Join our ACA Swiftwater Rescue workshop, and unlock the skills to navigate river hazards with more confidence. Taught by seasoned ACA instructor Carson Byrne.

Are you new to whitewater boating? An experienced boater looking to review rescue skills? Hoping to start working in the whitewater industry? Join us and ACA Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Carson Byrne for a 2 day swiftwater rescue course to learn and practice essential skills to manage risk for yourself, your crew, and our entire paddling community.

The ACA Swiftwater Rescue 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. Fundamental and more advanced techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins, also are practiced. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context.

Course Objectives:
• Promote proactive prevention of river accidents and injuries.
• Develop and practice key self-rescue skills.
• Identify and avoid river hazards by understanding hydrology, hazards, and river features.
• Focus on fast, low-risk strategies for early management of river accidents
• Develop and practice methods for recovering swimmers, and loose boats and equipment
• Develop and practice more advanced rope-based and in-water skills
• Gain experience using the rescue PFD, and understand its strengths and weaknesses
• Utilize rescue scene management principles needed within a paddling group

Participants will have the opportunity to receive an ACA Swiftwater Rescue Assessment either at Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 depending on previous experience and ability to demonstrate skills during the course.

Course Prerequisites: All paddle craft are welcome. Boaters should be able to competently maneuver their craft in Class I-II rapids. However, all boaters, and non-boaters with an interest in swiftwater rescue (e.g., professional rescuers), will benefit from the class. Participants should be in good health and overall fitness, possess solid swimming ability, and be comfortable swimming in moving current during river drills. Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature and expect to be in the water for extended periods of time.

About the instructor: Carson Byrne has been teaching whitewater kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and swiftwater rescue for the past 10 years and loves sharing her passion and stoke for the river! She has gotten to paddle and instruct all across the US and around the world from Chile to Uganda to India. When she isn't out on the river she loves to play in the mountains with her husband James and her dog Greg.

Equipment List

Tumalo Creek Provides

  • Recognition and avoidance training
  • Self-rescue techniques
  • Rescue techniques for paddlers in distress
  • Scenario-based skill practice
  • Rope-based and in-water practice
  • Scene management training
  • ACA Swiftwater Rescue Assessment at Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4
  • Immersion Equipment Rentals

Participant Provides

  • PFD designed for whitewater use
  • Whitewater helmet
  • Protective clothing suitable for extended swimming in cold water
  • Protective footwear
  • Boat
  • Paddle
  • Whistle
  • Throw rope
  • 15+ feet of 1" tubular nylon webbing
  • 2 locking carabiners
  • 2 prusick loops

Gear required for this trip is available for purchase at our shop.

Meeting Location

805 SW Industrial Way Suite 6. Bend, OR 97702

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+ CANCELLATION POLICY

Thank you for choosing our ACA Swiftwater Rescue Course. To ensure a transparent and fair cancellation process, we have established the following policy:

*Full Refund (Up to 30 Days Before Scheduled Date):

Cancellations made up to 30 days before the scheduled course date are eligible for a full refund.

*50% Non-Refundable Fee (From 29th to 14th Day Before Event):

Cancellations made between the 29th and 14th day before the scheduled course date will incur a non-refundable fee of 50%.

*No Refunds (Within 14 Days of the Event):

Cancellations made within 14 days of the scheduled course date will not be eligible for any refunds.

We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we appreciate your cooperation in adhering to this cancellation policy. For any cancellation requests, please contact us promptly to process the necessary arrangements.

Thank you for adhering to our policies.

Tumalo Creek

+ OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Enhancing Your ACA Swiftwater Rescue Experience:

For this course receive - 30% discount on equipment rentals including paddling necessities and immersion gear including dry suits. Rescue equipment is excluded from our rental services.

Tumalo Creek's Paddlesports Retail Shop:

Tumalo Creek proudly hosts a fully stocked paddlesports retail shop, equipped with all the necessary gear for your swiftwater rescue course. From rescue equipment to paddling essentials, our retail shop ensures that you have access to top-quality gear.

Additional whitewater courses:

You may also be interested in our other whitewater courses and summer whitewater progression. These include our introductory Full Immersion Whitewater Weekend, Intermediate Whitewater Weekend, roll sessions, and our three day raft supported Lower Deschutes Whitewater Kayaking Camp.

Learn more at - https://tumalocreek.com/lessons-classes/

+ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I bring my own gear?

If you have your own gear and or boat you are more than welcome to bring your gear to the classes. It is always good to practice in the same equipment you will use after the class.

Can kids come to these lessons?

We have a strict age requirement of 15 for standard lessons. If you have a child younger than 15 please check out our offerings for Tumalo Kids or email [email protected] to get information on private classes.

Do I have to get on the water?

If you are taking a class we do require you to come out on the water and practice the techniques we are covering. Though we start on land most of our instruction is on the water so students can try the new skill in real time.

Do I have to participate in the self rescue?

It is entirely optional but highly recommended that you try your hand at a self rescue during class. Practice makes perfect and what better way to practice than by having a certified instructor right there with you.

Will I fall in?

It is entirely possible that you will fall in the water. We will always suit you up with all of the necessary safety gear for the discipline you are participating in, and our certified instructors are well versed in water rescues. But still, be prepared to swim.