Packraft Expedition Training | Chiapas, Mexico Dec 11 – 17, 2026

Join SSI for a 7 day expedition-style paddling and packrafting training in Chiapas, Mexico, set deep within the lush tropical rainforest and centered on the legendary La Venta River. This immersive course blends technical expedition training with the unforgettable experience of traveling by river through one of Mexico’s most striking landscapes—towering jungle-covered canyon walls, remote river corridors, and stretches of impossibly blue water that feel almost unreal.

Designed for paddlers ready to take the next step into expedition leadership, this course is open to hardshell, inflatable (ducky), and packraft enthusiasts (duckie and hard-shell rentals available through our partner Sierra Rios). Over seven days and 62 miles of river, participants will apply and refine expedition skills in a setting that introduces challenges unique to international travel and rain-fed river systems. From trip planning and group management to river decision-making in a dynamic environment, this training builds real confidence for leading future self-supported expeditions—all while moving through the warm waters and vibrant rainforest of southern Mexico.

Participants should possess essential skills from prior packraft-specific training with SSI or another approved course provider as well as the ability to paddle Class III+ rapids.  Course size is currently limited to 10 expedition paddling members and two instructors. The minimum size required to run this trip is 4 paddlers.

Please understand the cancellation/refund policy prior to registration.

COURSE DETAILS

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR:

• Intrepid expedition travelers seeking the fundamentals of planning and executing a river expedition on their own
• Team members who prefer a non-guided experience and want actively contribute to trip planning and group success
• Participants who have, or are willing to acquire, all required personal gear, equipment, and safety essentials (see required gear in Welcome Packet)
• Individuals who are physically fit and capable of self rescue in most scenarios
• Adventure-driven individuals who are adaptable and comfortable responding to changing conditions
• Those who embrace uncertainty and expect the unexpected

WHEN: Dec 11 – 17, 2026

WHERE: Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico (Meeting and Termination point)

FIELD SITE: La Venta River

INSTRUCTOR: Jon Wiedie

ONLINE COMPONENT: Zoom meeting for planning and prep

PREREQUISITES:

1. Proficient swimmer
2. Physically capable
3. Desire to learn
4. All of the necessary PPE
5. Meet all Essential Eligibility Criteria
6. Class III+ paddling skills
7. Previous swiftwater or paddling training with SSI or another provider

ABOUT THIS COURSE:

The team will engage in a structured approach to river running, mastering the art of leading a group of paddlers through a remote section of river. Each participant in the trip will be fully self-supported, carrying their own food, camp equipment, and shared group gear. This ensures that paddlers become acquainted with their equipment and develop confidence in their systems.

The Expedition Training takes place on the La Venta River, flowing through the remote rainforest of Chiapas, serving as a tributary of the Rio Grijalva, the region’s second largest river. We’ll paddle through protected reserves featuring Class III – IV rapids, towering vertical canyon walls, side caves and hike able side canyons, and multiple team-managed portages. A standout highlight is a dramatic stretch where the river disappears into a nearly 1,000 foot long cave. For those arriving early or extending their stay, the area offers Mayan ruins, natural attractions, and additional river sections to explore. 

It’s important to understand that this expedition has the potential to be challenging. Prior expedition experience is helpful, but more important is having experience paddling and performing self-rescue with a fully loaded packraft in a variety of demanding environments. Water levels and weather patterns can be unpredictable. While the rainy season typically tapers off in October and conditions are generally more stable by December, the river remains rain-fed and subject to change. Water levels tend to drop daily during this period, and we are optimistic about manageable flows that are lower and less pushy. That said, rainfall can occur at any time and often comes in short bursts throughout the day.

Jon Wiedie has been based in the Tetons since 1994 and has spent the last three decades chasing whitewater around the world. With over 300 river sections on his life list, Jon brings deep experience in expedition-style, self-supported paddling, an approach he considers both a craft and a calling. The rise of modern, high-performance packrafts has only fueled that passion, opening the door to limitless remote river trips.

Jon began instructing professionally in 2010 and teaches kayaking, rafting, packrafting, and swiftwater rescue. Through his work with SSI, he’s known for combining technical expertise with a calm, thoughtful teaching style that emphasizes real-world decision-making and river safety in complex environments.

When he’s not educating paddlers or exploring new rivers, Jon has spent over two decades volunteering with Teton County Search & Rescue, and fills his off-water time with ski touring, scuba diving, intrepid travel, and other human-powered adventures. A longtime believer that comfort in moving water builds confidence everywhere else, Jon has a simple philosophy: learn to love the swim—and the river will teach you the rest.