If you are a governing Agency, or someone who is planning on venturing out on a river trip with your family or friends, have you asked the question: How much professional training do river guides have?  Seems like a logical question for someone who is embarking on a trip with family or friends. After all,...

I recently had the opportunity to travel to Chile and got to spend a few weeks on the Futaleufu river in Patagonia. My wife and I joined up with a commercial trip through BioBio expeditions. We bridged the gap between guests and guides, leaning more toward the guide side. Once we proved our worth with...

The figure of eight on a bight is one of the most commonly used knots in swiftwater rescue. It is often used with throw bags for live bait,  tethered boats, and tag lines. The figure of 8 on a bight is relatively strong, secure when dressed, easy to tell when its tied properly, and easy...

Directional Figure 8  The Directional 8 or in line 8 is one of several knots in the family of eights. It is tied in the middle of a line for an attachment point intended to bear a load that is unidirectional [in line with the direction of pull]. Check out the step by step photos...

Access is paramount to the success of many swiftwater rescue incidents, but getting there is often challenging and risky. Pin-point access to a location using tag lines from both banks can achieve access with more precision and control. With proper training, the 2-point tag line system is quick and simple method for getting there.  Take...