Arctic Alaska Packrafting Instruction

Fundamentals 1 - 2

Day 1 - Paddling

  • (30 min) Introductions
  • Inflate boats
  • Name, experience, goals
  • Class overview
  • Boat fitting
  • Wash boats before/after
  • (45 min) Gear shakedown
  • Boat terminology
  • Boats: types +features
  • "No-nos"
  • Other safety gear
  • Boat/gear maintenance
  • (5 min) BREAK
  • (40 min) Paddle strokes
  • Sock game
  • Basic paddling form
  • 90 deg elbow vs paddling monster exercise
  • Backwards stroke
  • Forwards stroke

Day 2 - Rescue

  • (15 min) Introductions
  • Inflate boats
  • Favorite stretch
  • Goal reassessment
  • (15 min) Gear shakedown
  • Paddle sizing

  • (30 min) Thr0w ropes
  • Enclosed bag toss
  • Under/overhand - varying distances
  • Throw bag toss
  • Under/overhand - varying distances
  • Recoil
  • Under/overhand - varying distances
  • "Scenario" (walking rescue)
  • (5-10 min) BREAK

  • (20 min) Partner towing
  • Tail leash
  • Bow
  • Stern
  • (15 min) Wet re-entry
  • Partner rescue
  • Solo rescue
  • (20 min) Paddle rescue
  • Toss to partner
  • Swim with it