APE’s & TEHCC Advanced Swiftwater Rescue Course
(Registration Deadline – 7/27/2013)
Whitewater enthusiasts participate in hazardous activities in wilderness environments. Are you prepared to rescue yourself or your best paddling friend? Are they prepared to rescue you? Help in many cases may not be immediately available, and might be hours, not minutes away. If you’ve already had the Basic Swiftwater Rescue Class and are looking to sharpen the skills that will help keep you and those you care about safe this is your chance.
The Advanced SWR Course is one in a series of swiftwater rescue courses offered through the American Canoe Association (ACA). This course is aimed at anyone desiring the opportunity to further develop their rescue skills first learned in the Basic Swiftwater Rescue Course. Critical judgment and rescue awareness, impacting both personal and group safety, are emphasized throughout the course. Although new skills may be taught, this class focuses on developing judgment and applying skills in rescue scenarios that were first learned in the basic course. The course will be predominantly scenario based in the context of a river trip—in other words, students will be moving downriver and responding to situations encountered along the way. We feel that this is a logical progression from your previous training in the Basic Swiftwater Rescue Course and will continue to help you refine your judgment and proficiency under realistic conditions that can best be achieved in the dynamic nature of an actual river trip.
Your instructor Scott Fisher is an ACA certified advanced swiftwater rescue and advanced whitewater kayak instructor and has provided instruction to hundreds of individuals, including paddlers, outfitter guides, firefighters, rescue personnel and staff of youth camps.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
• Reinforce skills leaned in the Basic Swiftwater Rescue Course
• Practice skills during multiple scenarios
• Refine and extend critical judgment through multiple scenarios
• Develop and practice more advanced rope-based and in-water skills
COURSE PREREQUISITES: Students are required to have completed an ACA Basic Swiftwater Rescue Course and should be comfortable on Class III water. All paddle craft are welcome. Participants should be in good health and overall fitness, possess solid swimming ability, and be comfortable swimming in moving current during river drills. Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature, and should expect to be in the water for extended periods of time.
MINIMUM PERSONAL GEAR: Type III PFD designed for whitewater use (Rescue PFD is recommended but not required), whitewater helmet, protective clothing suitable for extended swimming in cold water, protective footwear, boat, paddle, whistle, throw rope, 15+ feet of one inch tubular nylon webbing, 2 locking carabiners, and 2 prusik loops (2 x 6-8 feet pieces of 4-5 millimeter polypropylene cord)
Where: Friday: Riverpark Campground,Jonesborough,TN; Saturday:Nolichucky Gorge
When: Aug 2-3 (evening only on 2nd)
Cost: $70; APEs members can deduct $10; ACA members can further deduct $5
(Non-Refundable after Jul 27th unless replacement found)
Time: Fri: 6:00–9:00 P.M.; Sat: 8:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M. (EST)
Camping: Riverpark Campground,Jonesborough,TN
Note: We will camp together as a group Fri eve
Class Size: Class will be limited to 10 participants
Click Here to download the PDF Application for Registration in this SWR Course
Questions &/or Course Registration: Contact (276) 698-4644 or e-mail tfisher1@its.jnj.com
APE’s & TEHCC Swiftwater Rescue Refresher Course
(Registration Deadline – 5/18/2013)
Whitewater enthusiasts participate in hazardous activities in wilderness environments. Are you prepared to rescue yourself or your best paddling friend? Are they prepared to rescue you? Help in many cases may not be immediately available, and might be hours, not minutes away. If you’ve already had the Basic Swiftwater Rescue Class and are looking to tune up the skills that will help keep you and those you care about safe this is your chance.
Your instructor Scott Fisher is an ACA certified advanced swiftwater rescue and advanced whitewater kayak instructor and has provided instruction to hundreds of individuals, including paddlers, outfitter guides, firefighters, rescue personnel and staff of youth camps.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
• Reinforce skills leaned in the Basic Swiftwater Rescue Course
• Practice skills during multiple scenarios
• Refine and extend critical judgment through multiple scenarios
COURSE PREREQUISITES: Students are required to have completed an ACA Basic Swiftwater Rescue Course. All paddle craft are welcome. Participants should be in good health and overall fitness, possess solid swimming ability, and be comfortable swimming in moving current during river drills. Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature, and should expect to be in the water for extended periods of time.
