Tag Archives: riverboard surfing

Carlson River Boards; An Excellent Rescue Tool

Every year, I have the pleasure of working with the US Border Patrol Swiftwater Rescue Instructors. We concentrate on improving teaching techniques, getting out on the water together, and being sure to all stay on the same page.  BORSTAR, like the National Park Service, and may other SAR teams, commonly use river boards as rescue tools and adjuncts. During the above mentioned BORSTAR training, 4 of us were able to execute the rescue of a solo kayaker; cold, lonely, scared, and stranded on the opposite side of a 48 degree river. He was stranded due to a swim at a roadside paddling spot, late in the day, and underestimating both the water temp and the speed of the water. With our river boards, we were able to complete the “rescue” in about 7 minutes. One board for the swimmer, one board to tow the kayak, one board to keep an eye on things, and one board to retrieve the paddle. Within minutes, he was warming up in his car, and his kayak was secured back on his roof.

The beauties of the Carlson River Board include the quick learning curve, the soft surface, the 160 pounds of flotation, the extra handles, and the durability. It is quick and easy to deploy, and makes a great access tool, if even just to gain a better understanding of the circumstances, or have a conversation with the person in distress. We incorporate river boards into every Water course we do for Agencies, including the SRT and SRT-A, to be sure folks that have consistent swiftwater in their jurisdictions recognize this valuable resource is available.

river board used for swiftwater rescue

So; why are they not in EVERY Swiftwater Rescue cache? Here are a couple misunderstanding about the boards.

 

REASON 1: FINS ARE EVERYTHING! The absolute worst thing that happened to the use of river boards was the so called: SAR fin. Success on a riverboard is all about having a fin that gives both power and steerage. The SAR fin provides NEITHER! Unless you are a lifeguard who can paddle or kick with any hindrance, the SAR fin is just a sea anchor in the water. Normal people like myself, cannot go ANYWHERE with those fins on. The SAR fins are commonly used within Rescue Agencies because they “fit” over a boot, and then the riverboard gets the bad name! I hear comments like “riverboarding sucks” or “ I can’t get anywhere on the board” almost EXLCUSIVELY from folks that are using these fins. Take off your work boots, put on some hard soled booties, and some Churchill Fins (or equivalent) and your experience will completely change!

river board used for swiftwater rescue

 

REASON 2: IT IS AN ADVANCED TECHNICIAN LEVEL SKILL: Yes, it is a water skill. It is a craft that can be used to accomplish NFPA 1670 2017 17.3.3, which requires a technician to perform a swiftwater rescue from a rescue platform. You must have the ability to self- rescue, and train with it as any other tool we have in our rescue cache. Learning to control and use a riverboard effectively can be much more practical, useful and achievable than gaining the extensive skill necessary to control a boat. It is a craft that is best operated “un-tethered”. Rope drag in the water only makes it more difficult to navigate. Most rescues should be done rope free. With proper training, and a thorough knowledge of what is downstream, the river board is easy to paddle out, extend as an adjunct, and kick on the board with the victim, or kick back to shore towing the victim.  It is a tool that is best used in its “simplest” form. This is not to say it cannot be tethered, and used to pendulum someone off of a car, or mid channel obstacle; but access is most likely best accomplished without the use of a rope.

 

river board used for swiftwater rescue

Riverboards provide versatile access.

I also have the pleasure of working with the Yosemite SAR Rangers each year. Many of their “rescues” are simple “assists” due to the almost exclusive use of river boards when it is safe to access. The great thing about a river board is that it can be deployed from almost anywhere. No boat ramps needed! Almost all of the actual rescues I have been involved in over the past few years have also involved using a river board. From assisting non-swimmers back to shore who have fallen out of an inner tube, or commercial raft, to accessing an island with someone stuck in a strainer. These have all been simple assists due to the efficiency and effectiveness of the river board.

You don’t hear much about river board rescues because by the time someone shows up with a camera, or a go-pro, the rescue is complete! ~Julie Munger

Southern Sierras: Sierra Rescue Expands presence

Sierra Rescue now has a stronger presence in the Southern Sierras. Sierra Rescue’s Zach Byars recently moved from Northern California and now is based in Ventura, California. This move has opened the door for more rescue trainings on southern sierra rivers such as the Kern and the Kawhea. Combined with the fact that both of those drainages hold running water this year, the southern training grounds are prime.  Los angeles based Uber adventures has sent numerous participants to the Kern for whitewater rescue training this spring where participants hone techniques for descending Whitewater Class-C canyons. In addition to canyoneers and other outdoor enthusiasts, Southern California rescue agencies are sending personnel to the Kern for training that is a little closer to home.

