Level Up: Boofing Clinic

Packrafts and whitewater kayaks permitted

Confident on class III but looking to take your boofing skills to the next level? Join Sam for our first-ever boofing clinic and level up your whitewater skills! In this one-day course, you’ll learn how to confidently boof a variety of features, helping you progress toward cleanly running drops, ledges, or even waterfalls in the future. Because you’ll be on the river for the day, come prepared with plenty of warm layers, water, and snacks to stay comfortable and energized. The course is led by Sam Stone, a class V kayaker with years of experience teaching and coaching on advanced whitewater. You’ll benefit from expert instruction and individualized feedback designed to help you progress at your own pace. 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. This course takes place on a glacially fed river, where water levels fluctuate significantly throughout the summer. As a result, location is water-dependent, and Sam will choose and communicate the best venue based on current conditions to ensure a safe and effective learning environment. Note: these courses are open to both whitewater packrafters and kayakers. If kayaking, you must have your roll down ~80% of the time.

Skill development

  • Boofing with intention and control
  • Advanced edge control
  • Mechanics of holes
  • Advanced paddle strokes & blending strokes
  • Safety & rescue skills in class III settings
  • Understanding and navigating various hydrologic features
  • Advanced scenarios integrating skills you learn throughout class
  • Video analysis for improved form & boat control

Location

  • Nenana River or Delta River (Black Rapids)
  • Venue subject to change depending on water levels; you will be notified of a change ahead of time via email

Class size

  • 3-4 sudents
  • The course requires a minimum of 3 students. You will be notified in advance if enrollment does not meet this requirement.
  • 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio

Prerequisites

  • Level 4 course & ample time paddling class III or equivalent experience on class III water*
  • *If you have not taken a Level 4 course (see Level 4 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
  • Whitewater kayakers: ability to roll %80 of the time
  • Ability to catch eddies in class III 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.

2026 course offerings