MINIMUM PERSONAL GEAR: Type III PFD designed for whitewater use (Rescue PFD is recommended but not required), whitewater helmet, protective clothing suitable for extended swimming in cold water, protective footwear, boat, paddle, whistle, throw rope, 15+ feet of one inch tubular nylon webbing, 2 locking carabiners, and 2 prusik loops (2 x 6-8 feet pieces of 4-5 millimeter polypropylene cord)
Where: Riverpark Campground, 3937 Hwy 81 South,Jonesborough,Tennessee37659 (423) 753-5359
When: May 25, 2013
Cost: $60; APEs members can deduct $10; ACA members can further deduct $5
(Non-Refundable after May 18th unless replacement found)
Time: 8:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M. (EST)
Camping: Available on-site. If you would like to camp coordinate with the campground directly.
Class Size: Class will be limited to 15 participants
Registration: Send check made out to Scott Fisher by 5/18/2013 to: Scott Fisher, 109 Highland Gate Dr., Johnson City, TN 37615.
Click Here to download the PDF Application for Registration in this SWR Course
Questions &/or Course Registration: Contact (276) 698-4644 or e-mail tfisher1@its.jnj.com
APE’s & TEHCC Basic Swift Water Rescue Course
(Registration Deadline: 6/21/2013)
Location: Tri-Cities, TN Area (Near or on Nolichucky River)
ACA Instuctor: Scott Fisher
Assistant Instructor: Wesley R. Bradley
Contact: tfisher1@its.jnj.com
Whitewater enthusiasts participate in hazardous activities in wilderness environments. Are you prepared to rescue yourself or your best paddling friend? Are they prepared to rescue you? Help in many cases may not be immediately available, and might be hours, not minutes away. Sign up and bring your favorite paddling crew to this clinic. It’s like buying yourself, and them, the safety line that may save your lives.
The Basic SWR Course, sponsored by Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts (APEs) and Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoe Club (TEHCC), is one in a series of swiftwater rescue courses offered through the American Canoe Association. The course is led by ACA certified swiftwater rescue and kayak instructor Scott Fisher and is designed to teach the recreational paddler basic swiftwater rescue techniques where limited personnel and/or safety gear is available. Scott has provided instruction to hundreds of individuals, paddling clubs, firefighters, rescue personnel, staff of church youth camps, and local outfitter guides. The clinic will include classroom instruction, river skills and realistic scenarios. Successful completion of this course will prepare you to self-rescue and
aid in the rescue of others in whitewater environments.
Course Overview: The Swiftwater Rescue Course teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins, also are practiced. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context.
Course Objectives:
Promote proactive prevention of river accidents and injuries.
Develop and practice key self-rescue skills.
Identify and avoid river hazards by understanding hydrology, hazards, and river features.
Focus on fast, low-risk strategies for early management of river accidents
Develop and practice methods for recovering swimmers, and loose boats and equipment
Develop and practice more advanced rope-based and in-water skills
Gain experience using the rescue PFD, and understand its strengths and weaknesses
Utilize rescue scene management principles needed within a paddling group
Course Prerequisites: All paddle craft are welcome. Ideally, students should be able to competently maneuver their craft in at least class II whitewater. However, all boaters, and non-boaters with an interest in swiftwater rescue (e.g., professional rescuers), will benefit from the class. Participants should be in good health and overall fitness, possess solid swimming ability, and be comfortable swimming in moving current during river drills. Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature, and should expect to be in the water for extended periods of time.
Minimum personal equipment for class: Type III PFD designed for whitewater use (Rescue PFD is recommended but not required), whitewater helmet, protective clothing suitable for extended swimming in cold water, protective footwear, boat, paddle, whistle, throw rope, 15+ feet of one inch tubular nylon webbing, 2 locking carabiners, and 2 prusick loops (2 x 6-8 feet pieces of 4-5 millimeter polypropylene cord)
Who: Adults and Minors 15 years and older (Parent/Legal Guardian MUST accompany minor and arranged ahead). Instructors reserve the right to exclude anyone if they feel safety will be compromised.
