This 1- to 2-day Beginner course is for aspiring packrafters with little to no experience who want an introduction to their equipment and basic on-the-water skills. We learn many of the following skills in a kayak play park setting in Durango, Colorado. This course is meant to introduce you to these skills, not to get you to master them. You’ll do more drills and hone these skills in our Level 2-4 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
On these 2- to 3-day Beginner courses, you’ll spend half the day learning about your equipment, and basic river reading and paddling skills. You’ll spend the other half of your day learning basic swiftwater rescue skills. Your primary instructor for swiftwater safety/rescue courses is Head Guide Steve Fassbinder. Steve is a certified International Rescue 3 Whitewater Rescue Technician Professional (WRT-PRO) training to become an IRF Whitewater Rescue Technician Instructor. He also has advanced SSI Swiftwater Rescue certification.
This course is meant to introduce you to these skills, not to get you to master them. You’ll do more drills and hone these skills in our Level 2-4 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
Swiftwater Safety: Handling common emergency situations on the river
- ✔Identify and demonstrate the use of appropriate rescue and safety gear for packrafting
- ✔Responsibilities of the group, rescuer, swimmers
- ✔Boat-based rescues
- ✔Group communication
- ✔Using throw bags
- ✔Swimming in rivers & water confidence (aggressive & defensive swimming position)
- ✔Self-rescue & buddy assistance (wet re-entry)
- ✔River dynamics: currents, obstacles and hazards
- ✔Rescue priorities: people, craft, paddle, gear
- ✔Discuss how to avoid and prevent cold water shock, hypothermia, and hyperthermia by choosing proper clothing and recognizing and treating early symptoms.
We designed these 3- to 5-day courses for adventurers looking to expand their backcountry skills by adding a boat to their repertoire. We teach the standard techniques from our Packraft Foundations–Paddling Skills courses, but we spend less time on self-rescue and aggressive swimming skills and drills. Instead we focus more on what it takes to accomplish a multi-day packraft adventure in the backcountry. This course is meant to introduce you to these skills, not to get you to master them. You’ll do more drills and hone these skills in our Level 2-4 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
Expedition Skills
- ✔Multi-day trip planning & logistics
- ✔Multi-day pack lists
- ✔Where to pack your gear (zippers, weight distribution, securing packs/gear to or inside the boat
- ✔How to pack light (i.e. what to leave behind and why + how to share gear)
- ✔Expedition food planning and prep
- ✔Leave No Trace practices in the backcountry
- ✔Navigation in the field, finding camp, using available resources (river guidebooks and/or researching trip reports from the same stretches of rivers)
- ✔Basic overview of online resources: GIS, USGS water gauges, Google Earth, etc
These 2-day Beginner/Intermediate paddling courses are for experienced paddlers who want to run Class II-III rapids and expand the skills they learned in our Level 1 courses. The goal with these courses is to dive deeper into the Level 1 Paddling & River Running Skills list, and to do practice drills to perfect those skills. This course includes basic swiftwater rescue/safety skills instruction.
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
These 3- to 5-day Beginner/Intermediate paddling courses are for experienced paddlers who want to run Class II-III rapids and expand on and practice both the paddling and swiftwater rescue skills they learned in our Level 1 courses. This course is part of the new Level 2 Packraft Essentials series that we launched in 2024. It will cover many of the same hands-on skills taught in a Rescue 3 International Whitewater Rescue Technician – Recreational course, all tailored specifically for packrafting. Your primary instructor for swiftwater safety/rescue courses is Head Guide Steve Fassbinder. Steve is a certified International Rescue 3 Whitewater Rescue Technician Professional (WRT-PRO) training to become an IRF Whitewater Rescue Technician Instructor. He also has advanced SSI Swiftwater Rescue certification.
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
Swiftwater Safety: Handling common emergency situations on the river
- ✔Identify and demonstrate the use of appropriate rescue and safety gear for packrafting
- ✔Responsibilities of the group, rescuer, swimmers
- ✔Boat-based rescues
- ✔Group communication
- ✔Using throw bags
- ✔Swimming in rivers & water confidence (aggressive & defensive swimming position)
- ✔Self-rescue & buddy assistance (we re-entry)
- ✔River dynamics: currents, obstacles and hazards
- ✔Rescue priorities: people, craft, paddle, gear
- ✔Discuss how to avoid and prevent cold water shock, hypothermia, and hyperthermia by choosing proper clothing and recognizing and treating early symptoms
- ✔Discuss the safety implications of access to remote paddling environments
- ✔Bow and stern towing for a tired swimmer
- ✔Towing or bulldozing a capsized boat
- ✔Shoreline Rescue: Extension rescues, Use of throw ropes/bags, Pinned craft
- ✔Wading principles: Avoiding foot entrapment & foot entrapment extrication: Limitations (water depth and speed, bottom conditions, downstream hazards, debris in water); One and two person techniques
These 3- to 5-day Beginner/Intermediate expedition planning and paddling courses are for experienced paddlers who want to expand the skills they learned in our Level 1 Expedition courses and expand their paddling skills in order to run Class II-III rapids in a backcountry environment. The goal with these courses is to dive deeper into the Level 1 Packraft Foundations – Basic Paddling & Expedition Skills list, and to practice these skills in a backcountry setting. On the longer courses, you’ll also spend time practicing swiftwater rescue skills you learned in previous courses. Please note that depending on how long these courses are, you will learn and/or practice more or fewer of these skills. I.e. don’t expect to learn or practice all of the skills on these lists if you are taking a 3-day course.
