River Rat Academy for Teens

RIVER RAT ACADEMDY FOR TEENS /
ON THE COLORADO RIVER (Age 13-16)

(Previously titled Whitewater Academy - the same great program!)

Become a river rat! Learn to "read" and run the river! Our trip starts and ends at Canyonlands Field Institute in Moab, Utah and then we travel to the Colorado River at Cisco for introductory skills training on flat water and small rapids (Class I-II). Later in the week we enjoy the challenge of fun Class II rapids below Fisher Towers (this is mostly a scenic float with some fun roller waves suitable for families and children.) Enjoy wildlife sightings and hikes to and beautiful camps. We end on the last day with return to CFI office, derig and departure by 5pm.

You are with licensed naturalist- river guides who share love for the river and skills with you! Our small group (maximum 12) gives you lots of opportunity for hands-on learning and group fun.

This camp, designed for beginning boaters, offers a comprehensive introduction to the river world and river-running skills: how to "read the river, rowing and paddling techniques for whitewater rafting, equipment rigging, safety and rescue issues, river and desert ecology. This hands-on course teaches maneuvering rafts on calm water and small rapids, tying knots, equipment tie-down techniques with ropes and straps, framing and loading methods, self-rescue boating and swimming practices and minimum-impact camping techniques. Kids learn about desert plants and animals and current river issues; they camp out all nights and help with kitchen camp routines. This is a great confidence and skill builder AWAY from city-life, computers and video-games!

Transportation

CFI will provide transportation to and from the river in air conditioned van.

Gear and Clothing

We provide river and camping equipment including: dry bags, cooking equipment, rafts or canoes. Participants are sent a packing list outlining the necessary equipment and clothing they must bring including sleeping gear, a tent, day pack, and other personal items. If participants prefer, sleeping gear may be rented from CFI. Students should also bring personal spending money for purchasing a Tee Shirt souvenir!

Safety Precautions

CFI maintains an excellent safety record. Complete first aid kits are carried on all programs, and all our instructors and field staff are certified and qualified to administer emergency medical treatment, are licensed river guides and have had river rescue training. While traveling in vans, everyone is required to wear safety belts. Life jackets must be worn at all times on our youth trips. Participants will be provided wetsuits and helmets for the days of in-water skills practice. Please note we do not carry cell phones in the backcountry; our route does occassionally pass along a paved highway and BLM boat ramp; we have written, trained and tested preventative and emergency procedures. Staff Experience

Our instructors are college-educated and have direct experience teaching and working with adults, teens and pre-teens in an outdoor educational setting. Staff members for our river trips are experienced, licensed whitewater guides.