Packrafts are amazing tools for backcountry travel in the mountains. From crossing alpine lakes to running remote whitewater and facilitating some epic traverses, these little, packable boats have been showing up more and more in the Coast Mountains. 

Over 2 days and one evening, this course will serve as an introduction to packrafting, covering everything from gear to river reading, paddle skills and backcountry swiftwater rescue. 

By the end of the course, participants should:

• Know the ins and outs of packrafting gear, considerations for different kinds of trips and more
• Learn the basics of river reading - how to identify hazards, how to scout a rapid and pick a line, how to figure out the best place to cross a fast moving river, etc... 
• Paddle techniques, including ferrying, catching eddies and being able to run up to Class III whitewater (comfort of the participant dependent but the goal is to get everyone to run some Class III)
• Be able to self rescue in moving water
• Be comfortable with backcountry companion swiftwater rescue techniques and scenarios
• Know how to plan a packrafting trip, and where to look for beta
• Be ready to plan their own packrafting trips! 

Course overview: 

• Friday evening session: Somewhere in Vancouver, classroom type session 
• Saturday: Flat water and easy river - either Squamish, North Van or the Fraser Valley, dependent on water levels. Opportunity for group to stay/camp together 
• Sunday: Whitewater - same as above. 

Important: Click here for the mandatory gear list (including where to rent or buy packrafts) 

Pre-requisites: 

• Some hiking experience and comfort carrying a big pack 
• Competent swimmer and not someone who is going to panic in cold, moving water
• No paddling or whitewater experience required, but it's always helpful! 

Payment Information:

The fee for the course is $20. Participants will be required to cover any costs for their gear, incl. renting water equipment and food and will collectively have to cover any camping or transportation/carpooling costs.

There are three steps to registering for this course:
1) Click on "Join this Trip" on the left hand side of the page. You will be added to the Request List. You will be prompted to answer the Trip Planning Questions. Please answer fully.
2) Once the course organizer(s) have reviewed your answers, you will be moved to the Waiting List. An email will be sent to you letting you know you're on the wait list (be sure to check your spam just in case!)
3) Once on the Waiting List, a Paypal button should appear on the left side of the page (contact courses@bcmc.ca if you have trouble paying). Click this button and follow the prompts to complete your payment.
4) After payment has been received, you will be moved to the Confirmed List and another email notification will be sent out.
5) Watch your email for more details from the organizer(s) about carpooling, meetup times, updates etc.

IMPORTANT: Please make sure your emergency contact information is up to date. To do this, click "My Account" in the top right corner of this screen, then select "Edit Emergency Contact" under "Manage My Account" on the left hand side. You will NOT be approved for this course if your contact info is incomplete.

Schedule Changes and Cancellations: 
This course is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in case of suspected poor weather.  If the course is rescheduled to another weekend that does not fit into your personal schedule then a full refund will be issued.  IMPORTANT: cancellation fees may apply in case of a cancellation by a participant; please review the BCMC Course Refund Policy for detailed information.

Any questions/comments/suggestions at all, please let me know. You can call, text, or email Cameron (see contact info on left side of page)