Packraft Courses & Events

Find recommended packrafting courses and Swiftwater Rescue (whitewater rescue) training in Australia. Learn river reading fundamentals, paddling technique, and practical rescue skills.

Whether you’re new to moving water or stepping up to Grade 3/4, the right training makes a huge difference.

Best next steps:

• Learn packrafting fundamentals & moving-water technique

• Add Swiftwater Rescue training for safer decision-making

• Match your training with fit-for-purpose safety gear & apparel

Skills you’ll build:

• River reading and hazard recognition (strainers, undercuts, river hydraulics)

• Scouting, line choice, and group management

• Self-rescue and basic group rescue skills

• Throwbag technique and swimmer support

Who these courses are for:

Bushwalkers, kayakers, and first-time paddlers or simply anyone wanting safer, more confident packrafting on rivers.

Recommended courses:

Below is a selection of Packrafting Courses and Swiftwater Rescue Training the team at Pack Raft Australia highly recommends, delivered by experienced instructors.

Upcoming Courses

Packrafting FUNdamentals Whitewater Course (2-day)

Course Intro: This course provides the foundation for more technical whitewater packrafting courses and focuses on the fundamentals of key strokes, how to competently catch and exit eddies, how to cross fast strong currents and how to use momentum and moving water to your advantage. Additionally, it ensures that participants have the knowledge and skills to be able to self-rescue in a basic whitewater environment as well as how to rescue others. Although participants often enquire about skipping this type of course (because they already have some experience on whitewater) we encourage everyone to undertake it as it provides the basis for all our other courses.

Upcoming Dates/Locations:

• Check the Paddle Tasmania Calendar for upcoming courses here

• 21st-22nd Feb, 2026, New Norfolk, TAS

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)

Upcoming Dates/Locations:

• 2-3rd March, 2026 - Snowy River, VIC

• 19-20 March, 2026 - Goulburn/King River, VIC

• 11-12th April, 2026 - Snowy River, VIC

• 10-12th July, 2026 - Yarra River, VIC

• 21-23rd Sept, 2026 - Mitta Mitta River, VIC

• 28-29th Sept, 2026 - Mitta Mitta River, VIC

• 11-13th Dec, 2026 - Mitta Mitta River, VIC

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

3-day high intermediate Whitewater Packrafting Course

Course Intro: This course is for those who are wishing to advance their skills and work towards paddling grade 3/3+ confidently, consistently, and safely. It focuses on increasing paddler's boat control and technical paddling ability. It is designed for those who are already paddling grade 3 (or at least 2+) but who wish to become more technically competent

Instructors: Dan Hall, Mark Oates & Jen MacGibbon

Upcoming Dates/Locations:

• 6-8th October, 2026 - Mitta Mitta River, VIC (Course #1)

• 10-12th October, 2026 - Mitta Mitta River, VIC (Course #2)

Further information regarding the courses 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

Past & 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