Packrafts for Remote Access & Rescue

By request only.

No experience is necessary, but you will get more out of the course if you have spent some time in your boat.

Schedule

9 AM to 5 PM on days 1 and 2. Then, plan to camp out.

Luc Mehl

• Author of The Packraft Handbook, over 10,000 copies sold.
• Winner of the Banff and National Outdoor Book Awards.
• Public Service Award from the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
• Citation of Honor from the Alaska Legislature
• Leadership Award from the Wilderness Risk Management Conference
• Co-editor, American Whitewater Safety Code 2024 revision.
• SRT, WWTIII, WFR

You will leave this course with new confidence in your ability to get your boat where you want it to be and respond to what can go wrong during river work or play:

• Packraft outfitting and adjustment
• Paddle technique and injury prevention
• Swimmer and equipment rescue and recovery
• Boat control: Ferrying, catching eddies, and peeling out 
• Assessing risk, identifying river hazards, and choosing a line through rapids
• Considerations for remote and minimal equipment rescues
• Swiftwater swimming
• Wading
• Throw ropes
• Foot-entrapment rescues

Review the required equipment list.

You are responsible for all of your personal protective and boating equipment. I will provide throw ropes and hardware.

• Drysuit, helmet, and PFD with whistle.
• Closed-toe shoes. Do not wear neoprene booties.
• Packraft and paddle

If you need to rent equipment, I recommend Hoarding Marmot in Anchorage.

I will have throw bags, river knives, and whistles for sale.

Review the full Essential Eligibility Criteria guidelines.

Packraft Safety & Rescue is open to adults who can provide their own equipment. You will need to sign a waiver to participate.

 You must be able to: 

• Hold your breath underwater, then independently turn to a face-up position and keep your head above water.
• Tread water and swim to shore in swiftwater.
• Walk on slippery and loose rocks on shore and in swiftwater.
• Understand and follow directions: Voice commands, hand and paddle signals, and whistle signals.
• Manage your personal care and mobility during 8 hours in and out of cold water.

Contact me if you are under 18, visually or hearing impaired, have other unique considerations, or have any other questions about your eligibility.

We will adopt the 'paddle up a level' strategy of using advanced techniques in lower-consequence settings. Participants will be invited to opt-in to harder iterations as we proceed.

Review the full Cancellation and Refund Policy.

• If you find a replacement for your registration: No fee.
• More than 30-day notice: Full refund minus a $20 CC and administration fee.
• Less than 30-day notice and I can fill your space from the waitlist: Full refund minus $50 fee.
• Less than 30-day notice and I'm unable to fill your space: 50% refund