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DATELINE: 2015...
VPC Safety Director, Ben Schott, is preparing to run a Swiftwater Rescue (SWR) Course, May/June 2015. Space is limited, and the dates are TBD. Please let him know ASAP if you are interested.
In the course Ben will go over rescue swimming, throw ropes, foot entrapments, boat pins, ways to safely enter the current, how to react to dangerous situations, where to set safety, etc. If there was anything that others want to go over, he is open to suggestions.
It's free for those who are in the schedule as trip organizers for 2015, and a nominal fee if not. VPC membership is required, though. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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The last VPC Creeking Clinic took place May 5th, 2012. Kudos to each and every student, volunteer, and our instructors AJ, Alden, and Ryan!
The Wells was at a great level and the clinic was a blast!
If you would like to be notified when we have details for the next Creeking Clinic, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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| When: |
July 11 and 12, 2020 |
| Where: | Deerfield River, MA (Fife Brook section) |
| Meet: |
9:00 am Saturday @ Zoar Gap Take-out (directions below) |
| Cost: |
$50. Fee may be reduced for current VPC and/or ACA members. |
| Itinerary: | TBD |
This two day clinic will build upon the strokes and concepts learned in the Novice Clinic. This clinic is also suitable for anyone with at least two days of whitewater instruction. You should be able to demonstrate (at a minimum): wet exits, good balance, basic strokes, paddling in a straight line, controlled turns, self rescue, ferry, peelouts, and eddy turns. You do not need to be proficient in these skills, but you should be comfortable enough to put them to use in Class 2 water.
You will need to have your own equipment, or make arrangements prior to the clinic to obtain club equipment. You must have at a minimum: a USCG approved PFD, a whitewater specific helmet, sprayskirt (kayaks), paddle, and a boat. Flotation for your boat is highly recommended and will keep your rescuers happy.
New England Rivers are fairly pleasant to swim in by early July. You should still plan for the worst and bring more clothes than you need made of wool or a synthetic. No cotton! Footwear is highly recommended. Other items we highly recommend to increase your enjoyment are: towel, sunscreen, sunglasses or eyeglasses strap, and nose plugs.
Having water to drink is very important, especially if the weather is warm. We will be pulling over both days for a short lunch break. You are encouraged to bring along a sandwich, energy bars, or something else to snack on.
ACA membership or an ACA event fee is required to participate. VPC membership is optional, but encouraged. All participants 18 years of age and older will be required to complete a 2017 adult waiver and release of liability. All participants under 18 years of age and their legal guardian will be required to complete a 2017 minor waiver and release of liability. We will have forms available, but it would be easier if you printed, completed, and brought the signed form with you to the clinic.
Driving directions to Zoar Gap take-out
Camping at Mohawk State Campground (or TBA)
(Mohawk Trail State Forest, Charlemont, MA)
Contact information:
John Atherton [802-238-8412]
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AMERICAN CANOE ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP IS CHEAPER IF PURCHASED IN COMBINATION WITH A VERMONT PADDLERS CLUB MEMBERSHIP.
All participants in ACA-insured activities must be ACA members. They have several membership options, the least expensive being an ACA "Event Membership" for $5 (one activity membership, no member benefits).
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| When: | June 6 and June 7, 2020, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day |
| Where: | We will meet at a flat water venue for the Saturday morning session. Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday we will paddle river(s) in the local area suitable to level I instruction. |
| Cost: | $90 (includes ACA Event Fee of $5) |
This two day clinic will introduce beginning paddlers to the basics of boat handling, river reading, and techniques for driving a boat through moving water.
The clinic starts early Saturday morning at a flat water venue, and moves to river(s) in the local area suitable to level I instruction for the afternoon and all day Sunday.
The clinics will be led by American Canoe Association certified instructors and other experienced paddlers. Many volunteers are trained in swiftwater rescue as well.
Clinics for both Whitewater Kayak and Whitewater Canoe will be offered. The cost is $90 per person and includes a riverside lunch on both days. Boats, skirts, paddles, PFDs (Life Jackets), helmets, and some river clothing will be available for loan to students.
Participants need to be reasonably fit, at least enough to manage traversing up/down often slippery/muddy paths to/from the river, and must be open to the possible need to swim to shore in moving water.
For more information, phone or email John Atherton, 802-238-8412, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
What to wear / What to bring:
Although it is almost summer, expect Vermont to throw some weather at us and dress for it... We will be outside all day no matter what the weather. Neoprene is recommended. If you have some, or can beg, borrow or steal some, please do... but if not, we may have some wetsuits for loan. Neoprene booties or watershoes are also recommended.
All participants will be required to wear a helmet and PFD (life jacket). Again, if you have one or can borrow one, that would be a help. If not, we will have some loaners. Bike helmets are inadequate, and PFDs must be USCG Type III, mid to high flotation. If you're not sure about it, bring it and we will let you know if it will work.
Also:
- Dry footwear for after your river day
- Warm, dry clothes for after your river day
- Towel
- Bathing Suit
- Sunglasses, Sunscreen
- Full Water Bottle
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The bumper sticker extolling "Safety is NO accident" applies to paddling just as well as it does to driving. DaVinci said "There is great power in moving water". To make matters worse, hypothermia is a real and present danger in Vermont waters, particularly in the spring.
Paddlers must maintain a healthy respect for these forces and be ever vigilant for changeable river conditions from moment to moment and day to day. Paddlers who approach river safety responsibly set a good example for others to follow, and are in a position to coach others in safe boating practices.
With all this in mind, the Vermont Paddlers Club hosts frequent swiftwater rescue courses taught by certified instructors, kayak roll training in the pool over the winter, and two weekend clinics this summer... novice whitewater - in June and class II whitewater - in July. Finally, keeps your eyes/ears out for our next Level 1 Creeking Clinic and Swiftwater Rescue Course.
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