Howdy Paddlers!

We very luckily secured almost full funding from the Wisconsin Union (directors fund) to bring in an expert Swiftwater River Rescue Instructor from out of state. This instructor wrote multiple books on whitewater rescue and will be providing our group with a 2-day Swiftwater River Rescue Operations training and certification through Wilderness Rescue International. More information on this instructor's experience is available here.

Our goal with this course is to provide yall with as much time as possible with Nate while he is in town (His flight from Idaho arrives late on Friday evening and leaves early on Monday morning).

We will shoot to meet up at Memorial Union early on Saturday to load up gear and transport to our Classroom/Rapid on Wolf River near Langlade, WI (Gilmore’s Mistake and other rapids...). We will learn, practice rescue skills, and paddle all weekend, returning late in the evening on Sunday. We will hopefully be camping at some group sites at Bear Paw Outdoor Adventure Center near the river on Saturday night. 

All food and transportation costs will be covered in the $50 registration fee for this course. 

For more information on this training please view the attached document from Wilderness Rescue International. 

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CAMPING 

We are camping at Bear Paw Outdoors, sties 1 & 2. 

The campground has restrooms and showers. 

Each participant will have their own tent (except if same-household people want to share); this is part of our Hoofer covid guidelines for trips. 

Participants may borrow a tent from Hoofers if needed. 
Please see the packing list below:

What to bring

IMPORTANT: During in-water scenarios, participants must wear closed-toe shoes that will stay on in the water. 

PACKING LIST
Each person: 
Items with a star can be provided by Hoofers. 

FOR CAMPING: 

Tent *
Sleeping pad *
Sleeping Bag * 
Pillow (optional) 
Toiletries for overnight (toothbrush, etc.) 
Headlamp or other light 
Change of clothes for sleeping - bring layers if it’s forecast to be cold. 

Raincoat if any rain is forecast. 

FOR THE RIVER: 
Footwear that will not fall off in the water! 

Whitewater Helmet *
Whitewater-appropriate PFD* 

Whistle* 

Glasses strap if applicable 

polypropylene base layers 

neoprene wetsuit (can borrow from Hoofers) 

close-fitting insulating layer in fleece or wool  (a warm-when-wet material) 

a loose-fitting, bulky insulating layer in fleece or wool (a warm-when-wet material) 

a wind-blocking and water resistant layer such as a splash jacket or raincoat 

thin hat or skull cap for getting wet (fitting under the helmet)  

gloves that are warm-when-wet, ideally neoprene. Even fingerless gloves can help.  

"toaster mitts" or other very warm gloves for getting wet

wool socks for getting wet 

Water bottle 
Sunscreen 

Dry change of clothing (and dry shoes) for after the river.  We recommend having closed-toe dry shoes and long pants for protection from the bugs. 

I suggest having a warm hat and wool socks to change into if you get cold! 
Towel 
Plastic bags for wet clothing 

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Eligibility Criteria

Students should be in strong athletic condition, in good health, and have moderate swimming ability in strong current. Consult your physician if you have any doubts. It is an expectation that students will be in full attendance for the entirety of the training. Please arrive early for meeting times and anticipate long days filled with fun and challenge. We can make arrangements for people who prefer to not be in the water at all. Please contact us prior to the course with any questions or concerns so we can discuss this further. Participants should be able to hike well, manage cold water conditions, lift boats/gear and walk short distances while caring gear. 

Meeting time and location 

For participants joining the Fleet car, we will meet at Memorial Union boathouse at 5:30PM (or as soon as you can) on Friday Sept 23. 

For participants providing your own transport, the class will convene at 9:00AM at Bear Paw (the grassy space behind the Pub building).