Advanced Transceiver Search Clinic

[chris]

Just wanted to share with the group that Pro Ski Guide Service is offering an Advanced Transceiver Search Clinic, 24 February, for $85.00. Its intended for those with any level of Avalanche Certification and Intermediate Skiing Ability.

I signed up because I thought this was a great way to get practice and professional, constructive feedback. I think anyone who wants to further practive their transceiver search skills could benefit.

[cj001f]

Since I don't seem to see a syllabus on their website, what's covered in "Advanced Transceiver" searching?

[Skip_M._Kliphiem]

It would be way cool if they had some of the new Peips that detect multiple burials. I checked one out at the store a couple of weeks ago and it was easy to use. Icons of victims were deleted as each one was found. The class would be worth it to me if one had an oppertunity to check out the new models.

 

Anyone have some feedback from personal experience with one?

[cj001f]

The class would be worth it to me if one had an oppertunity to check out the new models.

You'd pay $85 to demo beacons?!!!

 

They are invaluable safety equipment, but comeon..... you can buy an avy transmitter for less than that and practice every day!

[Skip_M._Kliphiem]

I would pay $85 dollars to attend a clinic that would help me improve my searching technique, cut back victim burial time and gave me an opportunity to compare some of the new digital tranceivers side by side in a scenerio closer to reality than a showroom floor.

 

Bells and whistles in electronics are a manufacturers way of getting you to buy NEW. If it can save a life, it's worth it. Otherwise it's just a marketing ploy. I have had an Ortavox F1 for the last 7 years. I would like to upgrade to something with a longer range and would facilitate a faster search in a multiple victim situation.

 

I don't think I would ski with you if you were not willing to do the same. Are your skiing companions lifes not worth $85?

[cj001f]

I don't think I would ski with you if you were not willing to do the same.

Skip-

I was advocating instead of taking a class - spending about the same amount of money and purchasing a transmit only beacon, or a used beacon (about $60-$80), so you can practice regularly. Regular practice breeds speed. That's what I've done.

 

If your search times are under 2 minutes for single victims, a couple more for multiples - shoveling will probably take up a greater percentage of your rescue time. Here's an interesting study on rescue time (shoot for a total recovery time of under 18 minutes - per http://users.south-tyrolean.net/avalanche/pdf/Guidelines_2002.pdf )

 

I'd be very curious to see what their tips are for multiple searches. More knowledge is good.

[chris]

I spoke with Martin when I registered. He said only a short amount of time would be spent indoors, the rest outside practicing. Its a one-day clinic, how complicated can the schedule be?

 

I've taken two Level I's and a Level II, and I'm getting ready to take a Level III. I don't work on a ski patrol, and really feel like I never get enough practice. This is a great oppurtunity to practice with experts, and receive expert feedback. You always learn faster with an instructor than a book...

 

For a side note, I was at Jackson Hole Ski Resort when the Ski Patrol there started demo'ing the BCA Tracker. The Patrol Director was so impressed that he replaced all of the Patrol's Pieps with Trackers the next year.

 

For me, I finally replaced my Pieps with a Barryvox. I spend enough days out to justify the cost. Its niiiiicccceeeee........

[cj001f]

Its a one-day clinic, how complicated can the schedule be?

I guess I'm out of line thinking that $85 is alot to spend to practice outside with beacons when you can the same $ and have the gear to do it yourself whenever & wherever. Oh well...

[chris]

No, you're right. $85 is a significant investment. But I have the opinion that you learn more effectively with feedback. The better the feedback, the steeper the learning curve.

 

You can go out and practice by yourself, or with your friends. You will learn, but it will be a slower process. Mistakes have to recognized and evaluated.

 

A great example of what I'm talking about is skiing. You can be self-taught. It is a painful, slow process. If you pay for lessons, you will learn faster and improve more quickly.

 

I already consider myself an advanced back country skier. But its exciting to be able to work with others who can help me improve.

[cj001f]

But I have the opinion that you learn more effectively with feedback. The better the feedback, the steeper the learning curve.

Some friends, some beer (as a prize) and a stopwatch. All the feedback I need. There's such a thing as overanalyzing things....

[snoboy]

Since I don't seem to see a syllabus on their website, what's covered in "Advanced Transceiver" searching?

 

I would guess that there should be some work on Deep Burials and Multiple Victim Strategies, probably Pinpointing on a Line, maybe Vertical Plane Searching.

 

If it's just transceiver practice for $85 that would be weak, but I would hope that it would be a lot more.

 

There's also such a thing as learning new techniques and tools...

[cj001f]

I would guess that there should be some work on Deep Burials and Multiple Victim Strategies, probably Pinpointing on a Line, maybe Vertical Plane Searching.

 

If it's just transceiver practice for $85 that would be weak, but I would hope that it would be a lot more.

 

There's also such a thing as learning new techniques and tools...

Here's what they say:

 

"Many back country users have a solid and basic foundation on how to use an avalanche transceiver. How about multiple burials or the latest digital and analog beacon technology? Are you sure? A must for anyone who explores the backcounry. Basic knowledge of transceivers recommended. Snowboarders welcome"

 

New is good. I'm interested in hearing if they have any new strategies - things that hasn't been published (several of the topics you covered are available as PDF's on the BCAccess website http://www.bcaccess.com/techlibrary/tech_reports.php) - others are available elsewhere on the web

 

If they do I'd be very interested in hearing them - and consider the course well worth it. $85 to play with beacons isn't to me.

[thelawgoddess]

i would hope it's pretty intense, like snoboy was saying. searching for avy beacons (and victims that do not have beacons) on a steeper slope where there is debris all around you - rather than looking for a beacon that is a couple of feet under the snow on fairly flat ground - is pretty damned eye-opening.