Swiftwater Rescue for Whitewater Paddlers
Gain the skills and confidence needed in Swiftwater rescue situations. NOC’s commitment to high quality education is top in the industry. Our ACA certified instructors have years of experience and take our courses beyond the requirements to best prepare students to become instructors, guides, and skilled in swiftwater situations.
Overview
Taught here at NOC’s famous Nantahala River campus, courses are ideal for paddling enthusiasts, professional first responders, and professional river guides.
Geared toward the modern-day river runner, we have cherry-picked more progressive and advanced skills deemed necessary for today’s paddler while meeting and exceeding all ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Skills Course. NOC instructors go a step further teaching participants how to manage realistic river rescue situations that a paddler might experience using techniques performed with minimal equipment.
Skills You’ll Learn and Develop
- How to manage realistic river rescue situations that a paddler might experience using techniques performed with minimal equipment
- This course focuses on progressive and advanced rescue skills while meeting and exceeding all ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue criteria.
What to Expect
This course is offered in a group setting teaching participants how to manage real life river rescue situations that a paddler might experience using minimal equipment. The group and individuals will get real life scenarios to work through, with all instruction and practice taking place on the Nantahala River.
Dates
Upcoming Dates
| Dates | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 6-7, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | |
| Oct 4-5, 2025 | Bryson City, NC |
Location
Before You Visit
Because of the intensity of this course, participants should consider the following prerequisites:
- Be in good physical condition – this is an active couse and participants will be swimming.
- Be capable in craft of choice in Class II-III whitewater
- Be proficient in self-rescue and comfortable swimming in Class II whitewater
- Have a solid understanding of river reading and hydrology
- Be familiar with the following knots prior to the course using www.animatedknots.com:
- Figure Eight
- Figure Eight Double Loop
- Figure Eight Follow Loop
- Water Knot
- Double Fisherman
Participants must be 18+ years of age. Participants must meet age, weight, and chest size minimums and maximums specific to this trip. Please read our General Participant Eligibility & Recommendations for more information.
NOC provides all course participants with the following:
- Gear Bag, Paddling Jacket, Wetsuit, Booties, Webbing and Prusiks
- In-Course Transportation
- NOC’s Highly-Trained, ACA Certified Instruction
Boats (kayaks, canoes, rafts, etc.) will not be used for this program.
NOC provides all course participants with the following gear: gear bag, paddling jacket, wetsuit and booties, webbing, and prusiks. Participants are required to bring all other gear and equipment. Exclusive discounts are available for course participants at the Outfitter’s Store.
Necessary Items
- Lunch (or money to purchase lunch)
- Face Mask or Cloth Face Covering
- Rescue Personal Flotation Device* or Standard PFD*
- Throw Bag/Rope
- 2 Locking Carabiners
- Helmet
- Shorts/Swimwear
- Dry Suit (recommended, but not required)
- Synthetic T-Shirts
- Sunscreen/Lip Balm
- Towel and Change of Clothes each day
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Clothing and Personal Items
- Synthetic Long Underwear
- Light Fleece Hoodie/Pullover
Optional Items
- Nose Clips
- Sunglasses
- Eyeglass Strap
- Hat or Visor
- Ear Plugs (if sensitive to water)
*NOC has some on-hand to borrow if needed
Meals, snacks, and beverages can be purchased at NOC’s two onsite restaurants or the General Store. Exclusive discounts are available for course participants.
Meet Our Instructors
The NOC Paddling School stands out because of its exceptional instructors, who are experienced, skilled paddlers, and creative teachers. Their expertise and dedication are why Outside Magazine named us the “Best Place to Learn”
Click here to view our full list of Paddling School Instructors
