Tide Race & River Rescue
Dates
Duration
Price
Ratio
Coach
Course dates
- August 21, 2026
Elevate Your Safety: Rescue Training for Flowing Water
This intensive short course is designed for sea kayakers ready to boost their confidence and self-sufficiency in moving water and dynamic coastal environments. Whether you are looking for a high-energy rescue refresher or want to feel truly comfortable training independently with friends on the river, this course provides the skills you need to stay in control.
Worblaufen serves as our perfect "outdoor laboratory," allowing us to bridge the gap between sea kayak techniques and river dynamics in a safe, controlled setting. Here, we simulate the high-pressure conditions of tide races and river currents to help you develop fluency, consistency, and speed in your rescues. You will learn to manage your boat, your gear, and your teammates effectively when time and the current are working against you. You will leave this course with a deeper trust in your own abilities and the practical knowledge to react decisively when it matters most.
Course Goal
The primary goal of this course is to bridge the gap between "pool-perfect" rescues and real-world efficiency in moving water. You will refine your rescue techniques specifically for the river environment, focusing on increasing your fluency and consistency when the pressure is on. By the end of the session, you will have developed the muscle memory and the mental "water-sense" needed to perform rescues confidently and decisively in dynamic, high-energy environments.
Course Details
Our Tide Race & River Rescues course is a deep dive into the practicalities of staying safe when the water gets moving. We move beyond the basics to focus on the high-speed decision-making required in dynamic environments.
- Active River Swimming: Master the techniques for swimming safely in a river environment, learning how to use the current to your advantage rather than fighting it.
- Rapid Team Rescues: Perfecting the T-rescue in flowing water—focusing on the speed and precision needed to get a paddler back in their boat before reaching the next feature.
- Proactive Self-Management: Learn how to be a "proactive swimmer" after a capsize. We cover how to safely manage yourself, your paddle, and your boat while navigating moving water.
- Equipment Handling in Current: Practical drills for swimming with your boat and gear to ensure nothing gets lost or becomes a hazard.
- Dynamic Towing Techniques: Effective use of toggle tows and contact tows to quickly move a swimmer or a boat out of a feature and away from downstream hazards.
- High-Pressure Self-Rescues: Refine your re-entry techniques for those moments when you are under time pressure and need to get back in your boat independently.
Before You Book
This course is specifically for paddlers who already have experience in river environments or tide races but want to take their safety skills to the next level. If you are looking to move beyond "surviving" the current and want to become self sufficient when training on the river.
Participants should have experience paddling in moving water or have attended our Tide Race / River Skills course. A solid working knowledge of T-rescues and Cowboy rescues is essential; for the best experience, we recommend completing our Advanced Sea Kayak Rescue course as preparation.
Sustained
This course involves higher-intensity activities such as rescues, surf, and rock hopping, where distances can cover up to 20km in a day. Moderate conditions include winds up to Bft 4 and 1m surf or swell. These are full days out with lunches taken during the journey.
- Sea Kayak
- Spray Deck
- Paddle
- Helmet
- Buoyancy Aid
- Drysuit or neoprene depending on the weather
- Water shoes
- Towline, paddle float, pump
- Own kayak equipment (if possible)
- Swimwear and personal kayak clothing
- Medication
- Sun protection
Minimum age 15
3. Cancellation by the customer
The withdrawal must be in writing and cancellation fees will be calculated as follows: NB. The Percentage refers to the cancellation fee from the total course or tour fee. For all our activities we recommend purchasing cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
3.2 Courses and Coaching in Switzerland
- More than 7 days before the start of the activity: CHF 50 administration fee.
- 7 days -24hours before the start of the activity 50%.
- 24 hours before the start of the activity/no shows 100%.
Directions to Worblaufen
Meet The Team
Jolien Gekiere
Become a part of the Hightide Outdoor & Paddle Community
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Coaching Philosophy
At Hightide, we believe in coaching the individual. Our courses start from where you are and guide you toward your personal paddling goals.
For some, this means building confidence to paddle and enjoy nature. For others, it’s about improving efficiency for expeditions or long-distance paddling. It could also involve developing the skills to venture onto the sea or mastering techniques for rivers, rock gardens, and surf.
Whatever your aim, our extensive experience on the ocean and deep understanding of sea kayaking will help you move forward. All our coaches come from a sea kayaking background, hold professional qualifications, and are passionate not just about paddling but also about coaching. We’ve spent years refining what truly makes a difference in the sport and are committed to delivering it in the most effective way—by making you feel the learning.
When you join a Hightide course, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to keep improving and a structured way to retain what you've learned. We see our role as creating the right conditions for learning, so your progress continues long after the course ends.