This workshop 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. Techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuers, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins, also are emphasized and practiced in the river. This class culminates with several scenarios that give participants the opportunity to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context.

Typical Itinerary

Participants typically camp at the class location (Nolichucky River) in western North Carolina on Friday night and Saturday night during the class.

Day 1 Topics: 8am - 7pm
Safety Plan
Hazards and Hydrology
Rescue Philosophy & Medical & Legal
Throw Ropes
Anchors/Knots 
Mechanical Advantage/Knots
Gear Inspection/Equipment
Signs/Signals
Swimming
Contact Rescues and Throw Rope Practical
Live Bait
Strainer Drill
Rescue Vests
Boat Based Rescue
  

Day 2 Topics: 8am - 6pm
Rescue Philosophy (review)
Knots/Anchors/MA Review
Scene Management
Pins
Entrapment
Stabilization Lines/Cinches
Wading 
Line Ferries
V lower
Line Crossing Tech
Scenarios
Closing/Review/Evaluations

Your Responsibility

• Whitewater helmet
• Protective clothing suitable for extended swimming in cold water
• Protective footwear (closed toe shoes)
• Whistle
• River Knife
• (3) Locking Carabiners
• (2) 12-15ft (1inch tubular webbing)
• (1) Throw Rope (70ft+ ropes are best)
• (2) 8ft prussic cord (5.5-6mm)
• (1) Pulley

Weather Conditions

Regardless of the time of year, river water is typically very cold. Participants in this class will spend significant amounts of time in cold water. At a minimum students should have a wetsuit, dry top, and skull cap, as well as synthetic underlayers.

Reservation Terms & Conditions

Full payment is due prior to the day of the class.

Cancellations made 24 hours or more prior to the class will receive a full refund minus a 10% per person cancellation fee retained from the refunded deposit.

Any cancellation made in less than 24 hours, before the trip/class begins will result in a 50% credit towards a future class. No-shows will receive no refund or credit.

If the trip or class is postponed because of bad weather, it will be rescheduled. If the trip or class is cancelled by Get:Outdoors or if the participant can't reschedule to the new date, the trip fee will be refunded.

All participants are required to fill out a trip application form and sign a liability waiver before participating in any trips or classes.