HREC 150 Introduction to Whitewater Rafting
This course introduces the student to the whitewater rafting environment. Topics include equipment, rigging, paddle technique, river hydraulics and terminology, river communication, river safety, organization and leadership, and river etiquette. Students will learn to safely guide a paddle raft on Class 2 and 3 whitewater.
General Education Competency
[GE Core type]
HREC 150Introduction to Whitewater Rafting
Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.
I. General Information
Department
Health, Recreation & Fitness
II. Course Specification
Course Type
Program Requirement
General Education Competency
[GE Core type]
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
30
Grading Method
Letter grade
III. Catalog Course Description
This course introduces the student to the whitewater rafting environment. Topics include equipment, rigging, paddle technique, river hydraulics and terminology, river communication, river safety, organization and leadership, and river etiquette. Students will learn to safely guide a paddle raft on Class 2 and 3 whitewater.
IV. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- Students will demonstrate appropriate safety practices
V. Topical Outline (Course Content)
A. Introduction to whitewater terminology, and personal/rafting equipment
B. Rafting position and organization: paddler placement, paddle strokes, gear in boat, selecting river, buddy system, shuttle, safety briefing
C. Communication and whitewater signals
D. Role of Paddle Captain
E. Reading River: current, eddies, V-waves, lateral waves, etc.
F. River Hazards: scouting, strainers, rocks, broaching, holes, low-head dams, bridge pillars, etc.
G. Raft Manuevering: strokes, entering/exiting an eddy, ferry angles
H. Safety and Rescue: swimming position, CoReThRoGo, throw bag drills, flipping raft
I. "Live" rafting sessions with studetns rotating as paddle captain. sessions at area crags
J. "Live" flip drills, throw bag drills, swimming through Class II,
VI. Delivery Methodologies
Required Assignments
1. Health History Form
2. Assigned readings from text
Required Exams
1. Weekly quizzes on reading
2. on-water paddle captain assessment
Required Text
1. Read selected chapters from Whitewater Safety and Rescue by Ferrero
Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements
1. Health History Form
2. Assigned readings from text
1. Weekly quizzes on reading
2. on-water paddle captain assessment