Norwegian Packraft Meet Up
2025 Dates: Monday 28th July to Sunday 3rd August 2025 in Voss, Norway
The Norwegian Packrafting Meet Up in Voss is a brand-new initiative brought to you by the team at Kayak Voss and Packraft Europe. This event is an opportunity for the Scandinavian, European and international packrafting community to experience world renowned Voss Norway, to come together, share our passion for the sport, improve safety knowledge, and contribute to river conservation.
2025 marks the first edition of this event in Voss!
This community-driven event is 100% volunteer-run, organized by packrafters for packrafters. All funds raised through the event will be donated to river conservation projects in Norway.
Registration & Donation
To attend the Norwegian Packrafting Meet Up in Voss, please follow these steps to register. The registration process includes a non-refundable donation that supports river conservation in Norway!
Why donate? This annual event contributes to the protection of rivers across Norway. As the Eu Packraft Meet Up has proven over the years these events and our donations make a difference. Many river systems still face existential threats and we encourage all participants to contribute to safeguarding freshwater ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural habitats for future generations.
How to Register:
1) Complete the registration form here: Coming Soon.
2) Make a non-refundable donation (amount of your choice) to one of the following river conservation projects: Coming soon: Please remember to write “PACKRAFT” in the donation message section.
Registration Deadline: July 21st, 2025
Only participants who complete the registration form and make a donation will be able to take part in workshops, training, presentations, and group paddling.
Important: Registration only secures your spot at the event—you are responsible for additional costs such as camping fees, river passes, food, meals, and transport.
Stay updated by subscribing to our Packrafting Newsletter (found at the bottom of this page) and following Packraft Europe’s and Kayak Voss Facebook & Instagram.
Program
The Norwegian Packrafting Meet Up in Voss will focus on River Conservation, Packraft Safety, and Technical Training.
- Each day begins with a 9 AM morning briefing. The schedule depends on available volunteers and the interests of participants.
- After the briefing, participants will form groups for paddling trips and workshops. Workshops may include River Safety, Whitewater Rescue, Paddle Skills, Expedition Planning, Bikerafting, Gear Repair, and more. Workshops are optional and free, but spaces are limited.
- Every day, paddlers can explore Voss’s incredible whitewater rivers and breathtaking scenery.
Updates will be available on the Event Whiteboard during morning briefings. Email updates will be sent if necessary.
Packraft Testival
Yes! There will be packrafts and gear available for demo.
Meet professional guides and instructors from various Packrafting Schools and Expedition Companies.
Volunteers
The Norwegian Packrafting Meet Up in Voss is a volunteer-driven event, and 100% of funds raised are donated to NGOs protecting Norway’s rivers.
If you’d like to help out—whether through guiding, safety training, workshops, presentations, first aid, trip reports, demo gear, or any other contribution—please let us know at the morning briefing!
We also need volunteers for:
- Supporting beginner paddlers on the river.
- Setting up & managing the campfire.
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Organizing a movie night (providing a projector, etc.), Helping with group shelters and event setup.
River Conservation
Packrafters experience nature in a way that few others can. We witness firsthand the beauty and fragility of wild rivers.
Unfortunately, Norway’s rivers are under threat from hydropower projects, pollution, and over-extraction.
Since its inception, the Annual European Packrafting Meetup has raised over €15,000 for river conservation! Let’s continue making a difference together.
You Are Responsible for Your Own Safety!
This event is not guided, but rather a gathering of like-minded paddlers. You are responsible for your own safety on and off the water. However, experienced packrafters will be available to provide support and advice.
To participate in workshops or river activities, you must wear:
- A CE-approved whitewater helmet (not a bike helmet).
- A CE-approved whitewater PFD.
What to Bring:
Your personal packrafting kit, including:
- Packraft & Paddle (2- or 4-piece breakdown paddle recommended)
- Whitewater Helmet (mandatory for workshops)
- Whitewater PFD (mandatory for workshops)
- Throw bag & safety gear
- Dry bags for waterproof storage
- Hiking & packrafting shoes
- Backpack (60L+) for carrying gear
- Clothing for all weather conditions
- Drysuit or wetsuit (recommended for cold water paddling)
- First-aid kit (for personal use)
- Safety/Communication Devices (PLB, satellite communicator, etc.)
- Motorhome, Camper Van, or Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc.)
- Food & beverages for the weekend
- Musical instruments (optional!)
Local Information & Accommodation
The event will be hosted in Voss, Norway, a world-renowned destination for whitewater kayaking and adventure sports.
Accommodation options: Coming Soon
- Camping – [Insert recommended campsite link]
- Hostels & lodges – [Insert options]
- Glamping/Bungalows – [Insert details]
-
Gear rental – [Insert rental providers]
River Info: Coming Soon
- Most rivers in the Voss region are Grade 1-5 whitewater.
- Please add half a river grade to the level for paddler coming from Europe. Eg: a Nowegian Class 3 is a Solid European Class 3+!
- River flow updates can be found here: [Insert river flow link]
- A river pass may be required (check local regulations).
Weather
Voss weather is highly variable. Be prepared for sunshine, rain, cold temperatures, or all three in one day!
More Info & Social Media
- Facebook Event Page: [Insert link]
- Instagram: [Insert link]
- Newsletter Sign-up: [Insert link]
Courses Before the Event
A Norwegian Packrafting Foundation Course (Grundkurs) will be held before the event on July 26-27th, in Voss, led by Kayak Voss.
For details & booking, click here: [Insert link]