When: Friday, June 28th 7:00pm – 9:00pm; Saturday, June 29th 8:00am – 7:00pm (Saturday Evening Session TBD); Sunday, June 30th 8:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Friday evening: Riverpark Campground (3937 Highway 81 South, Jonesborough, TN 37659); Saturday: Riverpark/Lower Nolichucky River; Sunday: Riverpark/Lower Nolichucky River
Cost: $95; $85 if already an APEs member; ACA members can further deduct $5
Registration and payment deadline is 6/21/2013 (See Cancellation Policy in PDF Application)
Note: We will camp together as a group. This makes the class logistics much easier. Camping fees are $10 per night per person paid separately.
Click Here to download the PDF Application for this SWR Course
Questions: Feel free to contact Scott at 276-698-4644 or tfisher1@its.jnj.com
APE’s Intermediate Whitwater Kayak Clinic
(Registration Deadline – 7/13/2013)
The Intermediate Whitewater Kayak Course (IWWK) is one in a series of paddling clinics offered through the American Canoe Association (ACA). This one day course is designed to refine and extend the judgment and technique of intermediate paddlers on class III-IV whitewater, with significant focus on improving fundamentals, boat control and river running technique. If you are just getting comfortable on class III water or already have solid class III skills and want to take it the next level, this class is for you. It will he held either on the Nolichucky Gorge or French Broad Sect 9, dependent on water level and overall skill level of the group. Having a somewhat reliable roll is encouraged. Course will be limited to 10 people.
Your instructor, Scott Fisher, is an ACA certified advanced swiftwater rescue and advanced whitewater kayak instructor and has provided instruction to hundreds of individuals, including paddlers, outfitter guides, firefighters, rescue personnel and staff of church youth camps.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
* Further develop fundamentals, boat control and river running technique
* Refine and extend judgment on the river
COURSE PREREQUISITES: Proficiency in executing strokes, maneuvers and techniques needed for paddling on class III whitewater. The ability to self rescue is required. A somewhat reliable roll is encouraged. Participants should be in good health and overall fitness and possess solid swimming ability.
MINIMUM PERSONAL GEAR: Whitewater kayak, type III PFD, whitewater helmet, paddle, sprayskirt, protective clothing suitable for weather/water conditions, protective footwear, boat, paddle, whistle, throw rope, drinking water; participants are responsible for bringing their own lunch
Where: French Broad (Sect IX) or Nolichucky Gorge
When: Sat, July 20, 2013
Time: 8:00 am-5:00 pm (EST)
Cost: $60; APEs members can deduct $10; ACA members can further deduct $5
(Non-Refundable after deadline unless replacement found)
Class Size: Class will be limited to 10 participants
Registration: download the form with link below, complete and return form with your check made out to Scott Fisher by 7/13/0213 to: Scott Fisher, 109 Highland Gate Dr., Johnson City, TN 37615.
CLICK HERE for Clinic Registration Form
Questions: Contact (276) 698-4644 or e-mail tfisher1@its.jnj.com
APE’s & TEHCC Beginner Whitwater Kayak Course
(Registration Deadline – TBA)
If you’ve ever thought how much fun it would be to learn how to kayak now’s your chance!! The Beginner Whitewater Kayak Course, sponsored by the Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts (APEs) and the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club, will be held July 14th and 15th in the Tri-Cities area. The clinic is designed for anyone wanting to learn the fundamentals of whitewater kayaking-fundamentals that will ensure a fun and safe time on the river. No previous experience is necessary. Instruction will consist of one day on flat water and one day on the river. As in the past, there will continue to be a strong emphasis on safety. Participants will be responsible for providing their own gear and transportation, although loaner gear is available on a first come basis.
Minimum required gear: Whitewater kayak, double-bladed (kayak) paddle, helmet, spray skirt and PFD (life jacket). Additionally, it is recommended that each student bring river shoes/sandals, a change of clothes in a waterproof bag and a rain jacket. Students are responsible for bringing their own lunch and water to stay hydrated.
Schedule: June 1st (Sat) Lake instruction, 8am-4pm
Location: Warrior’s Path State Park.
Students must participate on Saturday to participate on Sunday.
June 2nd (Sun) River Trip, class II, 8am-4pm
Location: Lower Nolichucky River.
Note: Instructors reserve the right to exclude anyone if they believe safety will be compromised.
Cost: $75.00per student (which includes a $5 ACA event membership fee and a $10 APEs membership fee). If you are already a member of either organization deduct that portion of the cost.
