Basic Whitewater Packrafting Course

DESCRIPTION OF SKILLS

The holder of this badge has successfully completed our Basic Whitewater Packrafting Course and/or has demonstrated proficiency in the following skills

1. Launch from rocky shoreline into Class II current
2. Self rescue in current in 90 seconds
3. Swimmer rescue from boat in deep water
4. Swimmer rescue from boat using throw bag
5. Identify strainers and demonstrate safe distancing
6. Paddle through a boulder garden
7. Paddle through a hole
8. Break through a well defined eddy line near shore and at a mid-stream boulder
9. Paddle through a wave train
10. Paddle with two paddles 50 feet
11. Boat bump in rapid run out
12. Throw bag from boat to swimmer
13. Name and describe the “ 5 Key Roles” and the function of each in a group
    rescue: 1 ) swimmer retrieval, 2) paddle retrieval, 3) boat retrieval, 4) downstream
    containment, and 5) upstream watch
14. Participate in a mock group rescue in one of the 5 key roles
15. Demonstrate the ability to manage boat speed and spacing through choosing slower
    water, catching eddies, or backpaddling
16. Demonstrate an understanding of lower risk vs. higher risk hydraulics and the ability to
    distinguish them from boat
17. River navigation techniques
18. Demonstrate knowledge of basic repairs including patching the packraft

WHAT DOES THIS BADGE ALLOW ME TO DO?

Holders of this badge may join whitewater packrafting trips.

HOW DO I GET THIS BADGE?

This badge is awarded on completion of the Basic Whitewater Packrafting Course.  Members may also apply for equivalency through their packrafting committee.