The Kern provides an excellent and diverse training location with more than 60 miles of accessible terrain. Whitewater rapids ranging from class 2 through class 5+ affords the right challenge for any adventure seeker. The diverse nature of the river corridor is perfect for the wide ranges of classes that we teach. Between the upper Kern and Lower Kern is the town of Kernville, which serves a jumping off point, and base camp for all sorts of  outdoor recreation. We are pleased to maintain a more consistent presence  the southern sierras and strive to provide the best possible training courses for our students. Find a class and come train!

souther sierras swiftwater rescue- Kern River

Southern Sierras swiftwater rescue- Kern River

 

Swiftwater Rescue in Redwood National Park

As instructors of swiftwater rescue, we have the opportunity to train in some amazing environments with some very talented groups of people. From military special forces to recreational boaters, swiftwater rescue is applicable to a diverse cross section of the population. The National Park Service continues to be one of our favorite groups to work with.  We have taught swiftwater rescue and whitewater rescue with the National Park Service in locations such as Grand Canyon, Grad Teton, Yosemite, Big Bend, Lassen, and Olympic national parks. Recently we had a training on the Smith River with Park Rangers in Redwood National Park. In the northern California park, some rangers lead scenic floats through the redwood groves, while others respond to distress calls on the river. Several Rivers crisscross through the park and they attract lots of attention from park visitors.

river rescue national park

photo courtesy of Del Norte Triplicate / Bryan Anderson

The Del Norte Triplicate sent reporters to attend parts of  course. After training and practice with some rescue techniques, instructors challenged the rangers with realistic water rescue scenarios. It’s always a learning experience says Sierra Rescue instructor Zach Byars, “even when the rescue goes wrong, there’s a lot to be learned. Thats why its called training.” The students made good progress throughout the course and left better prepared for water incidents that may happen in the future.

For more information on the Smith River training visit http://www.triplicate.com/News/Local-News/Learning-the-Ropes-Swift-water-rescue-training to read the full write-up.

swiftwater entry by Sierra Rescue instructor Zach Byars with Redwood National Park river rescue training

photo courtesy of Del Norte Triplicate / Bryan Anderson

 

Grand Adventure: Riverboarding the Colorado

Riverboarding isn't all hard work...

Riverboarding isn’t all hard work…

Our riverboard trip this year was a combination of past participants, friends, and parts of one of the oldest river running families running in Grand Canyon, the Smiths’. Michael Bronstein Smith grew up as part of a river family, and swamped occasionally for his cousin, Latimer. Mike motivated the friends he played water polo with in College, a few of their friends, and his Mom and Dad to join the trip.

Group Shot of the Riverboarding Team

 

The fitness level of all the participants made it possible to have an active, fun, adventure filled trip. We did long hikes almost every day, and ran all the big lines that the Canyon has to offer. The incredible thing about riverboarding is the learning curve for folks that are fit, and comfortable in the water. Learning to read little features in the river, identify obstacles, and run really big waves comes quickly and easily to folks with a commitment. By the time we ran the gorge, making it to the “duck pond” at Hance, hitting the waves in Sockdolager, and choosing lines through Horn Creek and Crystal were done by individuals on their own. With the amazing professionalism of Harlan Taney as the safety kayaker, Abigail and I were able to keep folks on line and in the fun water. With a little direction, everyone was able to stay on line in Lava Falls, and have a great time.

Riverboarding down Havasu

The most amazing part about riverboarding is the ability to truly feel the river is such an intimate way. There is no rubber or plastic separating you from feeling the swirl of the eddies and the action of the waves. In my opinion, it not only creates a more intimate way to share the river, but also a deeper bond with the other folks in the water.

 

HavasuIt is still such a unique experience that so few people have had the opportunity to try. It has the aura of a “radical” or “extreme” sport; but it is truly most suited for big Class 3-4 rivers like the Colorado. As a Swiftwater Rescue Instructor for the past 25 years, I also truly believe that for a fit person, it is one of, if not the, safest ways to enjoy the river. The riverboards have 160 pounds of flotation, and there is no gear! Only you, your friends, and the river. With a full wetsuit, helmet and PFD, the protection is complete.

Riverboarding Lava Falls

Riverboarding Lava Falls

 

As with any Grand Canyon trip, the stories and friendships will last for a lifetime. Thank you fellow riverboarders for being adventurous enough to take the plunge in a unique and wonderful way!