The Week of Rivers Class II tour requires previous river packrafting experience  in class II whitewater.  Ideal participants have taken a Level 2: Whitewater Essentials course with APS, or equivalent.

Participants must be proficient with basic paddle strokes, have had some training or exposure in river safety basics & prior experience reading/paddling up to class II whitewater with adequate boat control.  You don't need to be excellent at these skills, but familiarity with all necessary packraft gear, catching eddies, ferrying, "what to do" when you swim.  We're here to help you grow all of these skills, throughout the week- but a basic foundation is necessary for this tour. 

Participants should feel comfortable hiking on rugged terrain for up to 3 hours while carrying all of their packraft gear in a backpack.

Ideally, we packraft a different river each day of the week. Our first day is on Portage River, south of Girdwood.  Exact locations depend on time of season, current water levels & overall group ability.  Possible runs include: Glacier Creek, Granite Creek, East Fork Matanuska, Matanuska River, Willow Creek.

You can find more information (exact location, river info, etc) on these runs in the "Alaska Packraft Guidebook."

Level 2 course completion, swiftwater rescue training, or mastery of level 2 curriculum (from personal experience or other courses/training).

Participants MUST be able to stay engaged and present within the river environment for up to 6 hours.  River environments can include temperature & weather challenges and demand a full day of physical fitness/energy levels.  Some days require hiking into the river; participants should be able to hike 3-4 hours with a 20-30 lb backpack, carrying personal packraft day gear (boat, paddle, PFD, helmet, snacks, etc).

Note: The School is able to accommodate those who do not adhere to these requirements and/or have physical or mental considerations inhibiting them; please inquire about 1 on 1 or custom offerings. 

This happens sometimes (but is pretty rare); participants themselves or staff decide they aren’t fit for that day’s objective. Remember, instructors select rivers within trip descriptions, current water levels & overall group safety in consideration. However, Jule & Alaska Packraft School staff reserve the right to deny, modify or substitute participation in activities if they feel participation is of significant danger or hazard to the participant or other students.  We are not responsible if participants aren’t capable of or cannot meet the skill sets required for each day; refunds are not issued for this reason.

Please refer to prerequisites & physical requirements.

16 years.  (exceptions made on a case by case basis).  Custom group or family courses available, please contact the school

Yes, but quantities are limited.  Please contact the school to reserve gear before booking, so we can make sure you have what you need for your exact dates.