I know a few of you fellow snowesters were at the avalanche workshop this last week.
Now I can admit, I didn't go last year because I was going riding that day. But after attending this class, I will try my hardest to never miss one again. It was one of the most humbling experiences I have had riding here the past 4 years.
I thought I knew what I was doing, but when it came down to it, I had a slight idea. Now I know what I need to do and it is hard as hell to execute those steps. For example, when your beacon is reading 2.5 meters you have a real strong desire to start probing without pinpointing with your beacon, it takes another 30 seconds to pinpoint and you will have alot beter luck probing. It was hard for me to take the time to pinpoint, but when I didn't, I took alot more time probing than I would have otherwise.
I know none of us want to "waste" a Saturday of riding and "spend" $200 for a class, but it is well worth it.
It was mentioned at the beginning on wednesday night that you only want to ride with people you know have experience, today I realized just how important that is.
I hope the UAC will do another class next year and a more advanced class for the people that have been through the initial training, my first question in wrap up was "when is the next one?"
When you do take this training (notice the "when you do" not "if") put your heat and soul into it even though you know you are looking for a backpack. Hopefully none of us ever have to use those 3 tools we all HAVE to carry, but we better know how to use them effiecintly and effectively.
Now I can admit, I didn't go last year because I was going riding that day. But after attending this class, I will try my hardest to never miss one again. It was one of the most humbling experiences I have had riding here the past 4 years.
I thought I knew what I was doing, but when it came down to it, I had a slight idea. Now I know what I need to do and it is hard as hell to execute those steps. For example, when your beacon is reading 2.5 meters you have a real strong desire to start probing without pinpointing with your beacon, it takes another 30 seconds to pinpoint and you will have alot beter luck probing. It was hard for me to take the time to pinpoint, but when I didn't, I took alot more time probing than I would have otherwise.
I know none of us want to "waste" a Saturday of riding and "spend" $200 for a class, but it is well worth it.
It was mentioned at the beginning on wednesday night that you only want to ride with people you know have experience, today I realized just how important that is.
I hope the UAC will do another class next year and a more advanced class for the people that have been through the initial training, my first question in wrap up was "when is the next one?"
When you do take this training (notice the "when you do" not "if") put your heat and soul into it even though you know you are looking for a backpack. Hopefully none of us ever have to use those 3 tools we all HAVE to carry, but we better know how to use them effiecintly and effectively.
