1/2-Day Level 1 Packraft Foundations
"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 basic whitewater paddling strokes & how to self rescue
Course Overview
In this half-day course, you’ll learn the most basic skills you need to start packrafting. These courses are available only on the Animas River in Durango, CO. And we can only run them with two or more people.
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
This course includes an open Alpacka Classic packraft, PFD, paddle, helmet.
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
This course is meant to introduce you to *some* of these skills in the Levels 1 curriculum, not to get you to master them. You’ll do more drills and hone these skills in our longer courses.
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
- ✔Basic paddle strokes (forward, back, draw, sculling)
- ✔Using eddies
- ✔River communication: Paddle, hand, and whistle signals
- ✔Spacing on the river
- ✔The “River Safety Talk”
- ✔Field repair-tips & tricks
