Level 3 courses are for those with previous whitewater packrafting experience wanting to strengthen paddle skills & boat control in class III whitewater.  Participants must be skilled/proficient with self rescue, river safety and have prior experience reading/paddling up to class III whitewater with adequate boat control.  This course is geared towards the aspiring class IV boater, or those seeking to refine their whitewater paddling technique & rescue skills.

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

Note: Course curriculum & itineraries are often similar to Level 2, however, course location integrates more challenging river features. Similar skills are practiced, but build on prior experience and/or instruction. The group size is smaller than Level 2, giving students more attention & personalized instruction.

Yes, but quantities are limited.  Please submit a gear request form & contact the school so we can make sure we’re able to outfit your specific size requirements for dates you’d like to attend.

Please refer to the syllabus for details.  Exact Level 3 course locations depend on time of season, current water levels & overall group ability.  Day 1 involves a flatwater/lake session on Goose Lake in Anchorage.  Day 2 & 3 are usually on the “Red Gate” section and/or the “Guardrail” section of Willow Creek.  It’s possible for the course to use both sections or one section of the creek.

You can refer to pgs pgs 182-184 for Willow Creek’s “Red Gate” & pgs 179-181 for “Guardrail” sections in Jule’s Alaska Packraft Guidebook. 

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

Participants MUST be able to stay engaged and present within the river environment for up to 6-8 hours.  River environments can include temperature & weather challenges and demand a full day of physical fitness/energy levels.  Level 3 students must be proficient in self-rescue and able to attempt assistance in group rescues in class II-III moving water.  Participants should be able to carry personal packraft gear (boat, paddle, PFD, helmet, snacks, etc) short distances along uneven terrain/riverbeds without significant challenge or physical strain.

This happens sometimes; students themselves or staff decide they aren’t fit for the course- usually after day 2.  Remember these are non-certification, “challenge by choice” learning opportunities.  However, Jule & Alaska Packraft School staff reserve the right to deny, modify or substitute participation in course activities if they feel participation is of significant danger or hazard to the participant or other students in the course.  This is rare, but has occurred; refunds are not issued for this reason.

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