Swift Water Rescue/Paddling Skills Clinic

[Steve S]

Adam, I think your idea is right on. I'll help in any way I can.

[briansauer]

Adam, I would definitely like to sign up for a clinic like this. I have been through multiple paddling clinics and it is clear to me that I have a good basic skill set to safely run rivers. I was planning on offering to assist an instructor with their whitewater class this year, but I really need a refresher swift water rescue class. Another advanced area of training to focus on is on how to be an effective trip leader (especially on rivers that we haven't paddled before).
I went through Walter and Marcel's course a few years ago and it was so eye-opening. Like they told us, we need a refresher course every year or two. It's a 5 hour drive to get to the Little Rock area and only 3 hours to get to the Mulberry. I have a couple of other paddlers here in the Pittsburg and Joplin area that would also like to get in a class like this without the long drive. Best of luck getting this implemented. We are lucky to have paddlers like you that help so many other paddlers out.
Brian
620-235-3662
bsauer1@cox.net

[justin.payne]

I think you have a great idea Adam

[Adam Willard]

Thanks for all the response to my post. Im going to be at the board meeting coming up and I hope a few of you can make it. I have a call into the ACA about this idea. You all now we have to follow their guidelines for our clinic's. I hoping to have some type of answer so I cant let the board memebers know at the meeting. Im have received several emails and Pm's about this. It seems to me from the response that this could be something folks are looking for. Ive been looking at the WW and SW ACA outlines very close so see what overlaps with them. If you get a chance could you guys take a look at them and let me know what you want to work on. This could give me a better idea to fit your needs. Here is the link's for
ESSENTIALS OF RIVER SAFETY AND RESCUE

http://www.americancanoe.org/atf/cf/%7B ... Rescue.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


RIVER KAYAKING
http://www.americancanoe.org/atf/cf/%7B ... yaking.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

As you can see this is in noway to take from a multi day class on one topic. THOSE ARE INVALUABLE !!!
Keep the emails, pm's and questions coming!!! Yes I want to include all craft that we always paddle with. Thanks guys.

[Adam Willard]

Alright folks, I talked to the ACA today. The clinic is a go. I have to put together a outline for them to review. The clinic will be put together from the ACA outline for;
River Safety and Rescue,
http://www.americancanoe.org/atf/cf/%7B ... Rescue.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
River Kayaking,
http://www.americancanoe.org/atf/cf/%7B ... yaking.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
River Canoeing
http://www.americancanoe.org/atf/cf/%7B ... s_2010.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This clinic will be 8 to 10 hours long, will take place on class I and II water. The clinic will be tailored to the participants needs. It's going to take a while for me to write an outline and get it looked at. So i'll keep you folks posted as I move forward. I have 6 instructors that have stepped forward and close to 25 participants. Thats a great ratio and we have 3 more folks going for their ww kayak cert. So the ratio could even get better for the participants. Ofcourse it will take place in Ar, but its all rain dependent so who knows what river. I do have a place near Mt Ida off of 270 that might work and will have tent camping if needed. Im talking to the other landowners to get the ok. Thats all I have for now.

[Shep]

Hot dawg!

[Wavesport4]

Adam,
What would be the best way to sign up? Haven't taken a clinic like this before but I know it is much needed. Good job on getting the green light!

[Adam Willard]

Im working on writing an outline for the clinic. Once I have a rough draft finished I will send it to the ACA for approval. Just keep an eye on the message board for updates and future clinic dates.

[Clif]

Big brownie points for seeing a need and stepping out to fill it, brother. Good for you