PACKRAFT FOUNDATIONS: A BASIC PADDLING & Swiftwater SKILLS COURSE
LEARN TO PACKRAFT!
Course Overview
Start whitewater packrafting the right way with this entry-level paddling skills and swiftwater safety skills course.
In this hybrid padding and swiftwater rescue skills course we cover the same hands-on skills taught in Rescue 3 International Whitewater Rescue Technician – Recreational course and in the American Canoe Association-accredited packraft instruction curriculum.
We teach these courses on the Animas River, and you’ll be guided by certified ACA Packraft instructors. We’ll be keeping the courses small with a 4 participants to 1 guide ratio in order to more effectively tailor the course to participants’ needs.Â
This Packraft Instruction course is for adventurers wanting to learn basic packrafting skills, from paddling and reading rivers. Additionally, we will cover boat and gear use and maintenance, self and partner rescues, among other things. Scroll down to book.
Email us for details. Sign up below.
Price: $675.00
A 50% deposit is due upon receipt to secure your space. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your course. The remaining balance is due immediately if you are registering inside of the 30 day window.
Please review our cancellation policy, which you will find on our Terms, Conditions & Cancellation Policy Page.
What's Included
This course includes an open packraft, PFD, paddle, helmet.
What's Not Included
Food and lodging, though you are welcome to add 1-3 nights at Scullbinder Ranch, which includes breakfasts and dinners. Transportation is also not included. You need a car or to carpool. We do not have a shuttle. Finally, we do not include: whitewater boats, drysuits, river knives, whistles or throw bags.Â
You will need a drysuit for this trip. Rent drysuits online with a 15% discount at BackcountryPackraft.com (we will give you the discount code once you pay your deposit).
Instructors
TBD
What You will learn
We base this instructional courses on confidence and skill progression. The course starts with the basics. And then we push you a little harder as the days progress, tailoring the experience to your own personal abilities.
Beginners will learn basics paddling skills and river reading techniques such as:
- âś“Equipment (use and care)
- âś“Swimming and general water confidence
- âś“Self-rescue & buddy assistance
- âś“Dealing with currents
- âś“Aggressive & defensive swimming position
- âś“Decision making
- âś“Hazards & river dynamics
- âś“Basic paddle strokes
- âś“Using eddies
- âś“River commands
- âś“Spacing on the river
