Montana ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue and Rafting Clinic
May 29-31st, 2026
Join Mia and Caroline for the Montana Rafting and Rescue clinic!
Are you sick of being out on the river, just hoping that nothing goes wrong? Do you ever have a close call and think, whew, we would’ve been totally screwed if that had gone poorly? We are here to help you gain the skills to safely manage incidents and emergencies on the river.
This is an ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue clinic, meaning we’re teaching an industry-standard level of curriculum that will be helpful for both recreational boaters and professional guides. Mia and Caroline are both ACA certified Swiftwater Instructors, with over 18 years combined experience as professional guides and outdoor educators. We love creating a teaching space that feels grounded and safe and slowly expands the level of difficulty as our student’s comfort level increases!
We’ll spend the day running a Class II-III section of whitewater, giving students the opportunity to enhance their rowing and paddling skills. We’ll talk about reading rapids, line choice, and boat rigging. This clinic is challenge-by-choice, and participants can expect a day of fun whitewater boating!
This clinic will build confidence in moving water and deepen technical rescue knowledge. We focus on practical, real-world skills you can actually use on the river. We practice the skills in the river, and supplement with scenarios to mimic actual incidents and emergencies.
Participants can expect:
Reading moving water, swimming rapids, river crossings
Risk assessment, identifying hazards, and rescue strategy
Leadership, teamwork, and communication on the river
Knots, mechanical advantage, and rope rescue techniques
Completion of the 3-day course entitles students to an ACA participation certificate, accepted by most river outfitters, kayak schools, and outdoor programs.
This course is hosted on the Blackfoot River near Missoula, MT.
Accommodation can be found in Missoula, or for participants that would like to camp we will have a group campsite available for the duration of the course.
The price for this course is $425.
Please email mia@bigwaterbabes.com to register or with any questions! We’d love to hear from you!
FAQs
Logistics for this course
1
May 29-31
8am-5pm
Blackfoot River
Snacks will be provided during the day.
We will have a group campsite available May 28th, 29th, and 30th for any students who would like to camp!
What gear do I need for this course?
2
Personal paddling equipment including PFD, drysuit, wetsuit, or splash pants/dry top (some loaner gear available, please ask early), river shoes (tennis shoes or Astral/NRS type shoe), any rescue equipment you have (throw bag, carabbeaners, prussics, flip line, etc.)
A full gear list and rescue gear recommendations will be sent out to participants.
Is this course for guides or recreational boaters?
3
The curriculum we teach will be applicable to both professional and recreational boaters. A Level 4 clinic is industry-standard and will be accepted by most outfitters.
I don’t know if I’m experienced enough for this course, what should I do?
4
Mia and Caroline would be happy to talk to you about your personal circumstances and see if you think you’re a good fit! Mia took her first Swiftwater Course in college even though she’d never been rafting before, and we think this course has something to offer to everyone. We keep our courses small enough to tailor the experience, but give us a shout at caroline@bigwaterbabes.com and we will help you decide!
You can cancel for 100% refund up to 30 days before the course, less a $50 processing fee. Less than 30 days before the course, there are no refunds unless we fill your spot, in which case we will refund you 100% less a $50 processing fee.