Hey ladies!! The season is fast approaching and we are all hoping it will be a great one!! This may be our first chance to start getting to know one another for the upcoming season. I am helping to organize a womens specific (except for the instructor) Swift Water Rescue Class. The well-known local expert paddler and instructor Nick Wigston is going to teach us all the basics we need to know to have a safe season together on the river! It will be a great kick-start to the season and prepare us to step it up safely!!
For this rescue class, Class III skills are needed.
(However if you are a beginner and interested, email me and if there is enough interest, we may be able to set up a 2nd class that is beginner specific and will be a one day course.)
Nick has an impressive resume/ qualifications and I will email you his Bio if you are interested. I have paddled with him when I have been out of my element and he has a very calm demeanor and is an excellent teacher!!
DATES AND TIMES:
Thursday, April 19th, 5-9:30 pm, dryland indoor location TBA
Saturday, April 21st, 9-5 most likely Waterton or Foxton, depending on flow.
SWIFT WATER RESCUE CLASS:
The goal of this class is to develop confidence in the students' ability to safely run a river and execute effective rescues. This is a kayak specific class directed towards private kayakers. (No raft mumbo jumbo as Nick said.) It is taught using a realistic amount of safety gear and shows what to do if you do run out of gear (being resourceful).
What we will learn (in a nutshell):
- Rescue equipment and how to use it
- Knots
- Ropework: Z-drags, short repels, throw rope training, zip lines, tag lines, pinned boats etc.
- On river organization
- Rescue organization
- Real life rescue scenarios
Required gear:
Rescue Vest, Throw Rope, 6' of webbing, 2 carabiners, 1 pulley, River Knife, Whistle, 4-5mm rope to make prusiks, for both days.
Your kayak and all your kayaking gear for the river day only.
***Everyone should bring proper clothing for cold weather. Drytops, Drysuits, Drypants, Wetsuits, fleece, fleece, and more fleece. Head warmers and wool socks are a must. Also, good river shoes. Everyone will be in the water at some point.
****Cost is $125 per person + $10 for ACA insurance. A $50 deposit is required to secure your spot. Checks payable to Nick Wigston.
The checks can be sent to:
Tina Swan
3107 Milwaukee Street
Denver, CO 80205
Email me with any questions at
tswan5@yahoo.com with subject Swift Water Rescue Class. I am very excited to be a part of planning this and look forward to meeting those of you who join!!
Tina Swan