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Hi, it's me, Nature Nicole! I have a passion for river running and exploratory boating in all things inflatable. After too many instances of arriving on the scene to raft wraps, kayak pins, stranded swimmers, broken paddles, popped boats, and lost dogs, I am making it my personal mission to promote boater safety and self rescue skills in Oregon. With over 15 years of experience in outdoor education, the kidos began calling me Nature Nicole in the outdoor classroom, and it just stuck! I work commercially as a Trip Leader on the lower Rogue, with over 10 years experience in all things whitewater and river logistics. I have logged over 10,500 river miles, 1,100 river days, and 1,926 commercial guests with many more to come. I've been all over the west coast in pursuit of private boating whitewater bucket list trips. Would you like to talk about river trips? It's my favorite subject! My business is insured and bonded, providing ACA Level 4 Certified Instruction in Swiftwater Rescue and Rafting. NNWW holds a current Oregon State Marine Board Outfitter Guide License, BLM SRP Permit, Wilderness First Responder Certification, and CPR/ 1st Aid.

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ACA Course Descriptions

SAFETY

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ACA Essentials of River Safety and Rescue: Teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and simple rescues of paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as entrapments, and pins, also are taught. This course is aimed primarily at new boaters, or boaters who anticipate paddling in moving water but not whitewater. Appropriate for the general public, rec boaters and families with young children.

  • class I

  • 8 hrs

  • 12 Students: 1 Instructor or 24: 2 

  • “Level 2: Essentials of River Safety and Rescue” ACA certificate of completion or participation available

 

ACA River Safety and Rescue: Teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and simple rescues of paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as entrapments, and pins, also are taught. This course is aimed at whitewater boaters interested in learning fundamental river rescue skills. Appropriate for Beginner to intermediate private boaters.

  • class II

  • 8 hrs

  • 12 Students: 1 Instructor or 24: 2

  • “Level 3: River Safety & Rescue” ACA certificate of completion or participation available

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ACA Swiftwater Rescue: Teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. 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. Appropriate for whitewater raft guides and intermediate to advanced private boaters.

  • class III

  • 16 hrs

  • 12 Students: 1 Instructor or 24: 2

  • “Level 4: Swiftwater Rescue” ACA certificate of completion or participation available

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ROWING

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ACA Rowing clinic class I: Efficiently row a raft on rivers with class I rapids. This course includes the basic elements of river reading, safety considerations, and rowing techniques. Suitable for first time rowers.

  • Class I

  • 8 hours

  • 6 students : 1 instructor or 12 : 2

  • “Level 2: Essentials of Rafting – Oar” ACA certificate of completion or participation available

 

ACA Rowing Clinic class II: Efficiently row a raft on rivers with class I-II rapids. This course includes intermediate elements of rigging a raft, river reading, safety considerations, hazard identification, and rowing techniques and strokes. Suitable for beginner to intermediate rowers.

  • Class II

  • 8 hours

  • 6 students : 1 instructor or 12 : 2

  • “Level 3: Rafting – Oar” ACA certificate of completion or participation available

 

ACA Rowing Clinic class III: Efficiently row a raft on rivers with class I-III rapids. This course includes advanced hydrology, expedition safety considerations, advanced scouting, chase and recovery skills, flip practice, group dynamics, boat spacing, rigging considerations, and rowing techniques and strokes for both light and loaded craft. Suitable for intermediate to advanced rowers.

  • Class III

  • 16 hours

  • 6 students : 1 instructor or 12 : 2

  • “Level 4: Whitewater Rafting – Oar” ACA certificate of completion or participation available

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PADDLING

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R2 & Paddle boating class I: Efficiently paddle a raft on rivers with class I rapids. Includes the basic elements of river reading, safety considerations, and paddling techniques. Introduces the skills required to captain, or guide, a paddle raft on moving water. Appropriate for first time rafters.

  • Class I

  • 8 hours

  • 6 students: 1 instructor or 12 : 2

  • “Level 2: Essentials of Rafting – Paddle” ACA certificate of completion or participation available

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R2 & Paddle boating class II: Efficiently paddle a raft on rivers with class I-II rapids. Includes intermediate river reading, safety considerations, swimmer recovery, strokes and paddling techniques. Build the skills required to captain, or guide, a paddle raft in class I-II rapids. 

  • Class II

  • 8 hours

  • 6 students: 1 instructor; 12 : 2

  • “Level 3: Rafting – Paddle” ACA certificate of completion or participation available

 

R2 & Paddle boating class III: Efficiently paddle a raft on rivers with class I-III rapids. This course includes advanced river reading, safety considerations, scouting, rescue considerations, flip practice, team building, advanced strokes and paddling techniques. Perfects the skills required to captain, or guide, a paddle raft in class I-III.

  • Class III

  • 16 hours

  • 6 students: 1 instructor; 12 : 2

  • “Level 4: Whitewater Rafting – Paddle” ACA certificate of completion or participation available

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