Our Philosophy

Our instructors believe in the philosophy of teaching and understanding concepts to equip our students with the tools to handle any scenario. By training to a high level of conceptual understanding, students will be able to apply knowledge and skill in any scenario they face. We seek to push our students to a level they did not know was possible. Knowing the complex will simplify the reality.

The goal of High Stakes Rescue is to create rescue practitioners who can think critically instead of just performing rote tasks. Rescue is a practice and an art, not just a series of checklists. There are no cookie-cutter incidents. We provide research-based programs that are both accessible and practicable, always training higher than the incident.

Conceptual understanding builds ability for practical application.

  • “Of Knots, it is necessary that I speak…”

    A Naval Repository, 1762

  • “To Hitch, Is to catch-hold of Anything with a roape, to hold it fast.”

    Sir Henry Manwayring, The Sea-mans Dictionary, 1644

  • “A knot… is either exactly right or it is hopelessly wrong.”

    Clifford W. Ashley

What We Do

High Stakes Rescue provides high-level training for all levels of rope rescue. Through workshop-style courses, we place heavy focus on the concepts behind rope rescue systems beginning with a solid basis in knotcraft and anchor construction. Moving into mechanical advantage systems and their theory, students learn the critical concepts necessary for building simple to advanced systems in the low- and high-angle environment.

Our artificial high directional workshops put these devices - an industry standard - to the test. Although often seen as a complicated piece of equipment, we break it down into manageable concepts that each student can understand and apply. Our instructors spend time in the classroom reviewing the basic physics behind AHDs, and then put it to practice creating different frames with your team. These workshops give you and your team the tools you need to create rock solid and effective rope rescue systems utilizing AHDs.  

Course Offerings

We break down our offerings into five programs: Low Angle Rope Rescue Techniques, High Angle Rope Rescue Techniques, Personal Rope Rescue Skills and Techniques, Artificial High Directionals, and Custom Courses. Check out the courses page for specifics on each program!