While out in Vail last week for the Teva Mountain Games, Team Wavesport's Trip Jennings and I cruised down I70 to Barrel Springs Rapid on the Colorado River for a little afternoon fun. With us was longtime paddling partner Adam Mills Elliott, who demonstrated that while a big water swim doesn't necessarily need to be a long and terrifying ordeal.

So check out this multicam video of our run down through the rapid, edited in real time, to see how the experience, and the rescue, went for our team.



So what should you do if someone in your team swims in big water?
1. Asses the situation. Is there a pool below the drop? Is it safe for you to try and paddle them to shore?
2. If you decide it's safe, paddle over to them and carefully present the bow of your boat. They'll likely be out of breath and a little panicked--talk to them and let them relax for a moment.
3. Once they're feeling a bit settled, have them grab onto your stern (or around your waist if your boat doesn't have swimmer handles). Tell them to KICK! and head for shore.
4. When you get them safely to shore, turn your attention to their gear. Help the rest of your crew wrangle everything to shore.
5. Make sure the swimmer is warm and confident about continuing, then keep heading downstream!

Enjoy the spring runoff!
Andy Maser