American Canoe Association Packraft-Specific Swiftwater Rescue Training

Course Introduction

Please read through our Packraft Swiftwater Rescue Course web page for more information on these Training courses. Thanks!

Objectives

On the first day of our Swiftwater Rescue Training courses, you’ll learn to recognize and avoid common river hazards, execute self-rescue techniques, and execute simple rescues of paddlers in distress. We emphasize both personal safety and simple, commonly used skills. We’ll also teach fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as entrapments, and pins. On days 2 and 3 we build on and practice the skills we learned on day one. And we dive into more advanced techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers and rescue vest applications. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context, as well as give instructors the opportunity to evaluate your skills.

Price $695

A 50% deposit is required when you sign up. The remaining balance will need to be received through 90 days prior to your course. The remaining balance is due immediately if you are registering inside of the 90 day window.

Please review our cancellation policy, which you will find on our Terms, Conditions & Cancellation Policy Page.

Instructors

Steve Fassbinder

Steve, aka “Doom,” is one of the country’s first Level 4 American Canoe Association Packraft Instructors. He will soon also be a Swiftwater Rescue Trainer instructor. And he is a certified International Rescue 3 Whitewater Rescue Technician Professional (WRT-PRO) and IRF Whitewater Packraft Guide. Steve is also a certified Wilderness First Responder. An early adopter of packrafting, he has guided or instructed bike-packrafting to kids and adults for over a decade. And he has done remote packrafting expeditions around the world for over a dozen years.

Requirements To Take This Course

Physical Readiness

This is an active, on-water course. Expect to be wet the majority of each day regardless of weather. You should be in good health and overall fitness, be a solid swimmer, and be comfortable swimming in moving current. If you have any doubts about your physical readiness, contact us before registering.

Essential Eligibility Criteria

All ACA courses require participants to meet the following Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC). You must be able to:

Breathe independently without medical devices
Maintain a sealed airway while underwater
Hold your head upright without support
Manage personal care and mobility independently or with a companion
Follow instructions and communicate effectively
Maintain a safe body position during skills and rescues, and recognize when doing so is unsafe

Please review the full EEC at americancanoe.org/eec.

ACA Membership

An active ACA membership (currently $40/year) is required to receive any official ACA-issued document, including the participation certificate and the Skills Award. If you are not already a member, plan to join before or at the time of your course at americancanoe.org.

Required Gear

You must arrive with all of the following:

PFD (personal flotation device) designed for whitewater use, properly fitted
Whitewater helmet
Protective clothing suitable for extended swimming in cold water (wetsuit or drysuit recommended)
Protective footwear — closed-toe required
Whistle secured to your PFD
Throw rope / throw bag
15+ feet of one-inch tubular nylon webbing
2 locking carabiners
2 prusik loops
Your paddle craft (kayak, canoe, raft, SUP, or packraft) and paddle

If you need to rent gear, contact us in advance. Do not show up without required safety equipment.