Weekend Swiftwater Rescue Class on the Rapid River

The Swiftwater Rescue class on the Rapid river was a great success. 9 people from NorthStar, FSAR and Saddleback Mtn. Ski Resort participated. During the 2.5 day long training, students and teachers spent about 12 hours in the water learning and practicing the techniques of basic swiftwater rescue. Gabe, and assistants Mike, Pat and Al did an outstanding job instructing.

Carter gives the 'I'm OK' signal (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

The crew moves down river trying not to accumulate too many butt bruises!

(photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Thanks to NorthStar for sponsoring this awesome training. (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Carter uses a throw-bag (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Gear Check  (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Kevin ready to roll (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Looking for pearls?? (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Pat is 'Good to go' (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Gabe runs the river  (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Pat and Mit trekking back to camp (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Pat's turn to run the river (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Happy Jeff after coffee! (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Gabe demos some swimming techniques (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

The amazing Rapid River before sunrise  (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Mike is good-to-go  (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Shelby heads back to camp. (photo?)

Pat and Gabe chillin in an eddy  (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Mit is Hangin' out in the river (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Happy Mike with cup-o-joe  (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Kevin is lovin' it (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Jeff was the envy of many in his 70's speedboat helmet. (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Around the campfire (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

PFD, gear-up and safety review by Gabe, Mike and Al (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Carter and Cree listen to instruction before getting wet (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Swimming practice (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Mike on standby with a throw rope (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Cree riding the river waiting to be rescued (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Kevin goes for a ride (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Al works his way off the strainer pipe. (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Strainer drills with Pat and Gabe standing by (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Kevin on the strainer (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Gabe creates one of the best breakfasts I've had in a long time on Sunday morning (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Chillin on the 'winter house' deck before training (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Gabe lovin' life (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Pat's throw rope gets the best of him! (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Mechanical advantage drills on Sunday morning (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Gabe talks about anchors and ropes (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Gabe and Pat gear-up  (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Wood fired hot tub after long day on the river...priceless, many thanks to J.P! (Photo: Carter Hall)

Hanging with caretaker JP before heading out.