Whitewater safety classes?

Anybody take a whitewater safety class or some sort of instruction on kayaking/rafting that included lots of safety discussions?

Backstory: My girlfriend and I were floating the very mellow Sandy River just east of Portland and had a scare where our inflatable kayak hit and rolled against a down tree - the GF got stuck under the tree with her feet down river. I was in a more stable position, got her head above so we could communicate and get her air, then I pushed her through (no way was she coming up and over). Given the above situation, if we had been wearing PFDs, we'd have been tangled and had a more difficult time getting out from under the down tree. This experience and the PFD quandry has her a bit spooked and me feeling way more aware of how seemingly benign stuff can instantly turn into serious business on the water.

So, anybody have some resources they'd recommend? Books? I will probably call up the local rafting company and/or kayak shop and ask for recommendations, but I wanted to check in here for advice and discussion.

We're both former competitive swimmers, love being on the river, have an interest in advancing our whitewater time/skills/opportunities, and are careful in our dangerous outdoor pursuits (mtb, bc skiing, sailing, etc). We want to do more river stuff, and we want to be safe and smart about it.

Take a 2-day swiftwater class that is geared towards paddlers. These classes are a LOT of fun.

Swiftwater Rescue is definitely the class to take. In mine we spent one day in a classroom talking about river dynamics and going over rope systems. Then we spent two days on the water, swimming, throw-bagging, etc. Definitely a great class!

Check out Desert Mountain Medicine. These guys do a great class, and they put a couple on in Idaho each year (your neck of the woods...sort of...)

http://www.desertmountainmedicine.com

Yes, DMM = solid instruction.

Good on ya for going the proper route. A week ago today I saw a friend die and safety has never been more on my mind.

First off, let me say you gotta wear a pfd. Always. Always. Well, who can blame someone for not wanting to wear it on class1 but it really is a good idea. I'd venture to guess the pfd would have aided you in getting OVER that log as well.

Definitely seek out swiftwater training and CPR. Get yourself familiar with rescue gear and practice with it. Nowhere is rescue practice and time a factor like it is on the rivers. Practice throwing your rope all the time-there's tons of ways to do this but also practice recoiling fast for a second toss.

Swiftwater Classes are great for on the water training in a somewhat controlled environment. As well as for discussion on all the different types of scenarios that can arise from an accident on the water...like strainers,sweepers, foot entrapments, etc..

For books, I know the Les Bechdel and Slim Ray book "River Rescue, Manual for whitewater safety" is pretty much the authority on the subject.

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Originally Posted by Flowtorch

For books, I know the Les Bechdel and Slim Ray book "River Rescue, Manual for whitewater safety" is pretty much the authority on the subject.

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We're looking at classes and I've put a hold on the above book at my local library. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

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Originally Posted by Flowtorch

For books, I know the Les Bechdel and Slim Ray book "River Rescue, Manual for whitewater safety" is pretty much the authority on the subject.

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Back East, the Whitewater Rescue Manual by Charlie Walbridge is what we all use as a reference. Turns out, the whole book is available on Google Reader!

Right here.