Just like a backcountry skier should take an avalanche safety course before going into avalanche terrain, boaters should take a Swiftwater Rescue Class to learn how to identify and mitigate hazards in a river environment. This class is appropriate for rafters, kayakers, packrafters, and paddleboarders. No boating is required for this class but all participants should have some experience in Class II whitewater environments. If you’re looking to adventure into class III or above, or you’re the most experienced person in your boating group, you should definitely take this class.

Have you already taken a class and want to refresh or learn some more advanced skills? Check out the Advanced Class.

Times: 8am-5pm Saturday and Sunday

Location: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day we go up to Waterton Canyon on the Upper South Platte River. Outside those dates we go to the Golden Whitewater Park. Both venues are within an hour of Denver.

Cost: $365 per person

Once your paddling career starts to get into more dangerous terrain, taking a swiftwater rescue skills course can save your or your partner's life. Practicing rescue scenarios is also really fun! This class follows the ACA Swiftwater Rescue Level 4 curriculum including skills like:

• Swimming and wading in whitewater

• Throwing ropes and using them to rescue people and gear

• Quick release belts on rescue PFDs

• Unpining boats with mechanical advantage systems

Students are expected to be prepared for lots of swimming in varying weather and water conditions. The early spring classes can be particularly cold including ice in the water. Drysuits and rescue PFDs with quick release belts are recommended. We have spare throw ropes, pulleys and prusiks for everyone to use but if you already have your own gear it can be great to practice with what you’ll actually be using.

Boats are not required for the 2 day class as we get kayakers, packrafters, rafters, and stand-up paddle boarders of very different ability levels. This makes it difficult to plan a boating section that works for everyone. Students looking to practice boat-based rescue techniques should sign up for the half-day boat-based rescue class.