DAY 1

We start off reviewing river safety as we refine paddling & boat control skills on Eagle River or Willow Creek.  Day 1 is devoted to improving paddle technique & reviewing self & group rescue scenarios before attempting more technical rivers.  This is also an opportunity for the instructor to assess group ability & plan the week accordingly.

DAY 2-5

Exact location depends on group ability & current water levels.  Ideally, the week involves a progression, with rivers gradually increasing in difficulty.

An example of a common river itinerary/progression:

Day 1: “Red Gate” on Willow Creek or “Bridge to Bridge” on Eagle River

Day 2: “Red Gate” or “Guardrail” on Willow Creek

Day 3-5: Matanuska River, Caribou Creek, Chickaloon River, Bench Creek or Lower Canyon Creek

Our exact location depends largely on water levels & instructor discretion.  1-2 weeks before the course we’ll have a better idea & communicate the anticipated itinerary with participants.  Note that The Week of Rivers trip requires a “go with the flow” attitude and willingness to modify the original plan as necessary.

Participants must provide their own transportation each day & are encouraged to carpool.  Depending on the itinerary, many chose to camp out near the river.

Download  the Gear List for Week of Rivers

Prerequisites

Level 2 or 3 course, swiftwater rescue training course and/or experience packrafting on class III rivers.  Participants should have recent experience with river rescue training & safety (through a course or personal practice).  Must be able to reliably catch eddies, ferry & identify potential hazards in most class III rapids.  Participants need to be proficient in self-rescue & comfortable whitewater swimming. This is also a hiking trip that may involve hiking off trail up to 3-4 hrs with a 20-30 lb backpack before paddling.

Alaska Packraft School Terms & Conditions