SAFETY & EDUCATION
Essential knowledge for safe packrafting adventures in the backcountry.
ESSENTIAL SAFETY PRINCIPLES
PFD (Life Jacket): Always wear a properly fitted Type III or V PFD. It should be snug and not ride up.
Helmet: Required for any whitewater (Class II+). Choose a water sports specific helmet.
Whistle: Attach to your PFD for emergency signaling.
Knife: Accessible river knife for entanglement emergencies.
Scout Rapids: Always scout from shore before running unknown rapids.
Know Classifications: Understand the International Scale of River Difficulty (Class I-VI).
Water Levels: Check flow rates and gauge readings before your trip.
Portage Option: Never feel pressured to run something beyond your skill level.
Dress for Immersion: Water below 15°C (60°F) requires wetsuit or drysuit.
Hypothermia Risk: Cold water shock can be deadly. Know the signs and treatment.
Layering System: Use proper base layers, insulation, and waterproof outer layers.
Emergency Plan: Know how to self-rescue and warm up quickly.
Check Forecast: Monitor weather 48 hours before and during your trip.
Wind Awareness: Strong winds can make paddling dangerous, especially on lakes.
Lightning: Get off water immediately if thunderstorms approach.
Flash Floods: Be aware of upstream weather in canyon environments.
RIVER CLASSIFICATION GUIDE
Fast moving water with small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily avoided. Low risk to swimmers.
Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels. Occasional maneuvering required. Swimmers rarely injured.
Rapids with moderate, irregular waves. Complex maneuvers in fast current. Scouting advisable. Injuries possible.
Intense, powerful rapids requiring precise boat handling. Scouting mandatory. Risk of injury to swimmers. Rescue difficult.
Extremely difficult, long, and violent rapids. Significant hazard to life. Rescue nearly impossible. For expert teams only.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
1. Stay Calm
Take a breath and assess the situation. Panic uses energy and impairs judgment.
2. Assume Defensive Swimming Position
Float on your back, feet downstream and elevated, arms out for balance. Never stand in moving water.
3. Hold Your Paddle
Keep your paddle if possible, but prioritize your safety over equipment.
4. Swim to Safety
When clear of hazards, swim aggressively to shore at a 45-degree angle downstream.
5. Re-enter Your Packraft
In calm water, practice re-entry techniques. Approach from the side, not the end.
RECOMMENDED TRAINING
Learn professional rescue techniques for river environments. Covers throw bags, swimming, and technical rope work.
Duration: 2-3 days
Essential medical training for remote environments where help is hours or days away.
Duration: 2-3 days
Build fundamental paddling skills, river reading, and boat control in a kayak before transitioning to packraft.
Duration: Multiple sessions
Master map reading, GPS use, and backcountry navigation for remote packrafting expeditions.
Duration: 1-2 days