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The SOLO Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Recertification is ideal for anyone aged 18 and up wanting to recertify their expiring SOLO FWR certification. This 3 day course provides a high level of wilderness medical training for extended personal backcountry trips or expeditions, and anyone working in a position of leadership in an outdoor setting. This certification is recognized as the industry standard for outdoor professionals including river and mountain guides, search and rescue personnel, outdoor trip leaders, and others who expect to end up in remote settings with limited resources.

Course Description

The SOLO WFR course provides essential training in wilderness medicine, leadership, and
critical thinking for professionals, leaders, and outdoor adventurers in the backcountry, low-
resource, and remote environments. The SOLO WFR Recertification recertifies current WFRs for another 3 years, and updates students on changes in protocols and ensures competency of current WFR level skills. Students will review essential skills, wilderness protocols, and updates in wilderness medicine.
The American Red Cross (ARC) CPR/AED certificate is offered the first night of the course for
an additional fee (good for 2 years).  Please call for any more details or help reserving your space.  This course is taught by Tommy Gram from BV Mountain Adventures and Whitewater Attainment.

Prerequisites

• At least 18 years of age or 16 with parent in the course
• Current Wilderness First Responder Certification from SOLO or a reciprocity organization: Desert Mountain Medicine (DMM) Wilderness Medical Institute (WMI/NOLS), Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA), AERIE, Wilderness Medicine Outfitters, Remote Medicine must be submitted to instructor before start date

[what_to_expect_title]

The SOLO Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is ideal for anyone aged 18 and up wanting a high level of wilderness medical training for extended personal backcountry trips or expeditions, and anyone working in a position of leadership in an outdoor setting. Generally taught over seven or eight days, this 72-hour course is recognized as the industry standard for outdoor professionals including river and mountain guides, search and rescue personnel, outdoor trip leaders, and others who expect to end up in remote settings with limited resources.

Course Description

The SOLO WFR course provides essential training in wilderness medicine, leadership, and
critical thinking for professionals, leaders, and outdoor adventurers in the backcountry, low-
resource, and remote environments. The SOLO WFR Recertification recertifies current WFRs for another 3 years, and updates students on changes in protocols and ensures competency of current WFR level skills. Students will review essential skills, wilderness protocols, and updates in wilderness medicine.
The American Red Cross (ARC) CPR/AED certificate is offered the first night of the course for
an additional fee (good for 2 years).  Please call us for more information or for help reserving your space.  This course is taught by Tommy Gram from BV Mountain Adventures and Whitewater Attainment.

Prerequisites

• At least 18 years of age or 16 with parent in the course
• In good physical shape

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Due to the historically good river flows and weather conditions we experience in New Mexico during the months of March and April, this course will prepare you for a summer of instructing future kayakers earlier than most available courses in the Southwest. The course is taught by legendary ACA trainer, Tommy. Tommy has dedicated most of his life to whitewater kayak instruction and certification for more than a decade. Whether you are a beginner kayaker looking to get started, an advanced kayaker looking to progress your skills personally or professionally, or anywhere in between, he loves to help his students reach their goals and share his many years of experiences and adventures.

Course Description

This two-day recertification course is designed for competent whitewater kayaker instructors who want to keep their certification current. During this course Instructor, candidates will learn industry standards for teaching kayaking and be assessed throughout the class on Teaching Ability, Technical Ability, Technical Knowledge, and Rescue Ability.

Prerequisites

• 18 years of age,
• Competent class III kayaker with a solid roll
• Current ACA member: Current ACA Safety Education & Instruction Committee (SEIC) Dues must be paid to hold any level Instructor Certification.
• Current ACA Instructor Certification

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Are you a whitewater professional looking to instruct Swiftwater Rescue Technician courses to your river crew or other professionals.  The ACA has a long history of leading the industry in the best instructional guidelines for all aspects of river running and safety.  This two day course is for experienced boaters and rescuers who want to continue as certified Swift Water Rescue Instructors. Instructor candidates will be assessed on Teaching Ability, Rescue Ability, Technical Knowledge and Group Management throughout this course for a final recertification level.

The ACA has a long history of leading the industry in the best instructional guidelines for all aspects of river running and safety. This five day course is for experienced boaters and rescuers who want to become Swift Water Rescue Instructors. Instructor candidates will be assessed on Teaching Ability, Rescue Ability, Technical Knowledge and Group Management throughout this course for a final certification level.

Prerequisites for the Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Recertification:

• Minimum 18 years old.
• Must be current ACA member: Become a MEMBER or RENEW.
• Current ACA Safety Education & Instruction Committee (SEIC) Dues must be paid to hold any level Instructor Certification.
• Confident class III boater in whitewater discipline of choice.
• Participants should have current ACA Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Certification.

