The “Be WaterWise” Campaign for Packrafters
5-minute read
We’re excited to introduce our readers to a very important packrafting safety campaign brought to you by the American Packrafting Association (APA), the Packrafting Association of New Zealand (PRANZ) and the Federated Mountain Club (FMC).
(Photo: Tyson Crockett)
These organizations have worked very hard over the past year to put this campaign together. It includes ten very short videos that were produced by long-time Aqua Bound friend, Deane Parker. Deane is an avid packrafter in his native New Zealand who actively advocates for safe paddling.
These safety concerns need to be taken especially seriously if and when you paddle whitewater, due to swift currents. But they also apply to flatwater and slow-moving river paddling.
If you’re new to packrafting, these are for you! If you’re experienced, these will be a great review for you, and are perfect to share with aspiring packrafters you may know or meet.
Let’s go through the topics one by one:
Be WaterWise #1: PFDs
Whether you term it a PFD (Personal Flotation Device), life vest or life jacket, it’s absolutely necessary that you wear one at all times while you packraft.
You just can’t foresee every single emergency that might arise while you’re on the water. And any paddler can be affected by very cold water, swift currents, unexpected obstacles and fatigue.
Be WaterWise #2: Leashes
Leashing yourself to your packraft or paddle can be a great idea for open-water crossings. Not so much in moving water. In fact, it can be dangerous in the wrong circumstances.
Learn how to use a leash correctly, how to mitigate entrapments and when not to use one.
Be WaterWise #3: Entanglement
It’s very important for safety to keep a clean boat. Rope, leashes, fishing line and other items have the potential to entangle you in case of a capsize. Be sure all such items are stowed in a dry bag or in the zipped cargo hold of your packraft, if you have one.
You don’t want these kinds of entanglements to endanger your life or prevent you from getting to safety as soon as you can.
Be WaterWise #4: Cold Water
Packraft expert Luc Mehl has tracked packrafting fatalities since the early 1990s. He’s found that 44% of them involved cold water and solo paddling. That’s because hypothermia is a real danger that can kill in a matter of minutes.
It’s very important that packrafters “dress for immersion”—assume you’ll get wet. Invest in a dry suit or wetsuit and wear it anytime you paddle cold water.
(Photo: Land Water Adventures)
Be WaterWise #5: Wind
Flatwater seems harmless until the wind picks up, blows up waves and possibly brings in storms that include lightning. All these elements can quickly turn a packrafting trip dangerous. This is especially true on big water and open crossings.
It’s important to anticipate wind (always look at the weather forecast) and know how to respond if and when hazardous weather picks up.
Be WaterWise #6: Paddling Alone
The owners of Four Corners Guides, Lizzy Scully and Steve Fassbinder, say this about packrafting alone: “Solo paddling is dangerous on so many levels…Paddling rivers is not the same as going on a backpacking trip by yourself. The river and even flatwater add entirely new elements of danger to the mix.”
Choosing to paddle alone isn’t just personal preference, it’s a safety matter. This video shows many ways things can go wrong without the chance for assistance if you’re alone:
Be WaterWise #7: Get Training
Deane Parker, the producer of this video series and an avid packrafter himself, said, “Beginners often overestimate their skills and underestimate risks, leading to poor decision-making in hazardous conditions.”
In this video, you’ll get a very brief but comprehensive overview of the types of skills you need to get training for safe packrafting:
Look for local skills courses through your country’s paddling association, independent paddleshops and outfitters near you.
Be WaterWise #8: Alcohol & Paddling Don’t Mix
Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time. These are all skills you must have to packraft safely. Alcohol is one of the most common factors in paddling accidents and fatalities.
So please don’t drink before or during a packraft trip. Save it for later to maintain high safety standards for yourself and others.
Be WaterWise #9: Foot Entrapment
The Golden Rule, if you end up swimming during a packraft trip, is to keep your feet up. Don’t try to stand up. Keep your feet up and pointing downriver, stay on your back (your PFD will keep you afloat) and, if at all possible, keep a firm hold on your paddle and boat.
If you try to stand while in a rocky river, your foot can become entrapped between rocks while the current pulls you under. See #7 above and get training on what to do in these situations.
(Photo: Land Water Adventures)
Be WaterWise #10: Strainers
Strainers are obstacles in the water that can cause real problems—fallen trees, bridge pilings, stuck debris. The current can carry a paddler into these strainers and pin them, with a force impossible to fight against.
An important part of your packrafting training includes how to identify, avoid and deal with strainers. Education and awareness are key.
Click here to watch all 10 videos on APA’s website
Our thanks to Deane, APA, PRANZ and FMC for their diligence and dedication to promoting packrafting safety!
Learn more about each:
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Deane Parker
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American Packrafting Association (APA)
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Packrafting Association of New Zealand (PRANZ)
- Federated Mountain Club (FMC)
What paddling questions can our friendly Customer Service team help you with? Contact us at 715-755-3405 or sales@aquabound.com, or choose our online chat option.
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