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 Out of date on your swiftwater safety training?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 2025 OKCC Swiftwater Safety Training Weekend July 26th-27th!
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). This class is only available to paid-members as the club subsidizes a significant portion of the fees. You must purchase tickets for the event at www.okcc.org/events . a Facebook event RSVP will not reserve your spot. If you are not a current OKCC member but would like to join, we encourage you to become a member! Membership is only $30/year for individuals and $40/year for households. This gives you access to members only classes and events, cheaper pool sessions and discounts at local retailers. It's a steal! You can sign-up or renew your membership at
https://www.okcc.org/membership-signup/
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! You may arrive at the campground Friday afternoon/evening if you wish, as we will be starting bright and early Saturday morning.
Please direct any questions to Karla Bergstrom on Facebook Messenger or Emily Hooker at (503) 887-0940 | on Facebook Messenger.
MUST HAVE EQUIPMENT:
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
Also check out other Workshops in Westfir, Sports events in Westfir, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Westfir.
