Hey everyone,
I'm organising a rescue training weekend for the above dates. This course is aimed at Level 3 people, people who have done a level 4 training course but aren't ready for the assessment yet, people who are waiting on a level 3 assessment or people who are of that standard but aren't bothered with levels.
It will cover a large range of basic and intermediate rescue techniques including ropework, swimming, boat-based rescues, boat carries, towing, scenarios, rescue locations and a load of other stuff. If you're paddling on grade 3 water with your friends or if you want to be able to help out on club trips instead of being stuck in an eddy the whole time or if you're thinking of being on the committee next year (in particular as a kayaking-related officer), then I'd really reccommend doing it.
The cost has to be finalised but I expect it to be between CHEAP - SEE BELOW! (need I say far less than a similar course anywhere else). I understand everyone's pretty broke around then but you'll make all your money back when the balls and parties fizzle out coming up to exam time in april.
You'll also have to own your own gear (or at least borrow it for the weekend). This means enough thermals for the weekend, cag (semi-dry at least), neoprene spraydeck, wetsuit/dry-pants/dry-suit, booties with good soles and that don't get sucked off if you're swimming, a good helmet and skullcap/woolly hat, a rescue bouyancy-aid. You will be getting wet. Bring enough warm gear, changes and snacks and maybe a flask.
For safety equipment, you'll need to get:
a river-knife (fold-out or in a sheath) and whistle for your bouyancy-aid pocket
a cow-tail or sling for towing (cow tail attaches to your b-aid/ sling goes over your shoulder)
a throw-rope (at least 15m)
a snap-gate karibiner
2 screw-gate karibiners
a 4m open sling/ climbing tape/webbing
a large closed-loop sling (about 4m in perimeter)
a first-aid kit (although first-aid should not form part of the weekend)
Remember to mark all of your gear. Gear gets thrown about in rescue situations and it can be hard to distinguish one person's from another's.
If you're interested, please pm me or e-mail me with your name and contact details and turn-ons. If you have any questions (what gear is better, what's a karibiner, how do you make a € symbol on the computer etc.), leave them on this topic so that everyone can see the replies.
I'm also looking for anyone who wants to help out with the weekend. Any L3 (or higher) instructors or instructor trainees or L5 trainees or just people who have done crazy South American trips but are awaiting their Level 2's, please pm me or e-mail me at killian.halpin@esbi.ie if you're interested.
Kill Out! - and remember, If it doesn't chafe, it's not safe!
