Hola, buenos dias and greetings from Scullbinder Ranch,
We are back from our various travels around the world–Doom to the inside passage of Alaska and Lizzy to Spain, Scotland and Zambia. Though we love traveling, it has been incredibly beautiful at Scullbinder Ranch this fall. There’s no place in the world we would rather be right here, right now.
Except maybe the place in the above photo… So why the stunning, lush green waterfall pic? That’s definitely not in the Four Corners. It’s actually El Río La Venta, a spectacular river lined with stunning limestone cliffs that we and up to 8 clients will pass through next February! Our big 2024 news is we’re going international with two expedition courses to Chiapas, Mexico, and Patagonia, Chile.
First off, we will be partnering with local businesses and guide services so we can give back to the communities in which we work and also ensure you have an authentic cultural experience. Our local partner in Chiapas, Rod Alfonso, runs an award-winning group of hostels. And he’s just a really great guy. He’ll work hard to make your south-of-the-border trip seamless and safe. And we will work hard to teach you the paddling and expedition skills you need to do your own big, badass adventures. Visit our website to learn more about this 8-day
Beginner/Intermediate Expedition Packrafting Course.After Mexico, Doom is heading far far south to Patagonia for another 8-day
Expedition Course, but this time exclusively for intermediate and advanced paddlers. Up to 8 clients will spend 2 days with Steve and local Chilean guide, Waldo Aguayo, learning and practicing advanced paddling skills on various rivers near Puerto Río Tranquilo, followed by a 5-day hike-packraft loop around the Guayas Glacier.
In addition to international courses, we have three packraft-specific swiftwater rescue courses on the calendar. And we will add more if those fill up. Jeff Creamer, Class V packrafter and Swiftwater Safety Institute instructor, is joining our guiding team to teach
SSI certification coursesand an
Intermediate/Advanced paddling course.
Meanwhile, Doom is heading to the Soca River (lucky!) to train as a Rescue 3 International Swiftwater Rescue Technician with world-renown instructor, Seon Crockford-Laserer of Packraft Europe. Steve will teach FCG’s non-certification swiftwater rescue courses.