Packraft Course Level 1
Trip Description
If you’re new to packrafting or looking to add foundational skills to the fun (or not so fun) you’re already having, KWG’s Level 1 is for you. Between the clear water Swimming Hole, Kennicott Glacier Lake and Kennicott River Mouth we progress through skills slowly, and build confidence through repetition in increasingly engaging environments. This course covers packrafting gear, paddle strokes, river reading, boat maneuvers and basic self rescue. Although no experience is required, this is a whitewater packraft course in up to CL II+ Alaskan conditions: cold water, possibly cold outside, drysuits allday. Drills include swimming and self rescuing in flatwater and active paddling in current.
Downriver Day: On the 3rd optional day of the course you can take your newly tuned skills out on the CL III McCarthy Creek and Kennicott Rivers ($200 per person for the third day)
More info on Downriver Day: McCarthy Creek to Kennicott River
Level 1 Group Course Dates 2023:
- May 25-26 (Memorial Day)
- June 8-9
- Aug 31-Sept 1 (Labor Day)
Private Courses can be scheduled at any time June-Sept 15
Duration: 16 hrs (2 x 8 hr days)
Difficulty: No experience necessary, but expect full days of learning outside!
Gear not included, see Packraft Rentals for rates.
Highlights:
- KWG’s curriculum and approach
- Instructors with technical and real world experience
- Variety of natural venues
- Creating connections and community
- Lots of options for post course trips…
Trip Details
Terrain Challenges May Include:
Unstable and rocky hiking surfaces. Actively swimming and paddling your own packraft with a kayak paddle in moving cold, glacial fed water.
Who:
- Packrafters looking to learn and practice foundational skills.
- No experience necessary, must be comfortable swimming.
Where:
We provide transportation from Kennicott (9:30 pickup), or the Footbridge (9:50 pickup), to the Swimming Hole for a 10am start.
Trip Includes
- Discounted rentals on the following: Alpacka packraft, paddle, drysuit, PFD, whitewater helmet drybag, river gloves, river shoes and river socks.
- Experienced, friendly, knowledgeable instructors!
- 4:1 client to instructor ratios on group courses.
- Round-trip transportation from your local lodging to and from the course..
- A full array of medical, communications, and technical gear.
- Extra layers if you forgot anything or couldn’t fit it in your luggage!
- For further suggestions on gear you will want to bring from home (this might help you pack for your whole Alaskan vacation!) visit or Trip Planning Page for a gear list.
Packraft Course Level 1 Pricing
Client:Guide Ratio & Price
*Gear not included, see Packraft Rentals for discounted rental rates
Group / $390 per person
1:1 / $895 per person
2:1 / $590 per person
3:1 / $475 per person
4:1+ / $425 per person
5+:1+ / $405 per person
$20/child discount for all children 12 and under on all private day hikes (issued at final payment)
$5/person discount for AK residents & Active Military and family. Valid with current I.D. (Issued at final payment)
Photo Gallery
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Packraft Course Level 1 Pricing
Client:Guide Ratio & Price
*Gear not included, see Packraft Rentals for discounted rental rates
Group / $390 per person
1:1 / $895 per person
2:1 / $590 per person
3:1 / $475 per person
4:1+ / $425 per person
5+:1+ / $405 per person
$20/child discount for all children 12 and under on all private day hikes (issued at final payment)
$5/person discount for AK residents & Active Military and family. Valid with current I.D. (Issued at final payment)
Trip Description
If you’re new to packrafting or looking to add foundational skills to the fun (or not so fun) you’re already having, KWG’s Level 1 is for you. Between the clear water Swimming Hole, Kennicott Glacier Lake and Kennicott River Mouth we progress through skills slowly, and build confidence through repetition in increasingly engaging environments. This course covers packrafting gear, paddle strokes, river reading, boat maneuvers and basic self rescue. Although no experience is required, this is a whitewater packraft course in up to CL II+ Alaskan conditions: cold water, possibly cold outside, drysuits allday. Drills include swimming and self rescuing in flatwater and active paddling in current.
Downriver Day: On the 3rd optional day of the course you can take your newly tuned skills out on the CL III McCarthy Creek and Kennicott Rivers ($200 per person for the third day)
More info on Downriver Day: McCarthy Creek to Kennicott River
Level 1 Group Course Dates 2023:
- May 25-26 (Memorial Day)
- June 8-9
- Aug 31-Sept 1 (Labor Day)
Private Courses can be scheduled at any time June-Sept 15
Duration: 16 hrs (2 x 8 hr days)
Difficulty: No experience necessary, but expect full days of learning outside!
Gear not included, see Packraft Rentals for rates.
Highlights:
- KWG’s curriculum and approach
- Instructors with technical and real world experience
- Variety of natural venues
- Creating connections and community
- Lots of options for post course trips…
Trip Details
Terrain Challenges May Include:
Unstable and rocky hiking surfaces. Actively swimming and paddling your own packraft with a kayak paddle in moving cold, glacial fed water.
Who:
- Packrafters looking to learn and practice foundational skills.
- No experience necessary, must be comfortable swimming.
Where:
We provide transportation from Kennicott (9:30 pickup), or the Footbridge (9:50 pickup), to the Swimming Hole for a 10am start.
Trip Includes
- Discounted rentals on the following: Alpacka packraft, paddle, drysuit, PFD, whitewater helmet drybag, river gloves, river shoes and river socks.
- Experienced, friendly, knowledgeable instructors!
- 4:1 client to instructor ratios on group courses.
- Round-trip transportation from your local lodging to and from the course..
- A full array of medical, communications, and technical gear.
- Extra layers if you forgot anything or couldn’t fit it in your luggage!
- For further suggestions on gear you will want to bring from home (this might help you pack for your whole Alaskan vacation!) visit or Trip Planning Page for a gear list.
Packraft Course Level One
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