Montana River Guides and The Whitewater Rescue Institute are offering a variety of rafting and river rescue training Spring 2011 throughout Western Montana. The classes are being taught by Mike Johnston and Cody Harris and certified through the Whitewater Rescue Institute. Here's a tentative calendar of 2011 River Rescue and Guide Classes. We're still firming up some of the dates as we hear from agencies and organizations that are working out their training schedules.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Swiftwater Rescue Technician: A two and a half to three day course designed for raft guides and private boaters, the SRT is a 20 plus hour class with a half day of classroom instruction followed by two plus days developing and practicing skills on the river. While the initial emphasis is safety & self rescue, the class offers an in-depth look at reading water, recognizing and avoiding hazards, quick rescue techniques, boat-based rescues, dealing with boat wraps and entrapments, technical rescue systems, and a variety of practical scenarios. We analyze footage of actual river rescues in the classroom and progress from a solid foundation of rescue skills and practice into rescue scenarios on the river. The class is challenging, fun and tailored to the students needs. A manual, test, patch, I.D. card, and certification are included. Cost: $335
RAFT GUIDE SCHOOL: We offer two to five day classes designed for people wanting to lead river trips. We focus on safety, reading water, and guiding paddle rafts through Class II, III and IV whitewater. Topics include trip preparation, safety talks, equipment, rigging, boat handling, communications, paddle commands, and rescue techniques. Our five day Raft Guide School combines river instruction with a certified Swiftwater Rescue Technician class the first two days. On days three, four and five you'll guide whitewater raft trips on the Blackfoot River and Alberton Gorge. The course includes a Whitewater Rescue Technician certification and certificate of completion. Tuition: $455
WHITEWATER RAFTING WORKSHOP: A full weekend of whitewater instruction and river skills practice for novice river guides and recreational boaters. One evening of lecture and discussion followed by two full days on the Blackfoot River and Alberton Gorge. We’ll focus on reading water and guiding paddle crews through Class II and III whitewater. Topics include trip preparation, safety talks, rigging boats, communications, paddle commands, boat handling, and rescue scenarios.: $185
Montana River Guides: Since 1994 Montana River Guides has established a reputation based on professionalism and high quality river trips and instruction. We offer a variety of guided raft, canoe, kayak, and riverboard trips on the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and Bitterroot Rivers. The only company in Montana certified to teach River Rescue through the Whitewater Rescue Institute, MRG has provided river rescue instruction to staff from over 200 different companies and rescue agencies in the region. We have provided training for everyone from experienced Grand Canyon River Guides to people just learning to read water and beginning to run rivers. Clients include NOLS, Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks, The Discovery Channel, Missoula City Firefighters, Flathead County Search & Rescue, US Coastguard Helicopter Rescue Swimmers--to name a few. We tailor the classes to meet individual student needs. After learning and practicing rescue skills, students work together as a team and respond to rescue scenarios. You will have the opportunity to take the lead or to observe other students trying to solve a rescue problem. The feedback we've gotten from students over the years has reinforced our approach to keep the classes fast-paced and scenario-based.
Equipment: You will need a full wetsuit or drysuit; a pair of neoprene booties and gloves, a helmet (w/skullcap or hat); and a lifejacket. Personal equipment rentals are available from Montana River Guides for $25 the first day of class. Bring a lunch, water and extra dry, warm top & bottom layers such as fleece and polypropelene.
2011 Class Schedule
April 1-3 Swiftwater Rescue Technician / Missoula, MT
April 1-April 6 Whitewater Raft Guide School / Alberton Gorge
April 15-17 Swift Water Rescue Technician /Missoula, MT
April 16th One Day River Safety Clinic / Missoula, MT
April 30-May 1st Swiftwater Rescue Technician / Kalispell, MT
May 6-7 Swiftwater Rescue Technician / Billings, MT
May 13-15 Swiftwater Rescue Technician / Missoula, MT
May 13-17 Whitewater Raft Guide School / Missoula, MT
May 21-22 Swiftwater Rescue Technician / Bozeman, MT
May 28-30 Swiftwater Rescue Technican / Big Sky, MT
June 6-8 Swiftwater Rescue Technician / Kalispell, MT
June 12-14 Swiftwater Rescue Technician / Missoula, MT
June 12-16 Raft Guide School / Alberton Gorge, MT
June 14-15 Whitewater Rafting Workshop / Alberton Gorge, MT
Registration: Register by calling to confirm space in the class. We require a 50% deposit to hold your spot. Just call and give us a credit card number or send the deposit and your contact information to: Montana River Guides 761 Hidden Valley Rd, Florence MT 59833. Agency billing can be arranged over the phone. If the course is cancelled or you cancel more than three weeks prior to the class a full refund will be made--otherwise you may forfeit your deposit. For specific directions, a class outline, and lodging info, call Mike or Cody, at (406)-777-4837. For more information check our website at www.montanariverguides.com.
Thanks,
Mike Johnston, Instructor
Montana River Guides
406-77-RIVER
406-240-0560 (cell)
