Packraft & Swift Water Rescue courses

Packrafting is a fantastic way to experience wild and wonderfull regions, both locally and abroad. The Team at Pack Raft Australia highly recommend paddlers of all abilities seek professional Packrafting and/or Swift Water Rescue specific skills training, in addition to selecting quality gear that’s fit for purpose. Undertaking paddling, river rescue and water reading skills training will arm you with the necessary knowledge, experience and ability to safely undertake packrafting now, and for the years to come. Not only will you gain new skills and knowledge for yourself, but you’ll also be more capable in assisting your paddling mates out on the river.

Packrafter’s come from diverse backgrounds; bushwalkers looking to combine hiking with river journeys; kayakers looking for more portable boat options or simply those looking to experience paddling for the first time and just generally getting out on the water. We’re an eclectic bunch with varied and diverse experience and skill-sets. River environments afford packrafter’s amazing wilderness experiences, but can also be hazardous to those unfamiliar or inexperienced in general paddling skills, river rescue techniques and/or unfamiliar in scouting river conditions (i.e. observing, interpreting and understanding hazards and risks of various whitewater dynamics, river bed/rock formations, or foreign obstacles such as tree fall, all often encountered on river trips while paddling).

Below are a selection of courses the Pack Raft Australia team highly recommend, delivered by passionate and experienced Packrafting and Swift Water Rescue professionals.

Level 1 / Level 2 - whitewater packraft course

Course Intro: This is an intermediate packrafting course for paddlers who have ideally participated in one of the following; Paddle Tasmania Level 1, Foundation and
Fundamentals Course, Beginner Course (or an equivalent basic packraft/kayak course), plus have additional time on the water.

Instructors: Dan Hall, Mark Oates, Nors Corstorphan and Jen MacGibbon (all highly acclaimed and experienced instructors)

Date/Location:

• 19-20th Oct, 2024 - Location TBA - See Paddle Tasmania Website via link below for updates and course contacts.

Further information regarding the courses run through Paddle Tasmania available here.

This is an indepently run course recommended by the team at Pack Raft Australia. For further information or general enquiries regarding this course, please contact the course provider directly via the link below

Swift Water rescue pro-1

Course Intro: The Swift Water Rescue PRO-I is a professional level swiftwater rescue course designed for those requiring certification as a term of employment in a professional capacity and/or recreationational paddlers looking to advance their water safety and rescue skills. This swiftwater course teaches rescue techniques with regard to limited resources with a focus on personal safety, decision making, risk management and complex problem solving with other team members.

Instructor: Matt Paulding - Swift Water Safety Institute (SSI)

Date/Locations:

• 6th-7th March, 2024 - (Limited places available) - Mitta Mitta River, North Eastern Victoria (directly after the Victorian Packraft Festival “PackFest”)

Further information regarding the Swift Water Safety Institute (SSI) available here.

This is an indepently run course recommended by the team at Pack Raft Australia. For further information or general enquiries regarding this course, please contact the course provider directly via the link below

Advanced whitewater packraft course

Course Intro: The course is suited to those who already competently paddle grade 3 rivers and who are aspiring to learn to paddle grade 3+/4 technically, safely & competently. All participants need to be comfortable with swimming grade 3 rapids and must have experience with the use of throwbags (both throwing and catching) as well as self/assisted rescues in grade 3 water. Inclusion in this course is dependent upon suitable prior experience and is at instructor’s discretion.

Date/Location:

• 20-22nd Oct, 2024 - Northern Tasmania - See Paddle Tasmania Website via link below for updates

Further information regarding the courses run through Paddle Tasmania available here.

This is an indepently run course recommended by the team at Pack Raft Australia. For further information or general enquiries regarding this course, please contact the course provider directly via the link below

Upcoming Events

2024 Victorian Packraft Festival (aka “Pack Fest”)

Where: Jokers Flat Campground, Mitta Mitta River, Victoria

Nearest fully serviced town: Omeo, VIC - Groceries, Accommodation, Fuel/EV Charging

Duration: 2 days

Dates: 21st-22nd September, 2024

Further info/event updates here

About the meetup event: Now in its 3rd year, PackFest is an informal free get together for packrafter’s across Australia. A fantastic opportunity to meet like minded paddlers of all skills and abilities.

The Mitta Mitta River offers various sections suitable for most abilities and skill levels from river grades 2-3+. A number of tributary creeks are also in the vicinity to explore and paddle (subject to river levels/skill).

Further paddling section information on the Mitta Mitta River (including river levels) available over on Wikirivers here

- All levels welcome
- Various different paddling sections
- All crafts welcome
- Family friendly
- Throw bag practice and white water rescue
- Meet fellow paddlers and join in on a river section
- Saturday night social night
- Packrafting info sessions by industry professionals

* Basic free campsites with drop toilets, first in first served basis (Jokers Flat is located within a National Park, thus No Dogs Allowed)
* Minor’s under the age of 18 must be with a guardian at all times and be fitted with correctly fitting paddling PPE