White Water Safety Course

Sat + Sun 8am-5pm

About

Please make sure you can make this date & want to attend this course, because there is a NO Refund policy. This course needs a minimum numbers of students to hold an efficient and effective course. As long as it's a week beforehand, you can reschedule to a future course.

Course Description, this two-day workshop is intended for river boaters in kayak, canoe, raft or inflatable who can competently maneuver their craft in class II (and up) whitewater. The course consists of classroom time, land based drills and hands-on participation in various land and water drills. Participants should be in good health and physical condition and possess solid swimming ability. Based on self-assessment of all drills, participation in river activities is voluntary, however, since extended periods are spent in water, participants should be comfortable being in moving river current. It is not for the “faint of heart.”

Strategies and proven rescue techniques that may minimize risks encountered in river paddling.

A. Promoted with primary emphasis on recognition and avoidance of common river hazards. Included will be a) the fundamentals of self-rescue – swimming, wading, rope throw management and boat based rescues and assists, B.) ways to manage a rescue scene when an accident happens, C.) techniques for entrapment, pins, and other rope systems. Highlight of the workshop will be rescue simulations and “putting it all together” in team practice scenarios.

Your signed agreement to the Arkansas Outdoor Outfitters LLC Waiver/Release of Liability is a condition of enrollment in the workshop. Please read the form thoroughly before signing. You will also be asked to complete a medical form (information will be strictly confidential).

Workshop list for Dress and Equipment/Gear:
• Come prepared to function in a dynamic river setting just as when you go boating.
• Dry suits or wet suits – wet are a good choice because they give additional flotation and protect against bruising from river bumps. Not Necessary yet wear something on your legs. No Cotton
• Properly fitting type III PFD designed for kayaking, canoe or sailing use in good condition and a whitewater helmet. Protective river footwear (sandals not recommended – injuries to open toes).
• Thermal protection equal to weather conditions and temperature. In cool/cold temps, layers of polar tech, fuzzy rubber or fleece over a wet suit and under a paddling jacket or dry top. *Adjustments can be made in warm/humid conditions.
• A throw-bag of between 60-75 ft. in length, ideally of 3/8” spectra, max grip,or poly pro. Smaller bags of 5/16” or ¼ “are acceptable, but have limits. Whistle and knife.
• Bring your preferred boat for use in 'yard sale' boat rescue drills. • 12’ to 20’ tubular webbing, 2 piece of 5mm Purrsik cord 4ft long, two pulleys & 2 Locking Carabineers are recommended but not required. If you do not have these items call me first before buying or wait till after the course to know more of what you need. I will have extra of these to loan you. • NOTE If you don't already have a throw rope or other items on this list, a short discussion with the instructor(s) will be wise before making a major purchase. For identification please mark all your gear items with colored vinyl tape.

What to bring

Sunscreen, Life Jacket, Water, Lunch