towsurfer.com pwc and tow-in training courses

PWC RISK TECHNICIAN, OCEAN SAFETY, RESCUE & TOW-IN COURSE

Introduction:

This personalized PWC RISK TECHNICIAN, OCEAN SAFETY, TOW-IN and RESCUE EQUIPMENT training course, is being offered by Eric Akiskalian and Ollie Richardson, along with their highly experienced & certified water safety and PWC operators. This course is designed specifically for individuals and small groups to improve their range of PWC driving techniques and rescue skills.

We will focus on operating a ski in the beach break while performing a variety of rescue techniques using protocols and established emergency procedures (EEP’s). Our PNW Ocean Safety Summit course is for individuals who have a basic understanding of their physical range by knowing their abilities and limitations in ocean conditions. We are going to push your comfort zone while testing your ability to make split-second decisions in rescue situations.

Our goal is for everyone to become highly trained risk technicians that can observe constantly changing conditions to make the best possible decision for themselves and those around them. Eric and Ollie, along with our crew, will instruct each of you throughout the course on a one-on-one basis. We will give you all the opportunity to train in safe, yet challenging conditions.

The Private Group Training Course Will Help You Develop the Following Skills:

1. Teamwork and hand single communication

2. PWC beach/ramp launching and extraction using a sand dolly

3. PWC driving and rescue techniques

4. Quick, yet precise pickups using the rescue sled and rescue ring

5. Individual driving, and rescues in the surf zone

6. Time-saving, decision-making, risk assessment, and risk management in a fluid situation

7. Identifying local resources and protocols for acting upon rescues or assisting in any emergency situation

8. Introduction to the local area, geo layout, danger zones, launching areas, and lookout points

9. Proper equipment list, proper care, and rinsing of PWC

10. On-hand safety items

11. Transporting unconscious person(s) in the water to the beach or ramp

12. Towing and swimming in a dead ski to a safe location

13. Confronting and dealing with a capsized ski

The intention of this course is to create safety in a dynamic environment. We are creating our own safety mechanism, as well as creating one for others with the overall objective of teaching trainees the basic fundamentals, equipment needs, and safety. By using our knowledge, experience, resources, and technologies we can reduce, minimize or prevent potential risk factors.

This is a certification of completion course, and it’s an opportunity to train with industry-leading, knowledgeable, and experienced waterman from the PNW with a combined 75 years of experience with staff included.

We will also cover aspects of the ever-changing ocean conditions, tides, rip currents, swell forecasting, and ocean awareness.

Youtube Summit and Big Wave Promo Clips:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHgKfmy4NcY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_r__U_EeBA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_FhXcD6MBk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMrUQGIucv0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX_1qDelFSo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz0SZ9unSFU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHA22DSETTk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyVzvTl30P8

This personalized training course is also designed for individuals and small groups who are getting started in tow surfing and would like to improve their skills and understanding of the sport and safety aspects. This course is for individuals who have a basic understanding of their physical range by knowing their abilities and their limitations in ocean conditions. Eric and Ollie will instruct each of you in spring and summer surf conditions giving you the opportunity to train in safe, yet challenging conditions. Experienced individuals will have the opportunity to train during the winter months in select locations.

The intention of this course is to create safety in a dynamic environment. We are creating our own safety mechanism, as well as creating one for others with the overall objective of teaching people the basic fundamentals, equipment needs, and safety. By using our knowledge, experience, resources, and technologies, risk factors can be prevented and minimized.

Private Lifeguard, U.S.C.G., Military, Marines, Navy, and Government Agency Summits

The Summit Course is also offered to private groups working for, or representing lifeguards, U.S.C.G., Military, Marines, Navy, Local, Government & Federal Rescue Agencies. (Course cost is subject to change based on custom course design, training days, location, and trainee headcount)

Training Locations: Our home base training locations offer a variety of ocean and weather conditions that are conducive for the full environment training experience year-round in Oregon and Washington. (We are also available for outside the U.S.A. private training)

Dates: Scheduling Available Monday thru Sunday, Winter hours – 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. / Summer hours – 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

1-3 Day Courses Available: Includes safety equipment and PWC with rescue sled. Toeboards and life vests are available.

Also Available: Two-hour minimum, half-day, and multiple-day courses.

PWC Safety items to bring: towsurfer.com Towsurfer.com Online Store has all the recommended tow surfing, safety, and rescue equipment available to outfit your PWC and safety equipment needs.

