Paddle Skills, Body Mechanics & Self-Rescue

Location: Goose Lake, Anchorage, AK

Time: 9am-12pm

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

Module 2:

“Raft-Packing” & River Travel Basics

Location: Eagle River Green Belt Trailhead

Time: 2pm-7pm

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)
  

Alaska Packraft School Terms & Conditions