1/2-Day Level 2 Packraft Essentials
"I was thoroughly impressed with the amount I learned in a relatively short amount of time and how much fun I had. The courses are well run and take you to some of the most stunning areas of the Southwest. If you're willing, they will definitely help you push your boundaries to try new and scary-to-you things in a safe and controlled environment. I cannot recommend Four Corners Guides highly enough."
Sam Lewandowski
Learn more advanced whitewater paddling strokes & river-reading skills
Course Overview
In this half-day course, you can pick and choose the skills you want to learn from the curriculum outlined in the section below. Need to improves your paddle strokes or learn how to ferry properly? Do you want to surf? Anything goes. Just talk with your instructor when you meet her/him.
Price: $225
A 50% deposit is required to secure your space. Full payment is due 90 days prior to your course. If you are registering inside of the 90 day window, the remaining balance is due immediately.
Please review our cancellation policy, which you will find on our Terms, Conditions & Cancellation Policy Page.
What's Included
You should have your own whitewater boat and gear for this course, but we do have paddles, PFDs and helmets you can borrow if your kit isn’t yet complete. Please don’t bring bike or climbing helmets!
What's Not Included
You need a whitewater packraft and drysuit for this course. You may rent these items locally at 4Corners Riversports or online at Backcountrypackrafts.com. We will provide you with the 10% discount code once you register for the course.
We do not provide food, lodging or transportation. You must have your own vehicle.
Instructors
TBD
What You will learn
Paddling & River Running Skills
Equipment (use and care + boat rigging, fit, and release of thigh straps)- Posture, safety, comfort, rocking and balance
- Swimming and general water confidence
- Self-rescue & buddy assistance
- Dealing with currents
- Aggressive & defensive swimming position
- River hydrology/dynamics, features & hazards
- Beginner to Intermediate Paddle strokes: Forward, Draw, Sculling draw/brace, Sweep (including stern draw), Reverse sweep, Rudder, Bracing
- Maneuvers: Spin: boat pivots in place; Draw Stroke to move the boat sideways without headway; Forward: boat goes forward in a reasonably straight line; Turns: boat turns in a broad arc while underway
- Ferries: Facing downstream (to stop in current and move laterally to avoid hazards) and Facing upstream to move laterally with control
- Using eddies: Eddy turns, Deep into eddy vs. near eddy line, Peel outs, Deep into current vs. pivot near eddy line, C-turns (eddy turn and peel out from the same side of an eddy), S-turns (eddy turn on one side of an eddy, peeling out from the other side)
- Surfing
- River communication: Paddle, hand, and whistle signals
- Trip planning – 6Ps: Prior Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance
★Review elements of a float plan (who, what, when, where)
★Sourcing local beta such as river sections, flows, weather conditions, forecasts, etc. (i.e., online groups, guidebooks, websites, apps, businesses, gauges, etc.)
★Local rules, regulations, and permitting requirements
★Shuttle logistics (where do the keys go?)
- Evaluate current weather conditions, forecasts, and other environmental hazards
- Field repair-tips & tricks
- Strategies in running rivers: Spacing, Avoid tunnel vision, Paddle your own route,. Scouting, Portaging, Group organization on the river, Cohesiveness (lead, sweep boats, etc.), Safety boats (group members with repair kits, first aid kits, and first aid and CPR training), Communication and signaling
- Discuss danger vs. difficulty
