Description: This ½ day lake session is great for any level of packrafter, whether you’re 100% new or an intermediate paddler ISO a skills refresher & tune-up. After discussing packraft gear needs, we get on the water for 2 hours: establishing (or re-establishing) foundations with paddle skills technique & body mechanics feedback are essential for packrafters of all levels. This skills coaching session is a perfect opportunity to receive & implement constructive drills catered individually to your needs.
If you’re new to the sport, you’ll also experience capsizing, having an “out of boat experience...” as we’re ALL between swims. Practicing wet exits & exploring wet re-entry or alternative self-rescue methods for your ability level & body size with professional guidance & expert eyes on ya.
Curriculum
Gear 101: Equipment & terminology (boat, paddle, PFD, drysuit, clothes & footwear)
Entry & intermediate level paddle strokes: Forward, backward, sweep strokes, low brace, draws
Capsizing, wet-exits & swim positions in river environments
Wet re-entry & self-rescue techniques
Paddle Swimming
Description: Whereas flat water lake environments are ideal for refining paddle stroke techniques & self rescue methods, most packrafters utilize them as multi-sport tools, enhancing both land travel & water exploration. In this afternoon course, you’ll learn “raft-packing” basics, hiking your paddle kit to a beginner friendly river environment. The river session highlights hazard identification, reading moving water & shares essential considerations for boat control: catching eddies, ferry techniques & group management in class I river environments.
Curriculum:
Land Travel & Transport 101: packing, hiking, carrying & boat inflation
Packing, Stowing & Rigging Gear for River Environments
Entry Level Paddle Strokes & Boat Control: Forward, backward & sweep strokes
Hazard identification & avoidance: catching eddies, ferry techniques
Trip Plans: Executing day trips on class I moving water
Alaska Specific Considerations
Afternoon Itinerary:
Meet at ER Greenbelt trailhead parking lot at 2pm. Here we discuss land travel & gear packing basics, answering questions before packing it all up & hiking to the put-in. (45 min-1 hr)
The 2 mile hike is relatively flat with a trail the entire way; the trail may be wet with mud or snow, especially in early May courses. (1 hr)
At the put-in beach, you’ll learn tips/tricks for stowing gear as you rig your boat (& yourself!) for river paddling. (30-45 min)
We review paddle stroke techniques & safety concerns/situational hazards for moving water before launching. Then the river becomes our classroom: paddling 3.2 miles of class I while refining boat control & paddle strokes along the way. Learn how to catch eddies & ferry. (1.5-2 hrs)
Course ends at the trailhead. Final Q & A, debrief and course wrap up before departure.
NOTE: If water levels are too high on Eagle River; you will be notified the week prior. Both AM lake & PM river venues will change to Portage Creek area (15 min south of Girdwood)
Gear Requirements
Packraft (w/ internal storage zipper (for backpack) OR method to strap/tie down to bow of boat)
PFD (MUST have whistle-APS has available for purchase if needed)
Paddle (under 205 cm)
Drysuit
Helmet
Backpack (60L min)
Hiking clothing
Base layers for drysuit
2 pairs socks (trail is often wet = 1 for hike, 1 for paddle)
1-2 pairs shoes: Hiking & river footwear (running shoes/neoprene paddling booties,) NO crocs, rubber boots, open toe shoes/sandals. Many people use lightweight trail runners for both hiking & river.
Dry bag or bow bag for personal gear (must attach to boat, carabiners must be locking) NO "S" carabiners
Water bottle, lunch/snacks
Paddling pogies/gloves (optional)
State Parks Decal or $5 day parking pass (Eagle River courses, can pay onsite)
(Under 205cm)
60L
(Trail is often wet, might need dry ones for inside drysuit)
(running shoes/neoprene paddling booties, no crocs, rubber boots, open toes shoes/sandals)
(must attach to boat, carabiners must be locking)
(Optional)
(Eagle River Courses)