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Basic Whitewater Packrafting Course - Field Trip #1

Field trip: Basic Whitewater Packrafting Course

Basic Whitewater Packrafting Course - Field Trip #1 - Snoqualmie River: Powerhouse to Plum Landing

The goal of this outing is to gain confidence swimming safely in a Class II river. If there is time, and conditions are agreeable, we will move on to self-rescue, partner rescue and team rescue.

Contacts

Alex Bond
Alex Bond
Primary Leader
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 1.0 mi

Time and place to be provided nearer to trip date.

Plan for a full-day trip. After demonstrating proper care in putting on and "burping" a dry suit and some tips on clothing choices and care, we will practice with throw ropes on land. On the river, our focus will be on swiftwater rescue skills as they relate to packrafting as a group.  

RIVER SWIMMING

  • Execute a proper flat jump into whitewater
  • Swim down a Class II rapid in the safety position
  • Ferry swim across a Class II river
  • Exit a river in a seal crawl
  • Aggressive swim to a rope and hold in position for rescue

SELF RESCUE SKILLS

  • Re-enter a stabilized boat in deep water
  • Swim 50 feet with a paddle in a Class II current 
  • Self-reentry from deep water in 90 seconds
  • Capsize while holding on to paddle and boat

PARTNER RESCUE

  • Stabilize a swimmer's boat while they reenter
  • Tow a swimmer 30ft to their boat
  • Right a capsized boat and boat bump 30ft to a swimmer
  • Paddle 50ft with two paddles
  • Throw a rope to a swimmer and belay them to shore
Route/Place

Snoqualmie River: Powerhouse to Plum Landing

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Bring your packraft, paddle, PFD, helmet, dry suit, waterproof whistle, oversize closed-toe river shoes, warm layers, extra dry clothing and dry shoes, and lunch.  If you have one, bring your throw bag.

Trip Reports