Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

Big thanks to Jim Simmons and Jim Jones for making the trip to Lower Mountain Fork this weekend to teach a few Texas and Oklahoma folks a lot about Swiftwater Rescue. Mike Gardner made the trek down from Tulsa to assist, and we all had a great time. The group of participants was a small one, First-timers were Todd and Lisa from Tulsa, Susan from Paris, Texas, and myself (for a little refresher course.)

The instructors gave us lots of individual attention, and the small group was able to get in a lot of practice throwing ropes, swimming, setting up haul systems, working with the rescue life-jackets, and participating in mock rescue scenarios. Lots of other activity, too. Definitely a full weekend - and a lot of fun.

We heard it was 106 out there, but we never had a chance to think about how hot it was. We all wore farmer john type wetsuits to protect against bruises from the rocks, etc., but the cold release-water kept us pretty comfortable throughout the course.

Thanks again to the instructors who traveled so far to help us out - we really appreciate it!

Was wanting to attend but just started having to work some Saturdays. Maybe next time!!!

Sorry you couldn't make it, Jim. Just keep your eyes and ears open for the next workshop - there are several instructors putting them on now and I understand they are all good. Of course, I'll be glad to show you what I know anytime we meet on the river, Jim, but it's really important to at least do the 2 day ACA course.

Jim Simmons says that the SWRT training has a "6 month half-life" and that if you "don't use it, you will lose it." That's why it's pretty important to have informal get-togethers on the river from time to time to practice up on some of the skills we learn in the classes. It would be good to get a few folks together who have taken a class to spend at least a half a day on the river practicing up.

I'll probably make a post about that sometime soon to see how much interest there might be - a lot, I hope...