“This course is recommended for anyone who is interested in learning the basics of PWC operation, ocean rescue and assistance, tow-in surfing, and the equipment needed to outfit your ski properly. Remember, safety comes first and in numbers.” – Eric Akiskalian

“Eric Akiskalian ‘AKA’ TOWSURFER, what a solid guy, always ready, always organized and forever CHARGING forward!!! I have known Eric of Towsurfer.com for over 20 years and I have traveled to many global big-wave destinations with him as well. Over the years, he has demonstrated his dedication, expertise, time, and passion for promoting our sport and keeping surfers safe by assisting in water safety and rescue. As of recent, I have personally had him work with me in Nazare, Portugal, and Mavericks, CA for water safety, assistance, and rescue for our crew. I trust his abilities and level of experience with my life in any situation that he is willing to put himself in. He’s very calculated and confident, but he also knows that mistakes and bad situations will happen to the best. He’s mentally and physically prepared for the worst-case scenarios. He’s a great friend with a big heart and very easy to work with. Let’s Go!!!” – Garrett McNamara / Current Guinness World Record Holder for Biggest Wave Surfed Nazare, Portugal / HI-USA

“I’ve known Eric Akiskalian for over a decade now and his dedication to Tow Surfing and PWC Water Safety is 2nd to none. I have used Eric and his services on many occasions chasing swells around the world. I trust him to come and get me when my life is on the line. I know he is constantly keeping his skills fine-tuned and doing all the updated courses so he is on his game. Thank you, Eric, for keeping me safe over the years and looking forward to many more sessions to come. Cheers!” – Jamie Mitchell / Professional Big Wave Surfer / AUS

“The more you can learn from trained professionals, the safer our oceans will be. It was great to have Eric Akiskalian in our training program and share his expertise and knowledge” –Archie Kalepa /Ocean and Safety Water Patrol / County of Maui, HI

“This course really opened my eyes to how important safety is and how much training is needed. What I learned with Eric Akiskalian in two days would have otherwise taken me an entire season to figure out. Having just bought a new PWC, I learned how to properly outfit and drive my ski and now I can enjoy my water time and feel somewhat knowledgeable”.– Sean Jenson / Owner Eletic Surfboards / Huntington Beach, CA

“ I was stoked to find Eric Akiskalian online and learn that he offered a private tow-in training course. I hired him for private PWC training, ocean safety and tow-ins for about 4 days. I wanted to learn as much as I could and absorb all the information he had to offer. His level of experience and knowledge was apparent and by the end of the course, I felt much more competent with my driving and pickups in the beach break. I am not a big wave tow surfer but love to tow solid south swells in my area. This was the perfect training course for me as a beginner wanting to advance my skills and experience. I would highly recommend Eric, if you are looking for this type of training course.” – Matt Hill / Oxnard, CA

“I met Eric Akiskalian soon after I became interested in shooting big wave surfing nearly 10 years ago. As a regular fixture in the water at Nelscott Reef, Eric tackles some of the biggest conditions the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Getting out to Nelscott Reef is a challenging affair and takes focus, skill, and knowledge. Eric is one of the few people I trust to get me and my equipment out in The Zone quickly and safely. In 2010, I was lucky enough to be able to capture his Biggest Wave of the Year nomination for the XXL Big Wave Awards. In addition to Nelscott, I have been fortunate to have him drive me at some of the best big wave spots including Mavericks and Teahupo’o. It takes a team to take on big waves as well as document them. It is nice to know Eric is out there and on your team, especially when the swell and conditions are unpredictable.” – Richard Hallman / Freelance Imaging / Bend, OR

“When I come to Oregon or California, it’s always good to know that Eric Akiskalian is available helping to coordinate safety and logistics for the swells. Eric is a dedicated water man that has the global experience, passion, and dedication needed for success in big surf. He’s a good guy, with a great attitude and worth having in your corner on those special days of waves.” – Trevor Sven Carlson / Professional Big Wave Surfer / Oahu, HI

“When I first started tow surfing Eric Akiskalian was a great mentor and always came prepared with everything needed for a fun, safe tow session. He stays updated on all new current safety protocols and equipment so that everyone comes back to the beach safely. Eric uses his enthusiasm and passion for promoting the sport in a positive way, which makes him an ambassador for big wave surfing. Eric is the only person I know that is more stoked than I am and he always brings a smile and positive attitude to every session.” – Ollie Richard / Newport, OR

Industry Letters of Support and Recommendations:

Adam Wagner

Scott Eggers

Rodney Kilborne

Glen Gremillion

PJ Lungren

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