Safety Warning
Packrafting can be dangerous and physically demanding. The user or purchaser of packrafts & accessory equipment should understand that participating in packrafting could lead to serious injury and/or death of the user. You are responsible for your own actions and decisions on and off the water. The fabric used to manufacture packrafts is selected with lightweight and packability being the most important factor. Lightweight raft fabric may easily be punctured and this risk must be a constant consideration during packraft use.
Individual paddlers assume all responsibility for keeping their boats from being punctured and/or damaged by any of the obstacles and dangers present on rivers, lakes and oceans. The individual paddler is responsible for deciding whether it is safe to float on, across a body of water or down a moving river. The individual paddler is responsible for the safe and appropriate use of accessory equipment, and for not using it in situations that the individual cannot control the boat safely. Do not float in any water in which you are not prepared to swim. A punctured tube will result in an immediate immersion in the water and you must be prepared to deal with the resulting danger.
Familiarize yourself with your boat’s capabilities and limitations. Due to the wide variability of water conditions and obstacles, Alpacka Raft and Pack Raft Australia make no claims as to Alpacka Raft packrafts suitability for or durability against specific bodies of water and physical obstacles.
We strongly recommend all users of this product adhere to these standards:
Get paddle sports instruction specific to this type of craft.
Obtain certified first aid training and carry first aid and rescue/safety equipment.
Always wear an appropriate personal flotation device (PFD).
Always wear a helmet, where appropriate.
Dress appropriately for weather conditions; cold water and/or cold water can result in hypothermia.
Check your equipment prior to each use for signs of wear or failure.
Never paddle alone.
Do not paddle in flood conditions.
Be aware of appropriate river water levels, tidal changes, dangerous currents and forecasted weather changes.
Scout unfamiliar waters; portage where appropriate.
Do not exceed your paddling ability; be honest with yourself and your paddling friends skill and abilities.
Consult a GP prior to your paddle sports training (where appropriate)..
You must not use alcohol or mind altering drugs prior or during the use this product (save these particulars for camp at the end of the day).
Follow the manufacturer recommendations for use of this product.
If additional outfitting is added to this craft, use manufacturer’s approved materials only; do not impair entry or exit access.
Read owners information documents and advice prior to using this product.
The user of this product acknowledges both an understanding and an assumption of the risk involved in paddle sports.
Alpacka Raft, LLC & Pack Raft Australia Pty Ltd has no way to screen the experience, judgment, or abilities of buyers, renters or users of the packrafts and gear we supply. Therefore, we recommend that all users adhere rigorously to these safety guidelines.
Pack Raft Australia Pty Ltd, from time to time publishes trip reports and river section write ups on www.packraftaustralia.com.au under the title “Packrafting Journeys”. These write-ups offer general information only, and may include links to external resources (i.e. river height gauges). Readers should self assess their own paddling abilities and indepentnely research localised climatic, river flow conditions and access requirements prior to undertaking any of these trips. Pack Raft Australia takes no responsibility for aquaracy of any information presented, including the currency of data from external sources (such as BOM river flow charts etc.). It is the readers responsibility to independently validate any information presented. Where minimum recommend levels are presented particular rivers, this is solely of the opinion of Pack Raft Australia and may or may not be suitable for all paddlers. We do not list maximum recommend river levels for paddling, as these will be dependant solely on paddlers own experience and abilities. For paddlers unfamiliar with new river environments, paddle with others familiar with the area, take additional map resources, emergency repair supplies, first aid, remote communications (including satellite text and/or EPIRB) devices, shelter, sufficient food, potable water and equipment suitable to safely undertake such journeys. River flows may fall and rise quickly, and paddlers must be prepared, be able to interpret and understand these changing environments, specific to the localised areas they intend to paddle. Trip intentions, including party members, intended route and timeframes and contact details should always be lodged, both with a responsible adult and/or local management authorities (i.e. Parks Vic, Parks Tas trip intentions booths at trail heads for example). Packrafting is an amazing activity and is complemented both with common sense and care. Look after yourself, your paddling mates and the broader packrafting community by taking ownership and responsibility for your own abilities and actions.