We will plan on meeting at the New Mexico River Adventures every morning at 9:00am and return by 5:00pm. Bring a lunch and paddling gear all days of the course.

Four days of river fun for young kayakers! Get started or continue your youngster’s love of the river with the best kayak school in New Mexico. Engaging and encouraging instructors will teach kayaking skills and river safety in the best of outdoor classrooms, The Rio Grande Gorge. This camp is appropriate for children ages 8 to 12; no previous kayaking experience required.

We’ll also work hard to challenge the students’ creativity, both on and off the water, with cool projects throughout the camp. It is our goal in this program to encourage each child to play in the outdoors and practice their paddling skills long after our camp has ended. As some of the world’s best paddlers – who live right here in the Gorge – will tell you: continuity, repetition and persistence are the best way to develop solid skills and good paddling habits. Although we may focus on paddling, there will still be plenty of time for everyone to develop good friendships. This connection is what rivers do for all of us and we look forward to introducing your kids this important connection with rivers!

This 4 day program, taught by specially selected and certified guide instructors, is for our youngest whitewater enthusiasts – typically ages 8-12. Each session has just 12 spaces available. Kids learn about the dynamics of moving water, play games, learn about the environment and conservation, and sing songs while practicing teamwork to get their raft downstream. The emphasis is FUN!

We will spend our days in a variety of locations including Abiquiu Lake, and the Rio Grande.  There will be introductions to swimming in moving current, fun games in and out of the water and of course great practice paddling, guiding, and working as a team. ​ We will also spend time talking about river safety and things to look out for while on the river, such as wearing helmets in whitewater, techniques for staying in the boat, basics of swimming in whitewater and last but not least, environmental concerns like identifying toxic plants and animals and how to be safe while having fun and playing games on shore and in camp. They’ll certainly come home with Huck Finn-like stories of their own!

Each person will receive a detailed confirmation email after reservation with all the necessary information including what to bring, what to wear and where to meet.  Each day we will meet at our Rio Grande headquarters at 8:30am and kids will be ready for pick up between 4:30pm and 5pm. Included in each day are morning and afternoon snacks as well as a hearty buffet lunch.  Feel free to send your child with his or her favorite snacks if you like.

Maybe you’re looking for the foundation of a lifetime career in the outdoors or even the skills to be able to enjoy the wonderful world of river trips with your friends and family. New Mexico River Adventures has been leading the way in river guide training for more than 20 years. The profession of river guiding offers an unsurpassed mix of fun, excitement, camaraderie, and challenge, all in pristine outdoor settings. Make no mistake, river guiding is an intense job with long hours, an immense amount of responsibility and hard work, and most importantly it is exceptionally rewarding.

Whitewater River Guides School Focus

Our guide school is primarily focused on training individuals for jobs as whitewater professionals, however, it is also open to those looking for an intense training program to ready themselves for a long future of private boating adventures with family and friends. The goal of the school is for every student to be a safe, conscientious, environmentally-responsible steward of the river. We hope that each student leaves this course with the confidence and skills to navigate any class 2-3 river while assessing problems and emergencies with a calm and logical approach because let’s face it, things don’t always happen the way their supposed to on the river!

We generally hire new first year guides from our guide school. Students possessing the right balance of a professionalism, personality, fun and river skills will be offered employment directly following the conclusion of the course.

The Whitewater River Guides School Curriculum

The guide school is an intense 9 day course offering highly personalized instruction in all aspects of commercial guiding. The primary emphasis will be in paddle boats however oar boats will also be introduced and utilized at different times throughout the course. In addition to navigation skills, we will also cover river safety, equipment maintenance, risk management, and emergency procedures as well as on-shore training in boat repair, meal preparation, sanitation, and logistics. Our instructors begin by explaining basic principles and then teach by example. You will be guiding a boat on your first trip down the river as well as paddle boats, flip boats, re-flip boats, load boats, swim, scout, improvise, lead, follow, carry, cook and tie knots.

New Mexico River Adventure Guides

Completion of our guide school does not guarantee you a position at New Mexico River Adventures. Hiring will be determined by your work ethic, guest service, river skills and your ability to work with others. New Mexico River Adventures believes that an individual’s personality and social skills are very important elements in the making of a truly superior river guide. Of course, river skills, physical abilities and good common sense are the most important. If you have strong people skills, a good work ethic, and want to spend all day, every day on the river.

Please contact us for an amazing course which could lead to a lifetime passion!

Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental and more advanced 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
• Earn up to a Level 4 ACA Swiftwater Rescue certification which is industry standard for whitewater professionals

Here is a brief overview of the two day course and what to expect

Day 1:

• Introductions
• Talk through Standard Operating Procedure for river rescue
• SWR Incident Management and roles
• Overview of SWR Equipment (specific to what team uses)
• Knots Overview
• River Session @ Souse Hole covering gaining access methods (Wading, Swimming…)
• Brief Overview of equipment for recreationalists (What everyone should have on the river)
• Knots for recreational users & Knot Test for SAR (In two groups)
• Throw Bag Use (Dry Land Intro)

Day 2:

• Introductions
• Pins & Entrapments
• Methods for unpinning Boats (Anchoring to boats, Direct Pull, Vector Pull & Mechanical Advantage)
• Foot Entrapment – Methods for stabilization & extraction
• River session @ Souse Hole covering Advanced skills – Tethered Swimmer & V-Lowers
• Rotate Through Scenarios two different advanced scenarios
• Accident Avoidance
• Hazards & Hydrology
• Scene Assessment & Management
• River session @ Souse Hole Covering “Quick Rescues” Two Stations – Boat Based rescue & Throw Bagging
• Two Scenarios @ end of day for groups to rotate through

Boating Gear

Boat* (Kayak, Inflatable Kayak, SUP) Paddle, Helmet, PFD, shoes, skirt, warm clothing

*We will use boats mostly for scenarios and drills. Our course will take place in a stationary setting. No need to bring bigger crafts.

Rescue Gear

Throw Bag, Whistle, Knife
*You will need a Type V Rescue PFD to participate in some higher level skills throughout the course. We have a few extras that we can allow people to share.

Pre Course Work

Check out these Video Knot Tutorials – Having practiced these before the course can greatly increase our time on the water and doing other skills.

The Wild and Scenic section of the Rio Chama was made for kayak instruction. The layout of the whitewater allows you to gain confidence as the trip progresses from easy class I-II to more challenging class III rapids. During this 3 day New Mexico Kayaking adventure, you’re able to take the time to get a full introduction to all the basics of the sport and leave with the confidence and knowledge to pursue kayaking as your new life long passion. At night we will set up camp in one of the amazing parts of this beautiful and unique canyon. Don’t forget to bring the entire family. If only one or two family members want to learn to kayak, the others are welcome to ride on rafts or try their hand at inflatable kayaks. Either way, this is a truly magnificent opportunity to learn to kayak with friends and family in one of the most beautiful locations in the southwest.

The relaxed 3-day itinerary allows us the flexibility to stop often and explore the many treasures within the high reaching walls like hot springs, ancient Indian ruins, and dinosaur tracks to name a few. We will spend two beautiful nights out under the bright New Mexican sky. The Rio Chama is known for it’s nice sandy beach and grassy bench camps, most with ample shade from towering old growth Ponderosa Pines. Each night’s camp will be right on the river’s edge and backed up by excellent opportunities for hiking and the exploration of numerous side canyons and vistas. Sit back in one of our camp chairs and take in the sunset as the colors of the canyon walls change right before your eyes. Enjoy a cold drink as the guides pass around appetizers and prepare a gorgeous dinner and dessert. This is luxury camping in one of the most beautiful river canyons in the Southwestern United States. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own tent, sleeping pad or sleeping bag. Just let one of our friendly staff know at the time of reservation and we’ll take care of everything.

Our Guides and Instructors for The Rio Chama Kayak Instruction

Our guides are the best in the business, focusing on safety and guest service as a top priority. All are extremely knowledgeable about the area’s geology, ecology and history and just love being on the river. Many with experience on rivers all over the country and across the globe, I know you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do and will certainly help to make your day on the river the best possible.

[what_to_expect_title]

Due to the historically good river flows and weather conditions we experience in New Mexico during the month of March, this course will prepare you for a summer of instructing future kayakers earlier than most available courses in the Southwest. The course is taught by our lead instructor, Tommy Gram. Tommy has dedicated most of his life to whitewater kayak instruction and certification for more than a decade and a valued member of the NMRA team. Whether you are a beginner kayaker looking to get started, an advanced kayaker looking to progress your skills personally or professionally, or anywhere in between, Tommy loves to help his students reach their goals and share his many years of experiences and adventures.

Course Description

This five-day course is designed for competent whitewater kayakers who want to become instructors. During this course, instructor candidates will learn industry standards for teaching kayaking and be assessed throughout the class on Teaching Ability, Technical Ability, Technical Knowledge, and Rescue Ability.

Prerequisites

18 years of age, competent class III kayaker with a solid roll, current ACA member: Become a MEMBER or RENEW. Current ACA Safety Education & Instruction Committee (SEIC) Dues must be paid to hold any level Instructor Certification.