OARS guide school: What I love about teaching the most!
Just spent three days with some of the toughest folks I know! On Day 2, of a 14 day school, I had the pleasure of working with a bunch of passionate and go for it folks! The weather changed back to winter, and for three days we endured sub 40 temps and rain, along with cold water and high flows. Some of the folks were in farmer john wetsuits and vibram soled shoes! For three days, from 7 am until 6 pm at night, I heard not ONE complaint. Cold, working hard, but always wanting more information and more time on the water. Ages varied from 18 to over 40. Everyone encouraged and supported each other, and they were swimming in some water that is pushy and cold! Everyone just went for it!
I am a HUGE proponent of doing a swiftwater rescue class at the beginning of a new river person’s training. My experience is that by developing self rescue skills, a true understanding of hazards, and rescue techniques, right from the start; it not only builds confidence and takes away the fear of not knowing what to do in the water; but builds a sense of integrity and respect for the river right from the very beginning. I believe spending so much time in the water makes it easier to learn in the boat. By knowing ferry angles and hydrology from a very personal level, it then becomes easier to understand how to handle the raft, and be able to pay better attention to the angle of the boat in the current.
This was truly an amazing group of folks, and whether they know it or not, they will be friends for life. There was not one hesitation to encourage each other or to push each other just a little further in a very supportive way. Great to have a mix of both men and women, and see everyone excel!
I am very appreciative to OARS to put the extra money and time into letting me teach these passionate new boaters at the beginning of their career. For me, it was a true honor!
