ACA Level 4 Rafting and Swiftwater Rescue Course- French Broad River May 5-8

May 5–8 | French Broad River, NC

This course runs May 5–8, beginning the evening of May 5, and includes three full days of instruction on the French Broad River.  Plan to arrive the afternoon or evening of May 5 to begin with dry-land instruction at 5:30 pm.

Housing is included and located right near the river put-in, allowing easy access to training locations.

The workshop begins with one full day of ACA Level 4 rafting instruction, focusing on raft piloting skills in both paddle rafts and (optionally) oar rafts. Participants will build foundational whitewater boating skills before progressing into the rescue curriculum

Food is not included after the first night dinner. There is a grocery store nearby and we can coordinate groceries and cooking at the house.

The course fee includes:

• All instruction
• River shuttles
• Rafting and rescue equipment used during training
• Lodging
• Dinner night 1
• Access to professional instructors and scenario-based training

If you do not have the required gear (listed at the end of this page), please let us know in advance. We have a limited number of helmets and rescue PFDs available to lend. Email us to request gear: chris@blueridgeadventuremed.com

• Piloting paddle rafts (and optional oar rafts)

• Basic river hydrology and river reading

• Boat rigging

• Paddle strokes and commands

• Reading water

• Scouting and running rapids

Building on that foundation, the following two days will consist of an ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue course(overview below).

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Swiftwater Rescue Course Overview

The 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 on personal safety and simple, effective rescue strategies, while also introducing more advanced techniques used in higher-risk situations.

Participants will practice skills related to hazards such as:

• Strainers

• Entrapments

• Pins

• Rescue vest applications

Training includes scenario-based exercises that allow participants to apply skills both individually and as part of a team.

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Course Objectives

Participants will learn to:

• Promote proactive prevention of river accidents and injuries

• Develop and practice key self-rescue skills

• Identify and avoid river hazards through understanding hydrology and river features

• Use fast, low-risk strategies for early management of river accidents

• Recover swimmers, loose boats, and equipment

• Practice advanced rope-based and in-water rescue techniques

• Gain experience using rescue PFD systems and understand their strengths and limitations

• Apply rescue scene management principles within a paddling group

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Required Gear List

All items are required unless otherwise noted.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Helmet designed and certified for river paddling

• Rescue life jacket (PFD) with tether and locking carabiner

• River knife (must be secured to your life jacket)

• Whistle attached to your life jacket

Clothing / Thermal Protection

• Sturdy footwear (old gym shoes are fine). River sandals or Crocs are NOT acceptable.

• Farmer John wetsuit, neoprene pants, or other thermal protection

• Bare legs are not acceptable for river activities

Wetsuit or drysuit rentals are available from BRAM for $50.

Personal Gear

• River first aid kit

• Any personal medications needed while on the river

• Two 1-liter water bottles that can be secured inside a raft

  • Non-locking carabiners or clips are not acceptable

Recommended Items

• Snacks for long river days

• Glasses strap

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Notebook and pen

• Rain gear and warm layers (training occurs regardless of weather)

Blue Ridge Adventure Medicine is permitted by the U.S. Forest Service to operate in the Pisgah National Forest.