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) – €375. 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) – €490. 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.