- 2 full days of immersive training in packraft safety, rescue, and navigation
- Swiftwater rescue techniques and scenario practice
- 18 km river trip with Class II+ rapids and optional rapid repeats
- Taught by certified Raft Guide Examiner / Swiftwater Rescue Instructor with 25+ years’ experience
- Gear provided: wetsuit, helmet, jacket, splash gear, and PFD (if needed)
- Shuttle included to and from river sites
- Packraft rentals and purchase discounts available through Untamed Tours
Learn to packraft with confidence in this two-day course designed for adventurous paddlers seeking practical skills in river safety, navigation, and rescue. Navigate Class I–II+ rapids while mastering hazard identification, rescue techniques and packraft handling – all under the guidance of veteran instructor Johannes Zwart. Small class sizes make this course ideal for anyone looking to build confidence and competence on moving water.
Day 1: Safety & Rescue Training
- Morning classroom session: river morphology, safety principles, rescue strategies
- Afternoon hands-on training at the Smoky River:
- Throw-bag drills, shallow crossings, swimming techniques Shore-based rescues and swiftwater scenarios
Day 2: River Trip & Navigation Skills
- 18 km guided packraft trip on the Smoky River
- Learn ferry angles, eddy turns, and hazard avoidance
- Navigate a Class 2+ rapid (with optional repeats)
- Group lunch (BYO) on the river and end-of-course debrief
Rafting Base in Grande Cache:11113 97 Ave, Grande Cache, AB T0E 0Y0
- Swimsuit and towel
- Warm, dry clothes for after the course River shoes or secure sandals (no flip-flops)
- Lunch, snacks, and drinking water Notebook and pen for classroom learning
- Optional: Your own approved PFD, helmet, wetsuit/drysuit, and packraft
- 16 hours of professional instruction in river safety, rescue, and navigation
- Instructor-led river morphology and rescue scenarios
- Use of wetsuit, splash gear, jacket, socks, helmet, and PFD (if needed)
- Shuttle service to and from the river
Cancellations made 7 or more days before the course start date will receive a refund minus a 10% administration fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations within 7 days of the course.