Just like a backcountry skier should take an avalanche safety course before going into avalanche terrain, boaters should take a Swiftwater Rescue Class to learn how to identify and mitigate hazards in a river environment. This class is appropriate for rafters, kayakers, packrafters, and paddleboarders. No boating is required for this class but all participants should have some experience in Class II+ whitewater environments. If you’re looking to adventure into class III or above, or you’re the most experienced person in your boating group, you should definitely take this class
Times: 8am-5pm Saturday and Sunday
Location: Historic South Platte Hotel: https://goo.gl/maps/7KCnGdwL6BusV8wU8
Cost: $295 per person
$250 with code CWSWIFTWATER for CW Members
For more details and to register visit:
https://www.whitewaterworkshop.com/aca-level-4-swiftwater-rescue
June 6th Golden Whitewater Park in Golden, CO 5:30 pm-Dark
5 spots available
Cost $125 per person. Free for Instructors/Leads Sweeps.Email Chris Zeller (
Description: Learn how to use your boat to assist swimmers, protect yourself, and collect gear.This class is an optional supplement to a regular Swiftwater Rescue Class. Anyone who signs up for that class will get a significant discount on this class but anyone can take this class even if you’ve taken a full rescue class elsewhere.This class will be kayak based.The course will cover: Assisting swimmers, Pushing boats, Tether systems, Unconscious boater rescue (hand of god), Partner rescues (“T” or “Bow” rescues), Wet re-entries.
Required gear to bring to the class: Complete kayak kit including kayak, paddle, helmet, PFD, sprayskirt, kayak floatation. The class will include swimming , dry suit strongly recommended.
Note: This event registration is non-refundable.
Join us for our first River Weekend of the 2023 season Friday, June 9 - Sunday, June 11 in the beautiful Roaring Fork Valley!
Volunteer lead cruises will be offered on Saturday and Sunday, but come Friday evening for the river camaraderie!
Camping is available at Ami's Acres in West Glenwood Springs. There will be limited parking/van-camping space, but tent spots are plentiful! (Carpooling is encouraged!!) Please indicate what you'll be camping in when you register. No vehicles over 22'. If you want to bring your camper or raft trailer, please make a reservation directly by calling Ami's Acres at 970-945-5340.
There are also tons of other great activities in the Glenwood Springs area, including the famous hot springs. Please note that some access points on the Roaring Fork are Colorado State Wildlife Areas (SWA) and anyone 16 or older now need either a fishing license or the new "SWA Pass" (available for purchase at www.cpwshop.com) to access the river from those points.
As a reminder, river weekends are not instructional events. Although we're all there to support one another, plan on boating within your skill set.
UPON ARRIVAL: We are going to be cozy at camp so plan on making new friends when you're there. This is especially true with regards to parking. If you can carpool, please do so. There are three camping areas and upon arrival you will be directed to one of the three depending on your camping style.
SOME GUIDELINES:
DIRECTIONS: From Denver take I-70 to Glenwood springs, take exit 114 Hwy 6, take the 3rd exit for the traffic circle to follow Hwy 6, campground is down 1.1 miles on the right.
Map Link
CRUISES: We're meeting at 9:30am on Saturday and Sunday at Two Rivers Park (740 Devereux Rd, Glenwood Springs, CO). Have your gear, food/drinks, dog, etc. with you so we can organize the cruise groups and depart for the river. There will be signup sheets for cruises at camp on Friday evening so you can see who is running what and if you can workout a carpool, go for it! Tentatively we're planning the following cruises but if you want to lead a different cruise, GREAT! Let us know. The following are proposed cruise options but actual cruises may vary depending on interest:
Saturday:
Sunday:
NO GROUP POTLUCK DINNER: Sorry, there will be no group potluck this year.
The weather is unpredictable and the water is always a bit chilly in Colorado so dress appropriately.
Questions? Email Noelle at westernslope@coloradowhitewater.org with "Roaring Fork Weekend" in the subject line.
Join us for a cruise on Boulder Creek Town Run! This will be a Class 3 run, and is being led by Chris Zeller. All applicants need to be accomplished Class 2 boaters. Contact Chris for details and to sign up.
Join us for a class II/III cruise on the Filter Plant section of the Cache la Poudre on June 24th. Ryan Ness will be leading the cruise, please contact him for details and to sign up!
Instructor: Tom Burroughs
To Register Contact: Lorraine Bruteig, Co-leader of the Denver Chapter of Team River Runner (TRR), Mcpheetx@gmail.com, 720-273-3433
This event is hosted by TRR not CW.
This Colorado River Weekend come learn Swiftwater Rescue!
Saturday-Sunday September 9-10 at Pumphouse Campground at the Colorado River - time TBD
$250 for CW Members! Free for CW instructors. Email Chris Zeller safety@coloradowhitewater.org for code
"Being prepared as a paddler is an essential skill to learn and develop. Whitewater enthusiasts of all disciplines and skill levels, as well as guides and instructors, benefit from a rescue course. Build skills to manage risk on the river. Develop a rescue mindset and learn an assessment process to “get the big picture” in critical situations. Practice using rescue gear and simple to complex rescue techniques. This course combines an outdoor classroom with hands-on learning scenarios in whitewater.
Swiftwater Rescue Instruction
ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Certificate of Completion; accepted by most river outfitters, kayak schools, and outdoor programs
Rescue and river gear available upon request"
Link to for more details: https://www.whitewaterattainment.com/courses/swiftwater-rescue-skills
Must be:
18 years of age or older
Competent class II-III boater with solid self-rescue skills
Required gear to bring to the class: Complete kayak kit including kayak, paddle, helmet, PFD, sprayskirt, kayak floatation. Dry suit strongly recommended.
Colorado Whitewater is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 1312 17th St #76767, Denver, CO 80202
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