This isn’t just a course. It’s a standard.
Whitewater paddling is fun, but it’s also real. River Ready is a no-fluff, hands-on swiftwater safety course designed to give you the essential skills every paddler should have before they’re deep in the flow. Whether you’re just starting out kayaking, or you’ve been on the water for a long time—if you’re on moving water, you should be River Ready
Over two full days plus 2 hours on Friday evening, you’ll gain practical, on-the-water rescue training that focuses on real scenarios and smart decision-making. No endless lectures, no filler—just the tools, techniques, and confidence to handle the unexpected.
Whether you’re new to whitewater or have been paddling for years, River Ready gives you the tools to be a safer, more capable teammate on the river. Because if you’re out there, you owe it to yourself—and your crew—to be ready.
Skills We'll Cover
Self-rescue and personal safety
Throw rope use and swimmer rescues
Wading techniques and basic rope systems
Live bait rescues and basic mechanical advantage
Scene management and group communication
Risk assessment and how to actually use your gear
Prerequisites:
- Completed an introduction to whitewater kayaking
course or equivalent and be - Comfortable in class II water
- Be able to independently participate in individual skills
- Be able to hold your breath underwater, and while wearing a properly fitted lifejacket, independently turn from a face-down to a face-up position, keeping your head above water.
- Be able to effectively communicate with instructor and other course
participants - Be able to manage all personal care independently or with the help of a companion.
- Be able to manage all personal mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion.
Class Format
2 full days of intensive, practical instruction + Friday night classroom based instruction
The course starts on Friday from 6:00 – 8:00pm. We will be on dry land, no on water. Bring
your PFD, helmet, and throw rope. Bring a camping chair if you have one. Snacks/dinner are welcomedSaturday will be a full day from 8:30am – 5:00pm. We will be on the water the entire day. Rain or shine. We will cover rope techniques, including both recovery and receiving methods, live bait, as well as swimming in whitewater and related safety concepts. Please dress warmly and in layers—despite warm air temperatures, the water is often cold. Expect to spend the majority of Saturday in the water, not just in kayaks
Sunday will be from 8:30am – 4:00pm. We will start the morning on land and after lunch we will put everything together and do all scenarios on the water in the afternoon.
This course is focused entirely on skills you’ll could actually use in real-life situations
