ACA Advanced Swiftwater Rescue: Advanced Techniques

Nolichucky River or French Broad Section 9

FROM:$150.00

Months of Operation:

March-October

Duration:

1 day

Begins:

8 AM

Age Requirements:

Age 14+
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Overview & Highlights

This is for you if: You've already taken a swiftwater rescue course and want to learn additional technical skills to add to your rescue toolkit.

During our ACA Level 5 Advanced Techniques Course advanced ropework is the theme of the day as you will learn how to use more complicated techniques to broaden your rescue repertoire and further position yourself to lead and execute timely, effective rescues when it counts. Techniques include advanced anchoring and mechanical advantage (4:1, 5:1, 9:1, etc), zip lines, V lowers, Telfer lowers, and others. Class is conducted using a combination of downriver and static locations.

Class 3 boating skills and successful completion of either ACA or Rescue 3 Basic Swiftwater Rescue is required. If it's been awhile since you took the L4 swiftwater rescue course we suggest taking our refresher class first, often scheduled just prior to our advanced courses, given the technical nature of this class. Minimim age is 14. The Advanced Techniques Course pairs well with our Downriver Scenarios Course, which we often schedule adjacent to our Advanced Techniques Class. So, if you really want to take your rescue skills to the next level, combine all three classes for a comprehensive rescue deep dive. Lead instructor is ACA Advanced Swiftwater Rescue IT Scott Fisher, who has been teaching rescue for over 15 years.
Highlights:
  • Dynamic advanced swiftwater rescue training that is realistic, professional and fun
  • Reinforcement of existing skills and introduction of advanced skills
  • Opportunity to apply skills and techniques in both static and downriver locations
  • A supportive learning environment
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Nolichucky River or French Broad River Section 9

2 Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN 37650, USA

Additional Information

  • What to Expect

    • Reinforce basic rescue skills, including swimming/self-rescue, throw ropes, and boat-based rescue 
    • Review dynamics of unpinning craft 
    • Review single-point and basic multi-point anchors
    • Learn additional multi-point anchors
    • Review basic mechanical advantage techniques
    • Learn advanced mechanical advantage techniques
    • Learn improvised haul systems
    • Learn and apply rescue techniques such as zip lines, V-lowers and Telfer lowers 

  • Prerequisites

    • Age 14+
    • Previous completion of a basic swiftwater rescue course (Level 4 or equivalent)
    • Class 3 paddling skills
    • Good overall health and fitness
    • Solid swimming ability and comfortable swimming in moving water 
    • Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature and expect to be in the water for extended periods of time

  • Includes

    • 8-9 hours of advanced wiftwater rescue training 
    • Shuttle
    • Use of rescue PFD if needed

  • What to Bring

    Paddle craft of choice (must be rated for whitewater), helmet (must be rated for whitewater), type III or V  PFD (rescue PFD highly recommended), whistle and knife attached to PFD or in pocket, throw rope (recommend 70-75 feet of 5/16- or 3/8-inch polypropylene or Spectra/Dyneema), two 12-20' lengths of 1-inch tubular nylon webbing, two 6-8' pieces of 5-6 millimeter nylon prusik cord, four oval-, pear-or “D”-shaped locking carabiners, paddle, closed-toe water shoes (no sandals, must cover the whole foot), river clothing suitable for the conditions (e.g., fleece or polypro upper and lower body, IR Thinskin or Thickskin, drytop, drysuit, wetsuit—we will be spending a lot of time in the water so err on the side of caution), sunscreen, rain jacket (weather dependent), gloves (optional), craft-specific accessories as appropriate (e.g., sprayskirt, flotation bags, SUP leash, etc), camp chair, food, snacks, water


  • Meeting Location

    Specific river and meeting location will be sent out separately.

  • Additional Information

    Food and  lodging are the responsibility of participants. Riverside lodging and camping are available at our Nolichucky outpost and can be reserved directly with either USA Raft  or Nolichucky Gorge Campground.

  • Testimonials

    "Took the Advanced Swiftwater Rescue clinic. This was my second clinic with NOLI. Felt like I left at the end of the day with more tools in my toolbox. The confidence that I am gaining is incredible. Thank you NOLI for making the rivers a safer place."

    ~ George H


Policies & Agreements

  • Terms and conditions

    I certify that all registrants meet course prerequisites as defined in the course description, meet the minimum age requirements and do not have any medical conditions or limitations that would prevent their ability to safely participate in the activity.

  • Cancellation policy

    NOLI activities go rain or shine. If you cancel or decrease the number of participants in your party the following applies:

    Cancellations 30 or more days prior to your activity will receive a full refund.
    Cancellations 14-29 days prior to the activity date will receive a full reservation booking voucher.
    Cancellations 0-13 days prior to the activity date are not extended a refund or voucher.
    No Shows are not extended a refund or voucher.

Upcoming Dates & Availability

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