River trainees gathered for a day or two of skills refresher training at RIVERMAN'S base on the Vaal over Easter. Those doing the prac and theory River Proficiency test later this month rehearsed for it, while we had no less than 6 newbies join in for their first taste of river skills training. On the first day we accompanied a client trip. Next day was full training day. Ole Man River - that's me - appointed prospective trip leaders Damian, Sean and Shadrach as sub-instructors and I watched them coach the others. A few mistakes were made but that's the way to learn. The exercises were all simple, with the emphasis on speed and effectiveness. We went over the test paper recently given to Cape guides. I'm putting up learning materials online and will invite trainees to share them from DropBox. The test results by Riverman will be forwarded to the Adventure Standards Africa moderator for approval. Those who pass will be rated up to Class 3 water. We recommend that they then go ahead and do a Swiftwater Rescue course with African Paddling Association. Right now, Vaal operators are desperate for new guides and a series of courses in first aid and general river skills will be held in May/June. Late July should find us on the Doring river doing a 4-day guide training expedition. So if you want the training, email or call! - Graeme yeeha@riverman.co.za 0842452490