Introduction to Flatwater Packrafting

This course will introduce participants to essential packrafting skills for flat water, such as alpine lakes and slow moving rivers up to class I.  It is suitable for anyone who desires an introduction to packrafting equipment, gear, and paddling skills.  The Packrafting Committee has a number of packrafts available to rent for the duration of the course. See the Packrafting Gear Rentals page. 

One lecture and three outings are included:

• An evening lecture to introduce and try on gear and cover basic skills
• A paddling field trip on a lake to learn and practice skills
• A paddling field trip on a class I river
• An experience trip, with two options available: an overnight hiking-paddling-camping trip, or a day trip
• Short videos and resources will be assigned outside the lecture and trips

Participants must attend all outings and demonstrate proficiency in essential skills in order to graduate and earn the Basic Flatwater Packrafting badge. This badge qualifies you to participate in flatwater packrafting trips.

Those with more extensive paddling experience whose objectives include whitewater rivers of class II and above may want to take the whitewater packrafting course. The flatwater course is not a prerequisite for the whitewater course.  

Skills

Gear:

• Understand packraft inflation, rigging, deflation and care
• Don and burp a dry suit
• Identify boat repair kit items and talk through a repair

SWIMMING skills 

• Perform a relaxed float, backstroke and aggressive forward stroke 
• Swim with a paddle for 100 feet (30m)
• Make a flat jump into water
• Assume and maintain safety swim position using a backstroke
• Swim through a class I riffle
• Catch an eddy
• Exit the water with a seal crawl
• Understand how to avoid foot entrapment by avoiding standing in moving water
• Understand drowning response, hypothermia and cold water hazards

PADDLING SKILLS

• Use a basic forward stroke sinking the full paddle blade to travel 100 feet (30m)
• Spin the boat 360 degrees with a sweep stroke
• Use a draw stroke to move the boat sideways 10 feet (3m)
• Use a scull stroke to move the boat sideways 3 ft (1m)
• Paddle at a ferry angle across a current
• Paddle a 50 foot (15m) figure-8 obstacle course in flat water
• Paddle through a class I riffle
• Catch an eddy on a class I river
• Enter and exit a steep bank on a class I river
• Introduction to low brace

RESCUE SKILLS

• Reenter a stabilized boat from deep water with current
• Stabilize a boat for a swimmer to reenter and assist with shoulder strap pull
• Paddle with an extra paddle 30ft (10m)
• Boat bump or bow carry a rogue boat 30ft (10m)
• Tow or bow carry a swimmer 30ft (10m)

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Mountaineers is committed to helping make the outdoors accessible to all. In addition to providing gear to loan, we aim to reduce financial barriers by providing scholarships. Our scholarships are funded by donors who believe in The Mountaineers mission to help folks get outside, and to preserve our wild landscapes.If your current financial situation limits your access to the outdoors, we encourage you to complete a scholarship application here.  If you're inspired to contribute to making the outdoors more inclusive, we encourage you to make a tax-deductible donation through our website.