Course Requirements and Gear Lists

Our refund policy can be found HERE.

Below you will find the list of gear required for each type of course or trip, as well as what is generally expected of participants. In addition to what is listed below, every participant must also meet the minimum Essential Eligibility Criteria.

We have a lot of hard-earned trial and error experience with gear. Before you buy something for one of our courses, feel free to reach out for advice. Rental gear can be found here. We do have some free loaner helmets and throw bags. We also sell some of our favorite gear at a discount for course participants. Just reach out and let us know if you want to borrow or buy.

As a supplement to any of our courses, and at the instructor’s discretion, a Zoom call may be scheduled in advance of the course to provide some bonus instructional modules that are able to be offered virtually. Participation in the call would be optional and free of charge.

Many of our courses (such as point-to-point river trips) require the use of shared vehicle shuttles. Additionally, many rescue exercises require participants to be in close contact with one another. Practicable COVID-19 safety measures will be employed in accordance with CDC guidance, but it is incumbent upon you to notify your instructor if you believe that your participation in the course would violate CDC guidance (e.g., you were recently exposed, you tested positive, etc.). If in doubt, please reach out to your instructor.

Please understand that all of our requirements (above and below) are put in place to help ensure the safety and enjoyment of the group. If you have any questions or concerns about specific course content, your gear, or your readiness to participate, please do not hesitate to contact us.

River Safety and Rescue Courses - All Levels

Rivers are dangerous, and swiftwater safety skills and rescue techniques are not intuitive. These courses are critical training for anyone recreating in moving water, and will give you the tools and know-how to make good decisions so you can come home safely at the end of the day. Participants should expect to spend a significant amount of time in the water, and must be able to swim while wearing a PFD. Our courses are always “challenge by choice,” so no participant will be forced to perform an exercise that is outside of their comfort zone. However, to get the most out of this course, you should be comfortable in the water. No prior boating experience is required. Course levels are based on the ACA curriculum.

Required Gear:

  • Boat, paddle, Type III / Level 70 minimum PFD, whitewater helmet, throw bag, river knife, whistle (contact us for recommendations, discounts on rentals, or loaner gear)

  • Closed-toe footwear

  • Outerwear/thermal protection appropriate for the weather/water temperature

  • Water, snacks, spare clothes

  • Small personal first aid kit

Level 1 - Packrafting Skills and Guided Trips

These are introductory courses and trips which take place on flatwater or up to Class I rivers. No prior boating experience is required. An appropriate level of fitness commensurate with the length of the course is expected, however, especially for trips or courses that involve hiking with the packrafting gear.

Required Gear:

  • Packraft, paddle, Type III / Level 70 minimum PFD, whistle (contact us for recommendations or rentals)

  • Closed-toe footwear

  • If hiking is involved, a backpack large enough to carry all gear (generally we recommend 40L+)

  • Outerwear/thermal protection appropriate for the weather/water temperature

  • Water, snacks, spare clothes

  • Small personal first aid kit is recommended

Level 2 - Packrafting Skills Courses, Skills and Safety Combo Courses, and Guided Trips

These are novice courses and trips which take place on up to Class II rivers. Prior paddling experience is required (not necessarily in a packraft). Prior whitewater paddling experience is recommended but not required. An appropriate level of fitness commensurate with the length of the course is expected, especially for trips or courses that involve hiking with the packrafting gear.

Required Gear:

  • Packraft (whitewater deck or self-bailer preferred), paddle, Type III / Level 70 minimum PFD, whitewater helmet, throw bag, river knife, whistle (contact us for recommendations, rentals or loaner gear)

  • Closed-toe footwear

  • If hiking is involved, a backpack large enough to carry all gear (generally we recommend 40L+)

  • Outerwear/thermal protection appropriate for the weather/water temperature

  • Water, snacks, spare clothes

  • Small personal first aid kit

Level 3 - Packrafting Skills Courses, Skills and Safety Combo Courses, and Guided Trips

These are intermediate to advanced courses and trips which take place on up to Class III rivers or in remote environments. Class II boating experience is required, and formal River Safety and Rescue Training is strongly recommended. Instructor may require prerequisites (e.g., prior completion of a Level 2 course), as determined on a case-by-case basis. An appropriate level of fitness commensurate with the length of the course and the demands of the environment is expected, especially especially for trips or courses that that involve portaging or hiking with packrafting gear. If you are unsure if this level is right for you, please contact us before signing up.

Required Gear:

  • Whitewater packraft (deck or self-bailer required, thigh straps strongly recommended), whitewater paddle, Type III / Level 70 minimum PFD, whitewater helmet, throw bag, river knife, whistle (contact us for recommendations, rentals or loaner gear)

  • Closed-toe footwear

  • If hiking is involved, a backpack large enough to carry all gear (generally we recommend 40L+)

  • Outerwear/thermal protection appropriate for the weather/water temperature

  • Water, snacks, spare clothes

  • Small personal first aid kit

Level 4 - Packrafting Skills Courses and Overnight Guided Trips

These are advanced courses which may be exploratory in nature, may take place in remote locations, or may involve extremely challenging and dynamic river environments. Experienced packrafters only.

Gear requirements will be determined by the nature of the trip and participants will be assessed for eligibility on a case-by-case basis. Contact us if you think you’re up to the challenge.