Packraft Paddling Courses
Essential and advanced paddling skills for confident downriver travel in remote environments.
Build control, confidence and sound river judgment.
SSI’s packraft paddling courses develop practical boat-handling, self-rescue and downriver travel skills for wilderness enthusiasts and dedicated paddlers.
With more than fifteen years of packraft-specific instruction, SSI offers a refined progression from foundational craft setup and strokes to advanced paddle performance. These courses focus on personal capability rather than employment certification and provide strong preparation for remote river travel and SSI Packraft Expeditions.
Learn the boat on land, in current and under pressure.
01
Craft Setup & Fit
Inflate, outfit and personalize the packraft for efficient control and reliable downriver travel.
02
Strokes & Boat Control
Develop posture, forward and corrective strokes, edging, bracing and maneuverability.
03
Swimming & Self Rescue
Build comfort in moving water through dry exits, self recovery and assisted recovery.
04
Hazards & River Reading
Understand hydraulics, recognize hazards and make better decisions during class II and III travel.
05
Group Safety
Practice communication, throw-bag use, rescue priorities and companion-assistance skills.
06
Remote Trip Readiness
Strengthen trip planning, field repair, packing, storage and equipment-care knowledge.
Essential Skills
Designed for paddlers who are new to paddle sports, packrafting, river travel or formal instruction.
Training begins with inflation, outfitting, personal fit, paddle fundamentals and self-rescue. Students spend significant time both in and out of the boat while traveling downstream on approximately class II+ to III- water. The course balances paddling development with swimming, recovery and complete packraft fundamentals.
Paddle Performance
Designed for experienced paddlers who are competent in class III water and consistently comfortable with self-rescue, companion rescue, throw bags and righting a loaded packraft.
Training focuses heavily on stroke refinement, boat control and performance while operating on approximately class II+ to III+ water. Prior formal training is helpful but not required.
Come equipped for downriver travel.
- Packraft, paddle and all associated boating equipment
- Proficient swimmer and physically capable participant
- Minimum age 16 with parental consent
- All required Personal Protective Equipment
- Meet SSI’s Essential Eligibility Criteria
Choose the track that matches your experience.
Recreational paddlers, wilderness travelers preparing for expedition-style trips, new packrafters and experienced boaters seeking stronger technical skills are all welcome.
These courses are also valuable for students who want professional instruction in packraft repair, packing, storage, care and river-travel decision-making.
Prepare, paddle and apply the skills downstream.
Before the Course
Optional Online Preparation
Use one to two hours of optional online material to review core concepts and arrive ready for field instruction.
On Land & Near Shore
Craft Setup & Rescue Foundation
Dial in equipment, fit and paddle mechanics before practicing swimming, dry exits and recovery skills.
Downriver
Integrated Paddling Skills
Apply strokes, edging, bracing, river reading, communication and self-rescue while traveling through appropriate moving-water terrain.
Professional instruction without a certification requirement.
Train before committing to a remote river.
Both paddling tracks provide an excellent foundation for SSI Packraft Expedition courses.
Graduates can continue into expedition-style training such as the Owyhee River Expedition or La Venta River in Chiapas, Mexico. SSI can also build customized packraft instruction around a group’s location, equipment, experience and specific development goals.
Choose your track and build better boat control.
View upcoming packraft paddling dates or talk with SSI about customized instruction for your group.