Level 1

• Min age in general is 15 ( we have taken younger ones but please talk to us first )
• Online learning component which you need to complete before you show up for the practical. About 10 hours of learning
• The course is based on confidence and skill progression. We can and will, tailor the experience to your abilities.
• We can supply you with a paddle-specific fitness plan
• Accommodation in our Camp can be booked separately.
  • You need to bring the following for the nights you are staying with us
    • Sleeping Bags and gear for staying with us
    • Anything else you need to stay in our Tent Village
    • We provide all the essential equipment for the Course
• • Everything you need for the paddling
    • Boats, Paddle, Pfd, Dry or Wetsuits, Helmets etc

• Private clothing
• No food is provided

• Fitness plays a big role in being capable and safe on rivers and lakes although your fitness does not really matter to joining our course it will help you greatly with what we are putting you through
• Upper body and core strength and endurance is what you should put your focus on
• Use this as an opportunity to put some hard yards in and come prepared ( you can thank us later )

You will learn heaps:

• Setup your Packraft
• Basic Paddle strokes
• Falling out in style and self/buddy rescue
• Dealing with currents on a river
• Getting in and out of Eddies
• Making decisions where to go and where not to go
• River reading and using the force
• Working in a team
• and there is so much more….

• • Stay with us or sort your accommodation for the weekend in Te Anau
  • Food in the form of snacks for 2-active days in and on the water.
  • Warm layers/pants and tops/some thick socks (polypro recommended for under the wetsuit/dry suit.)
  • Reasonable fitness will make things easier (upper body strength will help and a reasonable technique in freestyle swimming.)
  • Great sense of adventure (and humour!)

  If you have your own packrafting gear we strongly recommend that you use it for the course, as it is important to get practice with your own kit. If you don’t have your own kit, don’t worry, we have a full kit you can hire for the course for free.

• Stay with us and book your accommodation in our Packrafting NZ Eco Village – basic, glamping-styled tenting, shared facilities, and epic views. Available for the night(s) of your course dates. You can choose the option to stay with us when booking. 

• Our Eco Tent site has very basic cooking facilities with USB charging stations for your mobile phone. Usually, you share a 4-meter bell tent with someone else

• There is also a composting toilet and a basic shower available.

• Everything here works on solar power and is as environmentally friendly as we can.

• Age and Fitness: Must be 18 years or older, reasonably fit, and comfortable around water.

Best Suited For:

• Those considering purchasing their own packrafting equipment and seeking foundational skills before heading out.
• Individuals are curious about what packrafting on rivers involves.
• Beginners who are new to packrafting and want to see if it’s the right activity for them.

Highly Recommended (but not essential):

• Upper body and core strength, demonstrated by the ability to perform push-ups, pull-ups, or dips.