[Awclist] October program: Les Bechdel to speak!!!

[howard_higgins2003 at comcast.net]

Friends:

Well CPR training went great! We can do a full Basic First Aid for the Professional (expanded, high quality training!) if there is interest.  Let me know if you would like to do this, and I'll let you know the particulars.  In the meantime:

Les Bechdel,  The "MAN WHO IS WHITEWATER” (as highlighted in 1992 in OUTSIDE magazine), and noted co-author (with Slim Ray) of the swift water rescue “bible”: River Rescue, will speak and conduct a slide presentation for the Adobe Whitewater October meeting! This meeting will be held on October 11th from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Los Griegos Center for Family and Community Services, located in Albuquerque on Candelaria Boulevard NW, just west of 12th Street. The event is free and open to all.

Les began paddling whitewater with the Boy Scouts in Central Pennsylvania in 1960.  His Explorer Post built the first decked canoe in America, and developed many whitewater paddling techniques during those early years of the sport. Les has represented the United States in five World Championships.   At the age of 15, Les was youngest person to ever race in a World Championships.  His last "Worlds" was in 1977 in Spittal, Austria, placing 13th.  During those years, Les was four times National Champion and has more seconds and thirds than he cares to remember.  

Les has participated in wilderness river expeditions all over the world. He spent four seasons in Chile leading commercial whitewater trips on the Rio Bio Bio (1979 - 1982).  In 1981 Les was the assistant leader of the American Himalayan Kayak Team that did the first descent of the Wong Chu River in Bhutan. 

Les played an instrumental role in developing many of the rescue techniques and safety practices in use today.  In 1985 he coauthored RIVER RESCUE with Slim Ray, which was the first definitive book on the subject. It has sold over 90,000 copies and is now in its third edition.   In 1988, Les helped produce the instructional video, RIVER RESCUE, with Anne Ford.  In 1993, he opined in the American Canoe Association safety awareness video, HEADS UP!  Les is the recipient of the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit for saving the life of a victim of near drowning.  He has taught rescue courses throughout the world (Canada, Japan, Norway, and Chile) and is considered to be one of the leading authorities on whitewater safety and rescue.

In 1985, Les and his wife, Susan, founded Canyons Incorporated, based in McCall, Idaho.  Canyons runs wilderness river trips on the Middle Fork and Main Salmon River in Central Idaho.  

Les will share his experiences, provide insights into safe boating and obtaining a permit for the Salmon River, and answer questions. We are very excited about this event, and hope to see you there! For further information contact Howard Higgins at 505-350-5217.

Howard