Nothing builds confidence like developing your rescue skills! You can take this American Canoe Association (ACA) curriculum many places, this Swiftwater Rescue Course is designed to meet the needs of river paddlers and paddling instructors. We’ll help you learn to read rivers carefully in order to identify hazards, develop rescue and prevention strategies and build a tool kit of skills to help you and your paddle partners manage risky situations. While using ropes, rescue vests and other tools of the trade, students and instructors take turns swimming through rough rapids and practicing techniques in a controlled environment, which will help develop a rescue mindset and the hard skills needed for rescue. This may be the most valuable paddling class you’ll ever take! Completion of the 2-day course entitles students to an ACA participation certificate, accepted by most river outfitters, kayak schools, and outdoor programs. Who: Kayakers, Rafters, SUPers, packrafters & whitewater canoeists What: A two-day class on the Animas River. The classroom session will be at the 4Corners Cafe (no coffee served) behind the shop. What to bring: Cold weather paddling equipment, any throw ropes, rescue vests or other safety gear you already own. Gear lists and a welcome letter will be sent out prior to the course. The instructor will provide a cross section of rescue gear for you to experiment with. Prerequisites: Class II boating skills Dates and Instructors: April 25-26, 2026 David Bumgarner May 16-17, 2026 Lauren Chapple June 6-7, 2026 Stuart Beezley
