Trip Highlights
- Supportive learning environment
- Classroom and on-river sessions
- Fun and useful lessons
One Day
Whitewater Rescue Clinics
Join us in Hood River, Oregon for our
Safety & Rescue Clinics
- Length: 1 day (typically 8:30 AM to 5 PM)
- Season: Year-Round
- Activities: Safety and rescue topics on land and on the river
- Includes: Professional instruction, rescue equipment, and lunch
- Meeting Place: Hood River, OR
- Workshop Cost: $85
Our one-day rescue clinics focus on two specific rescue topics for boaters looking for training on particular topics. Each clinic dives deep into one or two themes, so you can choose the skills most relevant to your needs and boating experience. These clinics give you hands-on experience in a supportive learning environment.
How It Works
- Pick Your Topic: Each clinic focuses on one or two core rescue subjects.
- One Day Commitment: Train with us from morning to late afternoon – just the right amount of time to build skills without a full weekend course.
- Hands-On Learning: Expect practical scenarios, river time, and plenty of opportunity to practice.
- Professional Instruction: Our instructors are experienced guides and rescue instructors who focus on fun and engaging instruction.
Sample Clinic Topics
Each season we rotate topics to cover a variety of essential whitewater rescue skills. A few examples include:
- Throw Bag Mastery: Learn proper throwing techniques, coiling and re-stuffing methods, multiple deployment strategies, and how to responsibly manage rope rescues from shore.
- Swimming in Whitewater: Develop defensive and aggressive swimming techniques and gain confidence in moving water.
- Boat-Based Rescues: Practice rescuing swimmers from a raft or kayak.
- Mechanical Advantage Systems: Build and practice simple 2:1, 3:1, and 5:1 pulley systems for unpinning boats with instruction on anchors and rope management.
- River Hazard Management: Learn strategies for avoiding, approaching, and rescuing around strainers, sieves, and other common river hazards.
- Knots and Anchors: A hands-on session tying the most useful knots and anchors used on the river.
Who Should Join?
- Private Boaters who want targeted skill development without committing to a full multi-day course.
- Professional Guides looking for continuing education and extra practice.
- Anyone Interested in River Safety who wants to build confidence in a specific rescue skill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which topics are being offered?
Visit our Dates & Prices page to see which topics are being covered on specific dates.
I want to learn about something that isn’t listed
Send us an email at info@nwrafting.com. We love hearing from you and may be able to turn your idea into a future workshop if there’s enough interest. If you’re looking for instruction sooner, you can also book a private instruction with one of our trainers.