EUROPEAN PACKRAFTING MEET-UP
MONDAY 31 MAY TO SUNDAY 6 JUNE 2027
CAMP LIZA, BOVEC, SLOVENIA
The European Packrafting Meet-up brings together packrafters from across Europe and beyond for a week of community paddling, knowledge sharing, safety workshops and river conservation.
The event is organised entirely by volunteers, for packrafters. Its purpose is to strengthen the international packrafting community, improve safety on the water and support organisations working to protect Europe’s remaining wild rivers.
Whether you are an experienced whitewater paddler or still developing your skills, the Meet-up offers an opportunity to meet other packrafters, exchange experience and explore the Soča and Koritnica rivers together.
REGISTRATION AND DONATION
Registration for the 2027 European Packrafting Meet-up will open soon.
Participation requires two steps:
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Complete the official online registration form.
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Make a non-refundable donation of an amount of your choice to Balkan River Defence or another river conservation organisation supported by the event.
When making your donation, please include the word “PACKRAFT” in the message or reference field whenever possible.
Only participants who have completed both registration and donation may take part in organised workshops, presentations, training sessions and group paddling activities.
Registration and donation do not include accommodation, camping fees, food, transport, river permits, equipment rental or separately organised courses. Every participant is responsible for arranging and paying their own travel and associated costs.
PROGRAMME
The European Packrafting Meet-up combines three central elements:
• Community paddling
• Packraft safety and skills
• River conservation
Each day begins with a short briefing at approximately 09:00. During the briefing, volunteers share relevant information about river conditions, weather, available workshops and possible paddling groups.
The daily programme depends on river levels, weather, volunteer availability and the experience of the participants. Activities may include:
• Whitewater safety and rescue
• Packraft paddling skills
• Expedition planning
• Bikerafting
• Packraft repair and maintenance
• Equipment presentations
• Travel reports
• River conservation talks
• Group paddling on suitable sections of the surrounding rivers
Workshops organised as part of the Meet-up are optional and generally free to attend. Places may be limited, and participation can depend on experience, equipment and current river conditions.
Any separately organised certified courses will be announced independently and may require advance booking and payment.
PACKRAFT TESTIVAL
A selection of packrafts and equipment is expected to be available for demonstration during the Meet-up.
The Testival gives participants an opportunity to compare different models, discuss equipment with experienced paddlers and learn more about packraft designs and configurations.
Demo equipment is subject to availability and is intended for short tests. Anyone requiring equipment for the full event should arrange rental equipment in advance.
VOLUNTEERS
The European Packrafting Meet-up is organised and run by volunteers. The event depends on experienced members of the community sharing their time and knowledge.
Volunteers may help with:
• Morning briefings
• On-water safety and group coordination
• Rescue and paddling workshops
• First-aid support
• Equipment demonstrations
• Presentations and travel reports
• Packraft repair workshops
• Event setup and communal areas
• River conservation activities
If you would like to contribute, introduce yourself at the morning briefing and let the organising team know how you can help.
YOUR SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY
The European Packrafting Meet-up is a community event. It is not a professionally guided tour, and participation does not replace appropriate training, experience or personal judgement.
You are responsible for your own safety on and off the water at all times. You must choose paddling sections that match your experience and abilities, inspect hazards and make your own decision about whether conditions are suitable.
River levels, weather and hazards can change quickly. Local rivers may contain rocks, strainers, undercuts, sieves, fallen trees and other serious hazards.
For organised on-water workshops and training sessions, participants must wear:
• A CE-approved whitewater helmet; bicycle helmets are not accepted
• A CE-approved whitewater PFD
• Appropriate paddling clothing for the water and weather conditions
Participants may be excluded from an activity if their experience, equipment or physical condition is not appropriate for the planned section or current conditions.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring your normal personal packrafting and safety equipment, including:
• Packraft
• Packraft paddle
• CE-approved whitewater helmet
• CE-approved whitewater PFD
• Throw bag and appropriate rescue equipment
• Wetsuit or drysuit suitable for the conditions
• Suitable paddling and hiking footwear
• Dry bags or another waterproof storage system
• Backpack large enough for your equipment
• Warm clothing and rain protection
• Personal first-aid kit
• Personal communication and emergency equipment
• Camping equipment
• Food and drinking water
• Sunscreen, insect repellent and personal items
Conditions in the mountains can change rapidly, so prepare for cold, rain, wind and sunshine—even during the same day.
LOCATION: CAMP LIZA, BOVEC
The 2027 European Packrafting Meet-up will again take place at Camp Liza near Bovec, Slovenia.
Camp Liza is located beside the Koritnica River, close to its confluence with the Soča and approximately two kilometres from the centre of Bovec. Its location provides convenient access to several river sections and makes it an ideal base for the Meet-up.
Participants are responsible for paying their own accommodation and camping fees. Current booking and check-in information for 2027 will be published before the event.
Anyone wishing to book a room, apartment or glamping accommodation should contact Camp Liza directly and reserve early, as availability is limited.
RIVER INFORMATION
The Soča and Koritnica offer a range of paddling sections with different levels of difficulty. Many commonly paddled sections are between whitewater grades I and III, with more difficult passages in some areas.
Current river flow for the Soca can be found here:
Every participant must select sections that are appropriate for their own skills and current river conditions.
A river pass is required to navigate the local rivers. River passes can only be purchased ONLINE here: https://dovolilnice.dolina-soce.si/
RIVER CONSERVATION
River conservation has been a central part of the European Packrafting Meet-up since the beginning.
Packrafters have a unique connection to rivers and wild places. With that connection comes a responsibility to protect the landscapes, habitats and communities that make these adventures possible.
Donations connected to the Meet-up support organisations working to protect free-flowing rivers in Europe, including Balkan River Defence and the Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign.
Please treat the rivers, trails, campsite and local communities with respect. Avoid leaving waste, follow local regulations and help minimise the environmental impact of the event.
MORE INFORMATION
Further programme details, registration information and relevant updates will be published before the event.
Follow Packraft Europe on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest information.
You can also read our report from the 2023 European Packrafting Meet-up to learn more about the atmosphere and what to expect.
More Info
The Facebook group for the event can be found here.
Courses before the Meet-up
-> Packrafting Whitewater Safety and Rescue Training Courses!
There will be Rescue 3 Whitewater Rescue Technician courses being held before the meet up on the 29th - 30st May at Camp Liza at the Soca river. These will be run by Packraft Europe. Click here for further info & booking.
Not sure what to expect?
Check our blog post from the 2023 meet-up to find out more!