PACKRAFT WHITEWATER SAFETY & RESCUE

At Packraft Europe, we are proud to be the first Rescue 3 Europe training provider dedicated exclusively to Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT) training and certifications for packrafters.

We worked closely with Rescue 3 Europe to develop the WRT-F course and adapt the renowned WRT-REC and WRT-PRO courses to meet the specific needs of the packrafting community. Rescue 3 Europe is globally recognized for its hands-on, practical instruction and proven rescue techniques, making their courses the gold standard in whitewater safety and rescue training.

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Why Whitewater Rescue Training is Essential for Packrafters

Packrafts are incredibly accessible, but this ease of use can create a false sense of security. Many paddlers—both beginners and experienced packrafters—often overestimate their abilities and underestimate the dangers of moving water.

The reality is: “You don’t know what you don’t know.”

A Whitewater Rescue Technician course provides the knowledge, skills, and hands-on training needed to:
✔ Recognize risks and hazards in moving water
✔ Avoid dangerous situations before they happen
✔ Perform self-rescue techniques in an emergency
✔ Assist others safely in a rescue scenario

These courses are essential for anyone paddling whitewater, whether for recreational or professional purposes.

  • Whitewater Rescue Technician Foundation (WRT-F) – 1 day (6 hours)– €275. The Whitewater Rescue Technician – Foundation (WRT-F) course is designed for those new to whitewater paddling with little or no experience. The course aims to teach basic safety and rescue skills required in a moderate whitewater environment, and covers the foundation skills used in all our water safety and rescue courses. The WRT-F is also part of our 2 day Whitewater Packrafting Fundamentals Course.
  • Whitewater Rescue Technician Recreational (WRT-REC) – 2 days (12 hours) – €395. The WRT-REC course is for recreational paddlers who wish to have a rescue capability whilst paddling or in a whitewater environment with their peers, eg kayak club members, informal non-paying paddlers completing a river trip.
  • Whitewater Rescue Technician Professional (WRT-PRO) – 3 days (18 hours) – €495. The Whitewater Rescue Technician – Professional (WRT-PRO) course is designed for professional river users who require a rescue capability in a whitewater environment, eg packraft guides, raft guides, safety kayakers. Recreational paddlers should take the WRT-REC course.


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Ready to level up?

📞 Email or WhatsApp us today for your free 15‑minute consult. We’ll dial in goals, dates, and the river that matches your next step.

Can’t join on these dates? 

Private training available - contact me to arrange a time that works.

 

training@packrafteurope.com  |  +43 681 1056 8682