The AR Swiftwater Rescue workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety as well as on simple, commonly used rescue skills. Fundamental and more advanced techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both swimmer and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins, also are practiced. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context. This is a 3 day and 2 night fully immersive experience. All food and lodging is included within the program cost.

This is for anyone who plays, works, or recreates in whitewater environments. The American Canoe Association originally created the training for commercial and private boaters, kayakers, SUP, and surfers seeking to learn and develop the necessary river rescue skills in Class 1 to Class 3 whitewater. 

AR has added to this core curriculum the skills and tools associated with mental health awareness and peer support competencies. Core elements of managing risk, individual and group roles, communication, and trip planning transfer into many scenarios on and off the river. 

Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive an ACA SWR Skill Assessment completion card suitable for raft guides and other professional milieus for whitewater practice.

Adventure Recovery Skills Trainings

AR Skills workshops are designed for individuals looking to develop technical abilities in various outdoor sports, through the professional lens of the Adventure Recovery approach. This approach includes mental health awareness, peer-informed communications styles, and overall situational awareness and competency. Each workshop will also cover topics related to mental health to better serve individuals looking to expand their coaching or clinical practices in the outdoors. 

The Adventure Recovery workshops provide individuals with the foundational tools to integrate the “nature as healer” philosophy along with the necessary knowledge and skills of risk management and leadership of technical outdoor adventures.

Who Should Attend

The AR Skills Workshop in Swiftwater Rescue is for anyone who plays, works, or recreates in whitewater environments. The American Canoe Association originally created the training for commercial and private boaters, kayakers, SUP, and surfers seeking to learn and develop the necessary river rescue skills in Class 1 to Class 3 whitewater. The Adventure Recovery model is distinctive in the unique way our expertly trained guides hold both the recovery coaching component and the safety-first, technical outdoor guide practices for clients.

Requirements to Participate

Eligibility for this program is based on the core skills necessary to participate based on the standardized EEC (Essential Eligibility Criteria) and the Adventure Recovery Risk Management internal governance. If you have any questions related to eligibility, please email our National Field Director, Nate Bennick, at nateb@adventurerecovery.com

What to Expect

Following registering, we will send you a complete packing list and syllabus.

Please note that we will be outdoors for the majority of the experience, covering long distances in rough terrain with prolonged exposure to the elements. The gear list we send will be considered essential items for outdoor leaders.

Be ready to:

• Receive feedback on the materials presented

• Be flexible and adaptable to setting and skill level

• Be prepared – inclement weather does not cancel anything. If conditions are consistent with the level of the course being taught or there is a good teaching moment, we go.

Long days and nights are to be expected.

Cold, rain, snow, cold water immersion, steep terrain, exposed cliffs, darkness are all expected (and welcomed).

As a mental health peer-based organization, we foster a compassionate approach to all that we do. We apply the AR approach to nurture environments that foster personal growth and mutual respect. You will be supported by the group and by the Adventure Recovery training and leadership team through any exceptionally challenging moments. We are a community and we hold ourselves consciously and with intention, through all we do.

We can’t wait to see you outside!