This isn’t about me. This is about those of you who paddle water more difficult than class three without a safety vest. I’ve been paddling class five for over a decade. I’m a sponsored athlete (GoPro Head Cameras), certified in Swiftwater Rescue, and have instructed numerous classes ranging from rolling to basic skills. What I’m about to say is something I wish someone I trusted had told me about whitewater skills safety.

It may have saved someone’s life. I believe it is essential that people paddling class four and above use safety life jackets. Investing the time to learn how to use one correctly and the energy just may save a person’s life.

In 2003, I was on a trip in California, Shackleford Creek, when a good friend of mine, Jeff Ellis, died at the base of Shackleford Falls. I jumped into the water to save him. I had no rescue vest on, and had I been tethered into a throw bag I would have been better able to grab him with my arms and perhaps have been able, with the help of Andrew Gerdes, Devin Knight and Ben Stookesberry to pull him out.   

That experience changed the resolution that I have for the correct use of safety gear.  I am happy to share what I know about whitewater safety with anyone interested. I am happy to run any class II-IV run with folks interested in stepping it up and, more specifically, learning good safety skills/ethics. I have paddled all over the West Coast and Nepal. Basic skills I am freely willing to offer include: how to set up an anchor; how to set up and use a tether and how to set up a Z-Rig. You can contact me at tristan.ragsdale@gmail.com, if you would like to join one of these safety minded trips.