Whitewater Running and Safety

2 Day Workshop

Take the time to learn to paddle manage whitewater risks safely, through dry land lessons, in water practice, and river based scenarios.

The Plan

We will meet in the Bangor area. Rivers will be chosen based on water levels. After introductions and reviewing the plan for the 2 day we will typically start with whitewater wading and swimming skills. We will spend time the first day reviewing river dangers and learning basic rescue skills. Much of our second day will be spent practicing managing rapids safely through a mix of paddling, discussions and scenarios. In addition to the standard ACA curriculum we will focus on Packraft specific skills such as boat reentry, minimal gear rescues, and others.

2024 Dates

April 13-14, May 18-10

Registration coming soon. Email us to reserve a spot.

  • Bangor area.

    River location TBA based on water levels.

  • We will follow the ACA L3 River Safety curriculum. Time, weather, and group experience may cause us to limit ourselves to the ACA L2 River Rescue and Safety curriculum.

    Important: the ACA does not offer Whitewater Rescue certifications. Instead you will receive a record of your participation in this training.

  • Equipment:

    I will bring packrafts, paddles, and rescue gear

  • Wear:

    Non-cotton Shorts/pant and shirt, non-cotton socks and closed toed river shoes with a secure heel (not sandals or crocs)

    Bring:

    Type 3 or 5 PFD, Whitewater Helmet Rain, jacket, Water bottle, warm non-cotton top and bottom layer, Wet suit or drysuit (depending on temperature) Sunscreen, Lunch, and Snacks

    Optional:

    Camera, throw rope, boat and paddle

  • $275 per person

    -Discounts available for students, educators, and using public transit and bikes to get to our meeting point.

  • In addition to the schedules workshops we can design a private program for you or your group.

  • A few things you can do to prepare for this workshop:

    1. Review ACA Curriculum

    2. Practice knots listed on curriculum. Youtube is a great place to learn knots.

    3. Watch the Boreal RIver Hydrology videos. There is a second video in the series.

    4. Practice throwing your Throwrope and/or a rope coil.