Swiftwater Training
June 10th & 11th, Erwin, TN
The Team traveled to Tennessee to do some swiftwater training on the Nolichucky River on June 10 th & 11 th . We arrived on Friday night at River Park Campground and prepared for a weekend of good swiftwater training. Being based out of Garner, NC in Wake County , it does not lend to any good and close locations for good in water work. We usually travel to the mountains to get this part of our swiftwater training.
Saturday brought breakfast and a good review of the river and the layout of where we would be training. We were fortunate to be able to train on a class III rapid. First in order was some basic swimming skills and ferrying across the river. After that was mastered and practiced, we worked on river crossings. We worked on single and multiple person crossings. You quickly learn the power of moving water. Then it was time for lunch.
After lunch everyone shot the rapid in a defensive swim and worked on their defensive and offensive swimming skills. We then practiced throw ropes, which you can never get too much of. As the day came to an end, so did most of our energy. I feel confident in saying that everyone slept well...
Sunday morning brought on more swim skills. Everyone practiced their rescue swimming and combat swimming and then on to strainer exercises. Our last skill was a ferrying exercise using a line across the river, a prussik and carabiner. By this time it was afternoon and time to start breaking things down and getting ready for our trip back. It was a great training.
Thanks to Chuck, Ben, Jamie, Luke, Gary & Lee for assisting with the class. I think it was a great training and we will be going back in September for more... Thanks to Southside Volunteer Fire Department for your assistance and for Bladen County Water Rescue for coming as well.
Check out a few of the pictures:
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