Basic Swift Water Rescue course

 September 17 & 18th

John Ivanisin will be teaching the Basic Swift Water Rescue course on September 17 & 18th. This is a 2 day class. Class size is limited to 10 students. There is a $50 non refundable donation to CT AMC Whitewater for this class.
  Geared toward the novice to intermediate paddler, the  2-day Basic Swiftwater Rescue Course is based on a curriculum developed by the American Canoe Association and American Whitewater It is designed to teach both river rescue techniques and safe river-running practices in all river craft. This is not an ACA course.
 Our emphasis is on judgment and managing river rescue situations, as well as river rescue techniques that can be performed with a minimum of equipment. Rescuing swimmers and pinned boats will is covered.

Preference will be given to those willing to become AMC Whitewater trip leaders.
  
Please contact John Ivanisin and include phone number

Weeknight whitewater Kayaking Instructionals
at Beseck Lake Middlefield, CT

These sessions are for anyone who is looking to learn the basics of whitewater kayaking with a eye to running rivers safely. Strokes, Boat control, or to learn the Eskimo roll will all be covered. There will be volunteer instructors at every session. Instruction is generally one on one, in a very casual and friendly atmosphere. Limited amounts of paddling gear will be available for use on a first come first serve basis. It is recommended to bring your own helmet and life jacket if possible. Nose plugs are also helpful. Gear selection and sizes are limited.   Everybody is welcome! To sign up, please call by the night before if possible.

Where? Town of Middlefield Beseck Lake Beach Middlefield CT

When? Mon. evenings in July and August

Dates: July 11,18,25 Aug. 1,8,15,22,29  

Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 or sunset

Cost:
Instruction: FREE!
Boat and Gear if needed: FREE!
Park Admittance $5.00 per vehicle per session  

Contact: Mark Schappert 203-240-3544

Directions: 
From I-691 eastbound (Waterbury, Southington, Cheshire): Follow I-691 past exits 10, 11, 12 towards Middletown The highway becomes Rt.. 66 and two-way traffic. At the first stoplight, take a right onto Rt. 147 south Follow for 1 mile and take the first right onto Lake Rd. Just past the gas station. Take the second left onto Lake Shore Dr. You will see the park as the road bears right and up the hill Park in the lot inside the chain link fence.

From I-91 northbound (New Haven): Take exit 18 Rt. 66 east toward Middletown. At the first stoplight, take a right onto Rt. 147 Follow directions above once on 147.

From i-91 southbound (Hartford): Take exit 19 Preston Ave. At the bottom of the ramp, take a left and go under 91. Follow Preston Ave about 1 mile until the stoplight at east main St. Make a left onto east main street and follow as it merges with Rt. 66. At the first stoplight, take a right onto Rt. 147 south Follow directions above once on 147.

From Rt. 66 westbound (Middletown, Portland, Willimantic): Follow Rt. 66 through Middletown past the Washington square mall. At the third stoplight, make a left onto Rt. 147. Follow directions above once on 147.  

Please be mindful of the low speed limits on Lake and Lakeshore Dr. These are narrow, residential roads.


Click for larger map

Level 2 " On the River instructional
July 2, 2011

Fife Brook section of Deerfield River.
Participants should be comfortable with self-rescue in class II whitewater. We will practice eddy turns, peel-outs, ferries, surfing, and hopefully some swiftwater rescue practice including swimming and use of ropes.   Please contact Leader Robin Pleshaw  

Be prepared for cool weather and water. Bring layers of Polypropylene fleece or wool clothing along with a windproof shell in case of colder weather. NO COTTON cloths. They are useless when wet. If it is nice. Shorts and a tee will be fine, The water is still cold, about 50-60 degrees at best. PLEASE bring warm cloths no matter the forecast. Also bring a towel and full change of cloths for the ride home. YOU WILL BE GETTING WET. 

Group size may be limited. Kayaks, paddles and other gear can be provided at no charge for the instructional. Just let the leader know well in advance what you may need. If you have a life jacket and helmet please bring them.

What to wear / bring. Bring a snack / lunch in a plastic bag along with water. Wear soft soled shoes or sandals. or neoprene boots. "surf socks" also work well.

Level 1 "On The River" instructional
Sat. July 23

This Instructional is meant to introduce novice kayaker's to river running. Safety, river reading, boat control and river etiquette are all covered.
Contact leader as soon as possible for time and location.

Equipment may need to be picked up the night before the instructional

Please contact Leader Denise Dieli  

Be prepared for cool weather and water. Bring layers of Polypropylene fleece or wool clothing along with a windproof shell in case of colder weather. NO COTTON cloths. They are useless when wet. If it is nice. Shorts and a tee will be fine, The water is still cold, about 50-60 degrees at best. PLEASE bring warm cloths no matter the forecast. Also bring a towel and full change of cloths for the ride home. YOU WILL BE GETTING WET.  Wet exits are the first skill covered.

Group size may be limited. Kayaks, paddles and other gear can be provided at no charge for the instructional. Just let the leader know well in advance what you may need. If you have a life jacket and helmet please bring them.

What to wear / bring. Bring a snack / lunch in a plastic bag along with water. Wear soft soled shoes or sandals. or neoprene boots. "surf socks" also work well.

Level 2 "On The River" instructional

Sat. August 6, 2011

(The date of this event has been moved up from the previously planned Aug. 13 due to conflict)

This Instructional is meant to introduce novice kayaker's to river running. Safety, river reading, boat control and river etiquette are all covered. Actual skills taught are very dependent on the groups paddling ability.

Participants must be comfortable with wet exit and have had some limited time on the river.

Contact leader as soon as possible for time and location.

Group size may be limited.

Kayaks, paddles and other gear can be provided at no charge for the instructional. Just let the leader know in advance what you may need.

Equipment may need to be picked up the night before the instructional

Leader:

Mark Schappert

203-240-3544

Co-leaders welcome.

What we will cover.
We will start on dry land with some basic river safety practice. Hand Signals, Rescue rope throwing etc. We will then move to the river and go trough, Wet exits, Basic strokes and maneuvering and basic river reading skills. After we are through with this we will pack up and drive upstream a few miles and run a couple miles of class 1 and 2 whitewater.
There is no set time to finish this class. It will be dependent on group size and abilities.

Be prepared for cool weather and water.

Bring layers of Polypropylene fleece or wool clothing along with a windproof shell in case of colder weather. NO COTTON cloths. They are useless when wet. If it is nice. Shorts and a tee will be fine, The water is still cold, about 50-60 degrees at best. PLEASE bring warm cloths no matter the forecast. Also bring a towel and full change of clothes for the ride home. YOU WILL BE GETTING WET. a "Wet exit" is the first skill we will cover.
If you have a life jacket and helmet please bring them. I will have some of these items but size and fit will be troublesome if the group is large.
For those who requested, we will be bringing kayaks, skirts, paddles Life Jackets, and Helmets

What to wear / bring.
Bring a snack / lunch in a plastic bag along with water.
Wear soft soled shoes or sandals. or neoprene boots. "surf socks" also work well.