Willa Mason, who is both impressive and talented, joined us virtually last year to share some of her whitewater wisdom. We have eagerly been awaiting the perfect moment to unveil ‘Part 2’ of our “Sit Down with Willa Mason” series – and that moment has finally arrived! Whether you find yourself taking a break at work or enjoying the comforts of home, we invite you to grab your favorite snack and read along.
Why do you think it’s important to take wilderness certification courses?
It’s important to take wilderness certification courses because it’s our responsibility to help others on the river. Whitewater kayaking and canoeing trips often take place in a very remote area, which requires you to rely on each other for safety. Knowing what your skill level is and gaining first aid skills helps your friends and family stay safe as they navigate unknown waters.
I always like to think about what I can bring to a group, whether it’s my impact, soft skills, hard skills and/or snacks. I think it’s really important to further your own development and bring more to the group. Due to the nature of the sport and its unpredictable environment, we are so privileged to see these places and share them with our favourite people. On the flip side, because we have this opportunity, it’s also our responsibility to be prepared.
The experiences and skills you bring to the table helps everyone have more fun on the river.
I used to hold guided trips for another company in the North West Territories and there was an attendee that I recognized that same summer. A couple of weeks later, he let me know he was taking his own steps to become more responsible for his own skills. As he was coming on a guided trip he also wanted and was helpful and had skills to bring to the team. It was so cool to see that A) He has the foresight to take that responsibility B) He did really enjoy the trip a lot more because he took the course. He was feeling a lot more confident because he had a lot of skills under his belt. It was really cool to see how his experience was impacted because he took a course and it made a HUGE difference. It was really special to share that whole progression with him for sure.
What’s involved in a Wilderness First-Aid course at Madawaska Kanu Centre?
Whitewater kayaking and canoeing trips often take place in remote settings. Therefore, it can be really hard for rescuers to reach you in emergencies. In these circumstances, you’re required to have a high awareness of your surrounding areas, a critical decision-making framework, and the proper tools (which include a well-prepared first-aid kit). Making snap decisions in high-stress “risk or rescue” environments is not a skill that comes naturally to most.
The point of the Wilderness First-Aid course goes back to this idea of being prepared to help in a group setting. It could be you that needs help, or it might be your best friend, or possibly a stranger. This course builds on your understanding of what you should always bring on trips, as well as your wilderness hard skills. You look at the curriculum and you’re like, “Wow, I’m going to know how to flip back a dislocated shoulder?” It’s awesome.
This type of learning is tailored to people who are engaging in self-propelled activities like hiking, kayaking, or canoeing.
Who would you recommend to take a River Rescue course?
Anyone that’s going to spend time on the river. It’s not just for the professionals, it’s not just for people who are working in the industry, the courses are for everyone. You can pick the time and investment that you’d like to put into developing your hard skills.
What I really appreciate about the setup of these certification courses (whether first aid or rescue), is that there’s different steps you can take based on your skill levels and paddling goals.
Why would you recommend someone to take the Canoe Instructor course?
It’s important to develop your own abilities first so you can focus on your next layer of skills, which is instructing others. I’d recommend focusing on your own whitewater skills, then your instructor skills, and then combining them. At this point, you’ll have a much more analytical and critical eye to whitewater kayaking or canoeing and its skill concepts.
I’d say this course is for anyone working in the industry (or who aspires to), as well as those who are looking to challenge themselves. If you’re at a place where your skills are ready for the next level, taking the instructor course will give you new group management skills. We once again arrive at the big question of “What am I bringing to the group?”
I will say that there’s often a perception of instructor courses that they’re too “by the book” and “ too structured,” but the value of these courses comes from learning with your peers. I go into the course with a list of things I have to cover, but I really adapt to the group and recognize that everybody brings different experiences to the group – so we’re really learning from each other and there’s ongoing discussions.
How does your granddad inspire you in your life?
I’ve learned about his philosophy through the films that he made and others’ stories about how his work impacted them. The perspective I gained from him is that “people protect what they love.” I’ve had times where I’ve had an inner conflict of bringing people into the wilderness because I see how human impact has changed these spaces. I’ve definitely battled with that. But then, I really believe that everybody grows in the wilderness and that the growth overall contributes a higher benefit. I’m still learning what this perspective means for me and what actions I want to take in the long term.
Another perspective I learned from him is that “introducing people to whitewater is a good thing.” It’s a good thing for them, it’s a good thing for our community, and it’s a good thing for our planet. While he introduced whitewater through films and books, I do it through teaching and guiding.
Thank you for taking the time to read the last part of our interview with Willa Mason.
Links:
A Sit Down With Willa Mason Pt 1: https://www.mkc.ca/a-sit-down-with-willa-mason/
Find Our List of Courses Here: https://www.mkc.ca/certification-courses/