Registration: complete and return the form below and mail it along with your check made out to Scott Fisher by TBA to: Scott Fisher, 109 Highland Gate Dr., Johnson City, TN 37615.
CLICK HERE for Clinic Registration Form
Questions: Contact (276) 698-4644 or e-mail tfisher1@its.jnj.com
Memorial Weekend Family Paddle
APE’s Spring Meeting
Who: Current APE’s Club Members or new recruits
When: Friday, March 29, 2013 @ 7:30 P.M.
Where: Smokey Bones - 1905 North Roan Street Johnson City, TN 37601
Come on out and join the club in fellowship for some fun, food, event & river trip planning, and river tales!
APE’s Winter Meeting
WHO: APE’s Club Members and any new/rejoining recruits
WHEN: Friday, February 1, 2013 @ 6:30-8:30 P.M.
WHERE: Eastman Lodge – 404 Bays Mountain Park Road, Kingsport, TN 37660
This will be a potluck so break out those favorite recipes and get to cookin’ something good to share! The club will provide the meat and bread. You will be responsible for you own beverage. We will be discussing 2013 events and conducting officer elections. Here is our current list of officers FYI:
President: Ryan Shealy
Cruise Director: Wesley R. Bradley
Safety/Education: Scott Fisher
Secretary/Treasurer: Jerry Griffin
Social Director: Cheryl Killman
Conservation: Debbie Briscoe
Website: Erin Weatherford
Please let us know if you have any interest in being nominated for any of these offices or have an idea for a new office.
Good times are in store for this event… Don’t miss out in the fun!
NOC Pool Session Road Show was a BLAST!
Chris Hipgrave (NOC Retail Director), Will Norris (NOC Instruction), & Brad Caldwell (NOC Retail) are on tour for the next few weeks to showcase some cool new 2013 paddling products and give free instruction at local pool sessions. Chris and I decided to team up the Jackson Action Wagon and the NOC Road Show to meet up at our weekly Tuesday Night Freedom Hall Pool Session on 12/4/12 inJohnson City,TN. This would be their first pool session on their tour and it will be a hard one to top, because we had a ton of fun!
The event had a huge turn out by our local APE’s club members and other local paddlers!! We had over 40 people in the pool trying out several new boats from many different brands and all kinds of new gear!
We were some of the first to feast our eyes on some really cool new gear! In the showcase was the new Immersion Research “Royale” Spray skirt. It is very nice! The Royale is a rubber rand skirt (Like the IR Lucky Charm) with Kevlar rim protection and a neoprene lap flange like on the IR Kling-on Bungee skirt! Can you say super durable and dry?!
We also got to see and wear several new PFD’s! Astral has some nice new colors for several of their returning jackets for 2013! We also got to see the new 2013 Astral Green Jacket Rescue PFD w/ the clam shell pocket and Astrals new SBB freestyle vest! Both great products with some great features! One other new PFD we got to check out was the new Kokatat Maximus Prime rescue PFD! This new jacket is super sweet!!
With the J.A.W. and the NOC teamed up, some of the boats that were there for folks to demo were:
Jackson Kayak Supercharger – stand up paddleboard
Pyranha Nano S/M
Dagger Jitsu 5.9 w/ the new 2013 outfitting
Liquid Logic Stomper 80
Jackson Kayak Fun Runner 60
Pyranha Jed Eye
Dagger Mamba w/ new colors & new 2013 outfitting
Jackson Kayak 2013 Star, All Star & Super Star
Pyranha Burn S w/ new color
Jackson Kayak Karma M & Karma L
Folks were overwhelmed with all sorts of new products to try out! Too top off an already great evening, NOC gave away a new Astral Willis PFD by playing some NOC trivia with the participants!! Then the NOC gave out some 20% off swag coupons to all the participants! A good time indeed was had by all!
NOC Coming to Freedom Hall Pool Session
The NOC will be participating in the Tuesday December 4, 2012 APE’s pool session! Participating will be the legendary Chris Hipgrave, Will Norris from NOC Instruction and maybe another. They’ll have the latest in gear with them. They plan on being in the pool meeting APE’s members, helping instruct and showing off the gear. There will also be some giveaways, so make plans to attend this pool session!
Check out the link below for all the Freedom Hall pool session info:
http://regions.worldkayak.com/tri-cities/2011/01/01/freedom-hall-pool-kayak-session/
