Packraft Courses & Events

Packrafting is a fantastic way to experience wild and wonderfull regions, both locally and abroad. The Team at Pack Raft Australia highly recommend paddlers of all abilities seek professional Packrafting and/or Swift Water Rescue specific skills training, in addition to selecting quality gear that’s fit for purpose. Undertaking paddling, river rescue and water reading skills training will arm you with the necessary knowledge, experience and ability to safely undertake packrafting now, and for the years to come. Not only will you gain new skills and knowledge for yourself, but you’ll also be more capable in assisting your paddling mates out on the river.

Packrafter’s come from diverse backgrounds; bushwalkers looking to combine hiking with river journeys; kayakers looking for more portable boat options or simply those looking to experience paddling for the first time and just generally getting out on the water. We’re an eclectic bunch with varied and diverse experience and skill-sets. River environments afford packrafter’s amazing wilderness experiences, but can also be hazardous to those unfamiliar or inexperienced in general paddling skills, river rescue techniques and/or unfamiliar in scouting river conditions (i.e. observing, interpreting and understanding hazards and risks of various whitewater dynamics, river bed/rock formations, or foreign obstacles such as tree fall, all often encountered on river trips while paddling).

Below are a selection of courses the Pack Raft Australia team highly recommend, delivered by passionate and experienced Packrafting and Swift Water Rescue professionals.

Level 1 / Level 2 - whitewater packraft course

Course Intro: This is an intermediate packrafting course for paddlers who have ideally participated in one of the following; Paddle Tasmania Level 1, Foundation and
Fundamentals Course, Beginner Course (or an equivalent basic packraft/kayak course), plus have additional time on the water.

Date/Location:

• Check the Paddle Tasmania Calendar for upcoming courses here

Further information regarding the courses run through Paddle Tasmania available here.

This is an indepently run course recommended by the team at Pack Raft Australia. For further information or general enquiries regarding this course, please contact the course provider directly via the link below

Swift Water rescue course - pro-1

Course Intro: The Swift Water Rescue PRO-I is a professional level swiftwater rescue course designed for those requiring certification as a term of employment in a professional capacity and/or recreationational paddlers looking to advance their water safety and rescue skills. This swiftwater course teaches rescue techniques with regard to limited resources with a focus on personal safety, decision making, risk management and complex problem solving with other team members.

Instructor: Matt Paulding - Swift Water Safety Institute (SSI)

Date/Locations:

• 22-24th Sept, 2025 - Mitta Mitta River, North East Victoria

• 13-15th Dec, 2025 - Mitta Mitta River, North East Victoria

Further information regarding the Swift Water Safety Institute (SSI) available here.

This is an indepently run course recommended by the team at Pack Raft Australia. For further information or general enquiries regarding this course, please contact the course provider directly via the link below

Advanced whitewater packraft course

Course Intro: The course is suited to those who already competently paddle grade 3 rivers and who are aspiring to learn to paddle grade 3+/4 technically, safely & competently. All participants need to be comfortable with swimming grade 3 rapids and must have experience with the use of throwbags (both throwing and catching) as well as self/assisted rescues in grade 3 water. Inclusion in this course is dependent upon suitable prior experience and is at instructor’s discretion.

Instructors: Mark Oates & Dan Hall

Date/Location:

• 24th - 25th October, 2025 - Mersey River Slalom Course, Tasmania

Further information regarding the courses run through Paddle Tasmania available here.

This is an indepently run course recommended by the team at Pack Raft Australia. For further information or general enquiries regarding this course, please contact the course provider directly via the link below

Upcoming Events

HIGH COUNTRY FLYATHLON - 29th November, 7 Mile Flat, Howqua, VIC

WHAT IS A FLYATHLON?

A flyathlon is a novel trail running race where participants must run with their fishing gear and catch a fish during the race. A photo of the fish is taken against an official event ruler and then released. The size and species of the fish will be scored and results in a deduction on your running time. Conceivably, a faster runner can be beaten by a better fisherman or vice versa. This is a fun, irreverent event which culminates in a community atmosphere around the campfire, sharing a few well earned beers and war stories of the day.

How is Pack Raft Australia involved?

The PRA team will be heading up to this years event, along with demo boats and gear. A rad event, and a fantastic opportunity for the packraft-curious to touch, feel, paddle and ask any questions about our packrafts in-person. We’ll be available throughout on the day to answer any questions you may have about packrafts, paddles and paddling gear in general.

Event details on the High Country Flyathlon webpage here