Our Outdoor Leader Semester students recently completed their Whitewater Rescue Technician training on the Pacuare River. During this phase of their course, the students explored the rivers of Costa Rica while learning and practicing  techniques such as safely swimming through rapids, reading whitewater, swiftwater rescue, self-rescue and personal safety.

“The river was our first sense of camaraderie on this adventure,” said Devin B. of Ames, Idaho.

“It was humbling and taught us respect for its power and Mother Nature, being aware of what’s to come before it does… those kinds of life lessons,” he added.

“I thought it was awesome to learn to read the river and its powers and then use that to navigate it,” added Rachel A. of Louisville, Colorado.

While rafting down the Sarapiqui River, the students learned raft-guiding skills, encountered wildlife, dense jungle foliage and thrilling rapids.

“It was definitely an adventure and it made me appreciate the little things,” said Veronica R. of Alameda, California.

“For a lot of us, it was a chance to take a risk we wouldn’t normally take,” said Danny H. of Wake Forest, North Carolina.

“We had to trust the team and have courage to get out of our comfort zone,” he added.

Today the students are off to our base at Manuel Antonio National Park where they will explore wildlife and surf.

The students are on course for 65 days earning certifications that cultivate their leadership skills and give them unique insight into the field of outdoor education.

For more photos of the students in action, visit our Facebook page, and be sure to check back on our blog for more student updates.