"This was the best outdoor education I've experienced. The balance of conceptual introductions to just doing stuff in the river was fantastic."
— Freya, Anchorage
Course description
Packraft Safety & Rescue is the product of teaching over 75 packraft and swiftwater rescue courses—what matters, and how to learn it.
Packraft Safety & Rescue is grounded in reality:
- River safety: The parts of a Swiftwater Rescue Technician course that apply to paddlers and remote settings.
- Boat control: Your paddling skills determine your ability to stay out of harm's way and reach someone who might want help.
- What actually goes wrong: I track fatality records, collect close-call reports, and have thousands of miles of my own experience.
- The resources you have: Weight is a premium on many packrafting outings, but we can do a lot with a single rope and a few carabiners—and we will.
Paddle with confidence, recognize risk, and support your partners.
Course Details
Meet Your Instructors
Topics and Learning Objectives
Equipment Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
Safety
Cancellation Policy
2026 Schedule
$500
May 23, 24, 25 at Eagle River & Willow
Packraft Safety & Rescue + River Running
JOIN THE WAITLIST$400
May 30-31 at Eagle River and Willow Creek
Advanced River Rescue—Review the prerequisites
GET MORE INFOThe course design with progression of one skill to the next was masterful.
- Charles, Salt Lake City
Fantastic course! I loved your attitude and no shame approach that really fosters learning and welcomes everyone at every level. I was so impressed with the safety aspects of the course and I was amazed at how much my confidence grew from the first jump in the river to running the class III rapid!
- Cam, Fairbanks
I really appreciated the learning environment—you guys made it feel inclusive, respectful, kind, low-pressure, all of that. I think it sets the tone in the industry.
- Abi, Seward
