Louis-Jacob Campbell Interview | Perspectives on Whitewater Rescue

Zach sits down with Louis-Jacob Campbell to ask him 10 questions on whitewater rescue.

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage show, where Zach sits down with Louis-Jacob Campbell, an experienced river guide and rescue instructor from Quebec currently working in New Zealand. In this episode, they dive deep into the philosophies of river safety, comparing the professional worlds of first responders and recreational boaters while discussing the essential skills every guide should master.

Episode Summary

The conversation begins with Louis-Jacob explaining the unique co-op structure of his rafting business in Quebec, New Wave Expeditions (Expeditions Nouvelle Vague), which is owned by 28 staff members. The bulk of the interview focuses on his role as a rescue instructor for Raven Rescue (the Canadian provider for Rescue 3 International) and his approach to teaching different audiences.

A major theme is the distinction between "whitewater rescue" for recreational boaters and "swiftwater rescue" (SRT) for professional first responders. Louis-Jacob notes that while the techniques are similar, the approach differs: boaters usually have a better "river sense" but need quick, on-the-fly solutions, whereas first responders often have more resources and equipment but must be taught the fundamental power of the river from scratch. They also discuss the value of keeping rescue systems simple, especially for new guides who can easily be overwhelmed by complex mechanical advantage setups.

The discussion concludes with a deep dive into gear and knots. Louis-Jacob shares his "Big Five" essential knots and explains why he prefers specific equipment, like the Palm Nevis PFD, which acts as a mobile workstation for rescue professionals.

Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode

• Professional Training: Raven Rescue and Rescue 3 International.
• Outfitting: New Wave Expeditions in Quebec.
• Gear Favorites: Palm Nevis PFD and high-quality throw bags.
• Rescue Techniques: The "Pig Rig" 4:1 system versus a simple 3:1 Z-drag.

Some of the Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section

• Topic: Industry Philosophy. "Is whitewater rescue separate from swiftwater rescue?"
• Topic: Essential Skills. "If you could only pick five knots for a boater to know, which ones would they be?"
• Topic: Mechanical Advantage. "If there's a boat wrapped and you only get one system, which one do you pick?"
• Topic: Safety Gear. "What is the most important piece of gear in your rescue kit?"
• Topic: Training Methods. "How valuable is training with rescue tethers (live bait) for paddlers?"

Zach’s Key Takeaways from Louis-Jacob

• Keep it Simple: For most river scenarios, knowing how to attach a rope and make a loop (like a Figure 8) allows you to solve almost any problem.
• The "Pig Rig" Advantage: Louis-Jacob prefers the 4:1 Pig Rig because it uses an external line, meaning if the boat breaks free, you don't lose all your expensive pulleys and carabiners in the river.
• Gear as a Tool: A PFD isn't just for flotation; it’s a workstation. Having a vest that can carry necessary tools comfortably is vital for a rescue professional.

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Zach Collier is the owner of Northwest Rafting Company and an International Rafting Federation Rafting Instructor. He has decades of river guiding and expedition experience across the American West and internationally.