Packraft-Specific Rescue Training – South Fork Payette Idaho July 9 – 10, 2024
COURSE DETAILS
We are excited to partner with the American Packrafting Association to offer this Packraft-Specific Rescue Training ahead of the 2024 Packraft Roundup on the South Fork Payette in Idaho! Note, this is a two-day non-certification course. You will need to register with Bear Valley Rafting, who is taking payments, but the course is taught by SSI instructors and all questions should be directed to info@swiftwatersafetyinstitute.com.
Space is limited to 12 students and will be taught by SSI lead instructor, Dan Thurber. Class fills up fast, so register early!
ONLINE COMPONENT: Yes – required.
COURSE FORMAT: 2-day Packraft-Specific Rescue Training course with 2 hours of online training and two 8-hour in-field training days. Total class length: 18hrs.
WHEN: July 9 – 10, 2024.
WHERE: Garden Valley, ID
FIELD SITE: South Fork Payette River
COURSE COSTS: $385
PREREQUISITES:
Prior packrafting experience is required. See more under “About this Course”
1. A desire to learn
2. Packraft, paddle, and all associated boating gear necessary to travel downstream
3. Proficient swimmer
4. Physically capable
5. All of the listed PPE
6. Meet all Essential Eligibility Criteria
GEAR FOR THIS COURSE:
The welcome packet details the gear you will need for this course. As an SSI student, you get access to student pricing in the SSI Gear Shop! Once you register you’ll have access to the shop through your SSI account.
ABOUT THIS COURSE:
Participants are required to have prior packrafting experience to make the most of course time. Familiarity with personal equipment is essential before starting, and boats should be properly outfitted and rigged with safety lines in advance (refer to videos). Paddlers should be comfortable catching small eddies in class II rapids, self-rescuing from swims, and providing partner rescue support. Those looking to enhance paddling skills and boat handling can explore our Basic Packraft Course.
In this non-certification two-day Packraft-Specific Rescue Training you’ll learn essential techniques and principles for operating in wilderness settings with limited resources, focusing on using a packraft as a rescue craft or for primary/secondary travel.
This course caters to recreational packrafters seeking training in swiftwater rescues techniques as they relate to packrafting. This training offers a 50-50 blend of basic rescue skills and utilizing the packraft for rescues. Expect to cover techniques like dealing with foot entrapments, throw bagging and creating makeshift boat configurations for transporting injured individuals. This hybrid course streamlines the traditional PSRT curriculum to accommodate participants with a reasonable understanding of paddling and boat handling.
Topics include equipment, swimming and self-rescue, boat control, hydrology, throw ropes, entrapment, safety boats, knots, anchors, and rope systems. An effort is made to cover each topic but water levels, weather, and other elements may make some skills unworkable.