Late last week we completed a full day a swiftwater training with Mick Hopkinson. Mick is an absolute world-class paddler who has one of the most revered reputations in the world for his epic paddling expeditions. He has completed some notable first descents, including the Blue Nile in Africa back in the seventies where dealing with the natives was more dangerous than the river. Click here for a great interview with Mick: Interview
Mick brings a very common-sense approach to his training, focusing on the things a river guide is most likely to face here on the Snake River. Perhaps the biggest factor is the temperature of the water during spring runoff. Guides wear appropriate clothing for these conditions, and we make that clothing available to our customers as well. During the course Mick emphasized "currency" with the guides, noting that your most recent swim is your currency for the experience. Our most recent swim was Wednesday in the chilly waters of the Snake and Hoback Rivers. There is no substitute for running drills in these cold waters, and we're all better for it.
