OKCC Swiftwater Safety Training Weekend with Lee Baker

New to Whitewater? Out of date on your swiftwater safety training? If you're a current OKCC member, reserve one of the 18 spots for the 2023 OKCC Swiftwater Safety Training Weekend July 22nd-23rd!

This class is an ACA Swiftwater Rescue level 4 course that takes a kayak specific approach to learning the fundamentals of rescue. The course is highly interactive and designed to challenge kayakers of all skill levels, so beginners and experienced paddlers alike are welcome. Participants will need a hardshell or inflatable kayak for the downriver portions of the course as well as a PFD, whitewater helmet, whistle, appropriate immersion wear & footwear, throw bag, and at least 2 float bags (hardshells only) and of course, a current signed OKCC waiver.

Instructor: Lee Baker of Gradient River Essentials. Lee is an experienced Level 4 ACA instructor with over 25 years of whitewater experience.

Location:  Middle Fork Willamette/Black Canyon Campground

Cost: $125 for current OKCC members. (there will also be an $8/vehicle fee at the campground).

Topics Covered: Recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed on both personal safety and commonly used skills. Fundamental and more advanced techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risk for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins will also be practiced. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context.

Please note: Campsites will be reserved and paid for by OKCC, however there will be an $8/vehicle fee that you will be responsible for. The club will also provide coffee and snacks, but meals and beverages are the responsibility of each participant. We encourage you to bring plenty of extra calories and water for the weekend, as we will be working hard!

Please direct any questions to Emily Hooker at (503) 887-0940 | on Facebook Messenger  or to Chris Massey at (503) 369-2127 | chrisamassey@gmail.com

MUST HAVE EQUIPEMT:

• Type 3 PFD designed for whitewater use
• Whitewater helmet
• Protective clothing (drysuit or wetsuit) suitable for extended swimming in cold water and appropriate to the location/time of year
• Protective footwear
• throw bag
• whistle
• current signed OKCC waiver (waivers can be found by clicking the blue flag on the lower right hand corner of  any page at https://www.okcc.org )

Ideally Bring*:

• Type 5 Rescue PFD with a quick release system
• (4) locking carabiners
• (3) pulleys
• (2) prusik loops
• (1) 15+ feet of one inch tubular nylon webbing

*We encourage you to put together your own pin kit, but if you are lacking any of this equipment, please let us know in advance. We can likely come up with some so that everyone gets the most out of the class.

Other Gear/Non-Mandatory: 

• Rescue PFD with breakaway system/cowtail
• River knife