RIGGINS WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Riggins Rapid School: PRO-I Swiftwater Rescue Training in Idaho’s Whitewater Country
A professional-level, blended online-and-field course that teaches rescue techniques, decision-making, and problem-solving and awards an internationally recognized PRO‑I certification—this guide lays out what to expect and how to qualify.
Riggins Rapid School: PRO-I Swiftwater Rescue Training in Idaho’s Whitewater Country.
The PRO‑I swiftwater rescue course is a professional‑level training designed for river guides, rescue teams and field professionals. It blends required online modules with intensive hands‑on river work to teach personal safety, risk management, decision making and complex problem solving under limited-resource conditions, culminating in an internationally recognized certification.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Internationally recognized PRO‑I credential
Successful completion yields an SSI PRO‑I Swiftwater Rescue Training certification valid for up to three years; instructors may issue shorter certifications based on practical evaluations.
Two days of heavy hands‑on field training
After completing the online modules, participants spend two days (18 hours total) in the water practicing rescue concept evolutions, practical evaluations and team problem solving under realistic, riverine conditions.
A professional track with access to PRO‑II
The PRO track is intended for professional river guides, USFS/NPS teams, search and rescue and field staff; seasoned recreational users may also train on the PRO track and thereby gain access to the PRO‑II course.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like
The course begins with self‑paced online modules and exams; once the online portion is complete, two consecutive days of field training drive rapid skill acquisition through repetitive, scenario‑based drills. Expect a high‑tempo hands‑on environment focused on self‑rescue, anchor systems and team problem solving under constrained resources.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The PRO‑I is delivered as a 2‑day, 18‑hour field format; completion of the required online training is mandatory before attending the field days.
Bring all required personal protective equipment (PPE) as listed by the SSI gear list and be prepared to demonstrate construction of specific anchor and pulley systems as described in the online modules.
Participants should plan to meet at a predetermined course site in Riggins, ID on the morning of day one; exact meeting details are provided after registration.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Is there an online component?
Yes. The PRO‑I requires completion of 2 hours of online training and passing module exams before attending the field portion.
How are the online exams graded?
Each online module is followed by an exam that must be passed with a minimum score of 80%; exams may be retaken as needed.
What happens during the field days?
Days one and two are spent in the water working on rescue evolutions, practical evaluations and building hands‑on skills; students must demonstrate certain anchor and mechanical advantage systems on arrival.
Is there a written exam at the field site?
No further written examination is required during the PRO‑I field training, but students must satisfy practical evaluations throughout the field portion.
How long is the certification valid?
SSI issues an internationally recognized PRO‑I certification generally valid for up to three years; instructors may issue shorter (one or two year) certifications based on practical skills evaluations.
What are the minimum age and eligibility requirements?
Minimum age is 16 with parental consent (15 if a parent participates). Participants must be proficient swimmers, physically capable, possess the necessary PPE, and meet SSI's Essential Eligibility Criteria.
What happens after I register and pay?
Upon registration and payment you are automatically enrolled in the online training and gain immediate access to the modules and exams.
Can seasoned recreational paddlers take this course?
Yes. Highly seasoned recreational river users may train on the PRO track and thereby gain access to the PRO‑II course, provided they meet the prerequisites.