LEVEL 3: INTRO TO PACKRAFTING WHITEWATER

Packrafts and inflatable kayaks permitted

These courses are for anyone wanting to give whitewater a shot! During the first day, you will be introduced to advanced paddling strokes and rescue techniques on flatwater in a controlled environment. We will also cover safe swimming techniques in swiftwater, advanced throw bag use and safe wading techniques.  The second day will be spent entirely on the river, where we will focus on identifying and navigating various river features, scout (and run!) rapids, and you'll learn to set safety. We will provide video analysis to provide individualized feedback for improved paddling skills and boat control. Like all of our courses, this course is taught in a challenge-by-choice environment, so you’re always in control of how far you push yourself. Questions aren’t just welcome - they’re encouraged. The more engaged you are, the more you’ll get out of the experience. Courses take place on glacially fed rivers, where water levels fluctuate significantly throughout the summer. As a result, locations are water-dependent, and your instructor will choose and communicate the best venue based on current conditions to ensure a safe and effective learning environment.

Skill development

  • Advanced paddle strokes & blending strokes
  • Safety & rescue skills in class II settings
  • Scouting whitewater
  • Setting safety for whitewater
  • River feature identification and navigation
  • Wading techniques
  • Advanced eddy turns and ferrying
  • Advanced scenarios integrating skills you learn throughout class
  • Video analysis for improved form & boat control

Location

  • Otto Lake (Healy, AK) & Nenana River
  • Venue subject to change depending on water levels; you will be notified of a change ahead of time via email

Class size

  • 4-8 students
  • The course requires a minimum of four students. You will be notified in advance if enrollment does not meet this requirement.
  • 4:1 or 8:2 student-to-instructor ratio

Prerequisites

  • Level 2 course & time spent paddling class II or equivalent experience on class II water*
  • *If you have not taken a Level 2 course (see Level 2 page for course description), please email us to get preapproval for this course prior to enrolling
  • Swiftwater Rescue course or equivalent experience*
  • *If you have not taken a Swiftwater course, please email us to get preapproval for this course prior to enrolling
  • Packrafters: ability to self-rescue and conduct partner rescues
  • Ability to catch eddies in class II settings
  • Familiarity with various ways of communicating on the water
  • Ability to swim, hold breath and keep head above water in rapids water/rapids
  • Prior practice with throw bags
  • Ability to safely walk on rocky/uneven surfaces and hike short distances in a drysuit (<0.5 mi, flat ground)

Please review the following links prior to enrolling in a course:

Students are responsible for their own gear rentals. See 'gear requirements' link below for local rental shops.