Collection: COURSES & TRAINING

Whether you are new to packrafting and would like to learn the basics, an intermediate paddler looking to improve your safety and river running skills, or an experienced paddler ready to take it to the next level. Our team of professional instructors and guides can help you achieve your goals.

At Packraft Europe we offer a variety of courses, trainings and expeditions depending on your skill level, experience and desired learning outcomes. We are also the only Packraft training provider that is certified by Rescue 3 Europe and the IRF (International Rafting Federation). We also have one of the lowest instructor to student ratios in the industry, which means you are guaranteed personalised one on one coaching and direct individual feedback to help you progress faster. 

CUSTOM COURSES AND TRAINING: Designed and tailor made specifically for you! Whether you just want to learn some new skills in order to gain some extra confidence and have more fun on the river, want to improve your paddling and rescue skills, want to push your limits or have an epic adventure in mind and need some support to pull it off. 

We have run courses for families learning to packraft with young children, have helped people gain the rescue and expedition skills needed for remote multi day & multi week expeditions, ran team building courses and corporate trainings, helped people refine their advanced paddling techniques and get their boof stroke dialed. Take your packrafting to the next level.

• CUSTOM COURSE RATES: Local to Packraft Europe HQ, Lofer, Austria. (Minimum 1 day) | 1 person 350€ Day | 2 person 700€ Day | 3 person 900€ Day | 4 person 1000€ Day.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TEAM BUILDING: River Leadership and Team Dynamics by Packraft Europe is an immersive course designed to enhance professional development through challenging outdoor experiences. Ideal for corporate teams and leaders, this program focuses on developing leadership skills, effective teamwork, and strategic decision-making in dynamic environments. Participants will engage in packrafting, collaborative navigation, and river safety exercises, all aimed at fostering resilience, adaptability, and strong team cohesion. Transform your team's capabilities with this unique blend of adventure and professional growth, set against the backdrop of Europe's scenic rivers. CONTACT US for more information.

TRAINING WITH PACKRAFT EUROPE 

At Packraft Europe our courses and training focus on the core fundamentals essential to becoming safer, and more competent paddler. You can think of these two fundamentals as the foundation on which we stand, just like two legs.

On one leg we have safety and rescue: In order to become safer packrafters we need river reading skills, an understanding of river hydrology, an understanding of the risks involved in moving water, knowledge on how to identify hazards, river communication skills, knowledge about where to position ourselves on the river, self rescue and team rescue skills. We learn how to identify hazards so we can avoid them and we also learn how to rescue ourselves, others and gear when things don’t go as planned. We also learn about pre trip planning and preparation.

On the other leg we have paddling skills and techniques: We learn how to hold a paddle properly, correct and efficient forward paddle strokes, sweep strokes, draw strokes, when and how to brace, paddle timing and placement, angle and edging skills. These are needed to become better more efficient paddlers so we can move more easily around the river, avoid the hazards, catch eddies, boof over drops and holes, help others when needed, paddle more challenging rapids and have more fun.

PACKRAFTING COURSES 

• Packraft Whitewater Fundamentals: 2 days (12hours) 425€* on class II/III rivers - 
• Maximum 4 students per 1 Instructor. Our two day Packraft Whitewater fundamentals course is great for people who are thinking about paddling whitewater or have started paddling whitewater, or those that just want to feel more confident on moving water. During the course you will learn about the two core fundamentals of becoming a better paddler. In the mornings we cover river safety and learn about: River hydrology and hazards, Personal equipment, Personal rescue equipment, River running considerations, Risk assessment, River communications, What to do if your boat or gear gets pinned or stuck in the river, Whitewater swimming techniques, The benefits and dangers of a throw bag and how to use it correctly, Shallow water techniques, Foot / body entrapments, How to self rescue, Flip drills, Rescue techniques to rescue others and gear. On the afternoons we learn about: how to best set up your packraft for whitewater, correct paddling posture, how to hold a paddle correctly, paddling techniques and strokes (Efficient forward paddle strokes, Sweep strokes, Draw strokes, Ferry glides, Eddy in & Eddy out) and how to manoeuvre around the river effectively. We also provide scenarios for you to test your skills and gain real experience. 

*All of our Packrafting courses include rental of whitewater packrafting equipment: An Alpacka Whitewater Packraft, Paddle, PFD/ Swim Vest, and helmet. Does NOT include: travel, accommodation, food, river passes or any associated expenses. 

WHITEWATER SAFETY & RESCUE COURSES

Packraft Europe was the first Rescue 3 Europe training provider dedicated to and specializing in Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT) training and certifications for packrafters.