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, Scoutingl 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
Expedition Planning Skills
- ✔Expedition/multi-day trip planning & logistics
- ✔Expedition pack lists
- ✔Where to pack your gear (zippers, weight distribution, securing packs/gear to or inside the boat
- ✔How to pack light (i.e. what to leave behind and why + how to share gear)
- ✔Expedition food planning and prep
- ✔Leave No Trace practices in the backcountry
- ✔Navigation in the field, finding camp, etc
- ✔Overview of use of online resources: GIS, USGS water gauges, Google Earth, etc
- ✔Expedition mentality
In our multi-day, Level 3 courses, you will learn and/or improve the below-outlined paddling, river-reading and other skills in a versatile whitewater setting–the Kayak Play Park at Santa Rita Park, Durango.
These Intermediate paddling courses are for people who strongly paddle Class III and likely have paddled up to Class IV. People should easily be able to self rescue (or roll) every time. They also will either have taken courses with us, the ACA, SSI, International 3 Rescue or other accredited guide services. These courses are ideal for people who want to learn and/or advance their knowledge of technical and complex strokes, expertly navigate eddies, make excellent group decisions, manage vertical drops and surf like a pro. These courses are for solid paddlers who want to take their paddling skills to a more advanced level.
Advanced Paddling & River Running Skills
- ✔You should already have mastered all the Level 1 & 2 Course Skills.
- ✔Technical and complex strokes
- ✔Dancing with the river: running big waves and laterals.
- ✔Managing vertical drops
- ✔Advanced surfing
- ✔Paddling a expedition loaded boat in whitewater
- ✔How to read whitewater
Advanced Group Dynamics Skills
- ✔Scouting and decision-making
- ✔Group selection
- ✔Expedition group dynamics
- ✔Group downstream travel technique & communications
- ✔Eddy hopping, traveling in groups. How to travel down a river safely by eddy hopping in groups
- ✔Clear communication: hand signals
- ✔Setting safety and choosing challenges: review, practice and implementation
Packraft Hacks
- ✔Backcountry repairs clinic
The difference between Level 3 and Level 4 courses is experience. In Level 3 courses you’ll learn the correct way to do the below-outlined skills. In Level 4 courses you should already know most of these skills. Thus, you will spend a lot of your time doing drills and honing them. Our advanced guides will also teach you more nuanced ways to master these skills.
These 2- to 3-day Intermediate/advanced paddling courses are for people who solidly paddle Class III and have paddled up to Class IV. People should easily be able to self rescue (or roll) every time. They also will either have taken courses with us, the ACA, SSI, International 3 Rescue or other accredited guide services. These courses are ideal for people who want to learn and/or advance their knowledge of technical and complex strokes, expertly navigate eddies, make excellent group decisions, manage vertical drops and surf like a pro. These courses are for solid paddlers who want to take their paddling skills to a more elite level.
Advanced Paddling & River Running Skills
You should already have mastered all the Level 1 & 2 Course Skills.
Technical and complex strokes
Dancing with the river: running big waves and laterals.
Managing vertical drops
Advanced surfing
Paddling a expedition loaded boat in whitewater
How to read whitewater
Advanced Group Dynamics Skills
Scouting and decision-making
Group selection
Expedition group dynamics
Group downstream travel technique & communications
Eddy hopping, traveling in groups. How to travel down a river safely by eddy hopping in groups
Clear communication: hand signals
Setting safety and choosing challenges: review, practice and implementation
Packraft Hacks
Backcountry repairs clinicIn L
These multi-day Intermediate to Intermediate/Advanced expedition courses are for people who have paddled Class III and maybe even Class IV, can easily self rescue every time and who have taken courses with us, the ACA, SSI, International 3 Rescue or other accredited guide services. These courses are ideal for people who strive to take others out or plan and lead expeditions, but who don’t quite have the necessary leadership skills to do these things. They’re also for people who want to learn or master technical and complex strokes, expertly navigate eddies, make excellent group decisions, manage vertical drops and surf like a pro. Finally, they are for people who want to hone their expedition planning skills, from planning and packing to understanding GIS and paper maps. These courses are for solid paddlers who want to go reach a more elite level of packrafting.
Advanced Paddling & River Running Skills
- ✔You should already have mastered all the Level 1 & 2 Course Skills.
- ✔Technical and complex strokes
- ✔Dancing with the river: running big waves and laterals.
- ✔Managing vertical drops
- ✔Advanced surfing
- ✔Paddling a expedition loaded boat in whitewater
- ✔How to read whitewater
Advanced Expedition Planning Skills
- ✔Expedition/multi-day trip planning & logistics
- ✔Expedition pack lists
- ✔Where to pack your gear (zippers, weight distribution, securing packs/gear to or inside the boat
- ✔How to pack light (i.e. what to leave behind and why + how to share gear)
- ✔Expedition food planning and prep
- ✔Leave No Trace practices in the backcountry
- ✔Navigation in the field, finding camp, etc
- ✔Advanced use of online resources: GIS, USGS water gauges, Google Earth, etc
- ✔Managing your backcountry camping and boating gear
- ✔How to find a good camp
- ✔Time management skills
- ✔How to efficiently transition from the river to camp
- ✔Read & run style boating
- ✔Expedition mentality
Advanced Group Dynamics Skills
- ✔Scouting and decision-making
- ✔Group selection
- ✔Expedition group dynamics
- ✔Group downstream travel technique & communications
- ✔Eddy hopping, traveling in groups. How to travel down a river safely by eddy hopping in groups
- ✔Clear communication: hand signals
- ✔Setting safety and choosing challenges: review, practice and implementation
Packraft Hacks
- ✔Basic optional roll instruction (not a focus, but you may request)
- ✔Backcountry repairs clinic
- ✔Storytelling