios and techniques practiced will focus on smaller craft.
Curriculum Highlights:
Recognition and avoidance of common river hazards.
Self-rescue techniques.
Simple rescue techniques for paddlers in distress.
Personal and group safety strategies.
Advanced scenarios such as entrapments and pins.
Kayak- and canoe-specific rescue techniques.
Course Structure
Pre-Course Orientation (Friday):
Join us for an optional but highly recommended welcome campfire at 9 PM. This is a great opportunity to meet your fellow participants and instructors, and to settle in before the coursework begins.Course Days (Saturday and Sunday):
Be prepared for a full day on Saturday, starting early and running late. The course includes a combination of classroom instruction, dry-land skills, on-water scenarios, and debriefs. Expect to travel downriver to practice rescue techniques.
Important Note: The Middle Fork Willamette and Salmon Creek rivers are cold due to dam release and snowmelt. Appropriate protective clothing (drysuit or wetsuit) is highly recommended for the on-water portions.
There will be follow up information as we get closer to the course. Please reach out with any questions you may have: gradientriveressentials@gmail.com
Course Details
Location:
Middle Fork Willamette River
Camping at Black Canyon Campground (Group Sites 45-49 have been reserved).
The campground is 8 miles east of Oakridge on Hwy 58 and offers ample parking and space. Please keep vehicle wheels on rocks or pavement.
Meals:
Bring all your food and water for the weekend. Days will be active, so pack plenty of high-calorie snacks and meals.
The nearest grocery store is in Oakridge, about 15 minutes away, but daytime trips are not feasible due to the packed agenda. Evening trips are possible if needed.
Required Personal Equipment
Type 3 PFD designed for whitewater use.
Whitewater helmet.
Protective clothing suitable for extended swimming in cold water (drysuit or wetsuit).
Protective footwear.
Throw rope (available to borrow if needed).
Whistle.
A kayak or canoe.
Recommended Equipment (If Available):
Type 5 Rescue PFD with a quick-release system.
River knife.
Four (4) locking carabiners.
Three (3) pulleys.
Two (2) prusik loops.
15+ feet of 1-inch tubular nylon webbing.
Other gear we will become familiar with, but not mandatory for course:
Rescue PFD with a breakaway system.
Cow tails.
River knife.
If you are missing any required or recommended gear, contact us at gradientriveressentials@gmail.com. We have gear available to borrow to ensure a prepared experience.