Vallecito Creek Durango, Colorado Class V-V+ 500-1000 cfs 250 feet per mile River Description- Vallecito Creek is a popular 1 mile stretch of class V whitewater in Southern Colorado. Paddlers start the trip at the take out and hike upstream. Typically, paddlers put in at the top or bottom of Superboof rapid. Regardless, there is only a few hundred yards of class II-III rapids before Entran...
When working or playing on the river, safety is always our first priority. We know that most accidents are not caused by one single action, but rather a series of small mistakes, that can ultimately lead to a devastating outcome. It is fair to say then, that our safety is contingent on our ability to see any given situation clearly, and make effective decisions. We are experts at making decisio...
Sports, mainstream and non-mainstream, can be very challenging mentally and physically. I admire the athleticism of the non-mainstream athlete (climber, kayaker, skier, etc…) as much as the mainstream basketball or football player. It is essential that coaches of all sports understand the requirements of their particular sport, and when I work with athletes I always set up the training program t...
Aerie’s Semester in Wilderness Medicine is a completely unique program in the wilderness medicine field, providing students with industry-leading certifications earned through unparalleled experiential learning opportunities. The rigorous academic program employs realistic scenarios, interactive lectures, as well as clinical observations in a variety of settings, including an urban American emer...
WRI will be heading out to NOC for the Whitewater Symposium. We are very excited to be participating in this great event again. The Symposium is a unique opportunity to sit down and listen, discuss, and share thoughts about the whitewater industry. We hope to share some of our river safety knowledge, but even more than that, we hope to learn what else is happening on rivers. If you're in the area...
We are very excited to announce a few new additions to the 2010 schedule. First, we will be offer two Advanced SWRT courses on the Gallatin River on May 15-16 and May 30-31. We will also be offering an Advanced course here in Missoula sometime in July. Next, we are excited to be working with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad again. We are working with their containment teams in Havre, Monta...
The Montana River Association (MRA) is up and running. It's mission is to provide education, stewardship, and advocacy for the river recreation community of western Montana. MRA will be hosting a series of Rolling/Paddling session in the Currents Pool in Missoula. The first session is on Sunday, Jan 24th from 6-8pm. MRA will be asking for a $5.00 donation from members and $15 donation (this wil...
River Ranger, Snake River US Forest Service, Jackson Ranger District, Jackson, Wyoming Summer Season 2010 Positions: Multiple positions are available! Start Date: End of May End Date: minimum of mid-August, usually mid-September latest Work Schedule: This is a 40 hr/week position, with every member of the crew working at least one day of the weekend. Pay: GS-4 or GS-5 which...
I patiently braced myself, pinched between the rock and the current. An occasional surge washed water over my head. Distracted by the din of rushing water, I did not notice them until they had already passed. I prefer to catch their attention early, so as not to alarm them. It was too late for this crew, though, they had seen me first. I can only imagine what they must have thought. Below me, m...
For better or for worse, Z-drag has become synonymous with the words “swift water rescue.” Nearly every student that signs up for a swift water rescue class, hopes the veil of mystery that keeps the mechanics of the z-drag hidden from view will be pulled away and that they will leave the course with the secret knowledge of the rescue world. This is not completely unfounded. Z-drags, or me...
“Whether you are a river-rookie or an experienced boater, WRI tailors their classes to what you need to learn in a fun and challenging environment. Their scenario based teaching approach creates an electric learning atmosphere where you feel like you are in actual river rescue situations. I would recommend them to anybody!”
