Module 2:

“Raft-Packing” & River Travel Basics

Location: Eagle River Green Belt Trailhead

Time: 1:30pm-7pm

Description: Whereas flat water lake environments are ideal for refining paddle stroke techniques & self rescue methods, most packrafters utilize them as multi-sport tools, enhancing both land travel & water exploration.  In this afternoon course, you’ll learn “raft-packing” basics, hiking your paddle kit to a beginner friendly river environment.  The river session highlights hazard identification, reading moving water & shares essential considerations for boat control: catching eddies, ferry techniques & group management in class I river environments.

Curriculum:

• Land Travel & Transport 101: packing, hiking, carrying & boat inflation
• Packing, Stowing & Rigging Gear for River Environments
• Entry Level Paddle Strokes & Boat Control: Forward, backward, sweep & brace strokes
• Hazard identification & avoidance: catching eddies, ferry techniques
• Trip Plans: Executing day trips on class I moving water

Afternoon Itinerary:

• Meet at ER Greenbelt trailhead parking lot at 1:30pm.  Here we discuss land travel & gear packing basics, answering questions before packing it all up & hiking to the put-in. (45 min-1 hr)
• The 2 mile hike is relatively flat with a trail the entire way; the trail may be wet with mud or snow, especially in early May courses.  (1 hr)
• At the put-in beach, you’ll learn tips/tricks for stowing gear as you rig your boat (& yourself!) for river paddling. (30-45 min)
• We review paddle stroke techniques & safety concerns/situational hazards for moving water before launching. Then the river becomes our classroom: paddling 3.2 miles of class I while refining boat control & paddle strokes along the way.  Learn how to catch eddies & ferry. (1.5-2 hrs)
• Course ends at the trailhead. Final Q & A, debrief and course wrap up before departure.

NOTE: If water levels are too high on Eagle River; you will be notified the week prior.  Both AM lake & PM river venues will change to Portage Creek area (15 min south of Girdwood)

Gear Requirements

•     Packraft (w/ internal storage zipper (for backpack) OR method to strap/tie down to bow of boat)
•     PFD (MUST have whistle-APS has available for purchase if needed)
•     Paddle (under 205 cm)
•     Drysuit
•     Helmet
•     Backpack (60L min)
•     Hiking clothing
•     Base layers for drysuit
•     2 pairs socks (trail is often wet = 1 for hike, 1 for paddle)
•     1-2 pairs shoes: Hiking & river footwear (running shoes/neoprene paddling booties,) NO crocs, rubber boots, open toe shoes/sandals. Many people use lightweight trail runners for both hiking & river.
•     Dry bag or bow bag for personal gear (must attach to boat, carabiners must be locking) NO "S" carabiners
•     Water bottle, lunch/snacks
•     Paddling pogies/gloves (optional)
•     State Parks Decal or $5 day parking pass (Eagle River courses, can pay onsite)