Packrafting Tasmania will be conducting a 3-day Whitewater Packrafting Course that includes a Basic River Rescue Course throughout the program that is targeted specifically towards packrafters. The rescue training will provide participants with a strong basis for being safe and comfortable on moving water, however, the main focus of this course is on packraft specific technical paddling skills. It is designed for those with either limited experience on whitewater (e.g. less than 30 days) as well as those new to whitewater.
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 we often get enquiries from people about skipping this 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.
The course will take place on grade 2 whitewater on the upper Derwent River about 45 minutes drive north west of Hobart. Participants need to come prepared and equipped for multiple swimming, wading and capsizing activities which are particularly a large focus on day 1. Participants also need to come fully self-sufficient with paddling gear and packrafts.
Day 1 Times & Starting Location: Saturday 7 February 8.45 am – 4:30 pm
Meet at the Banjos Bakery in New Norfolk at 8:45 am. Perhaps if you need to grab a coffee/snack/lunch from the shop then get there before the official start time of 8:45 am. New Norfolk is approximately 40 minutes from Hobart's CBD. From there we will drive out together to the starting location, 5- 10 minutes further north.
If any issues with meeting the group contact Mark Oates on 0409194260. Note that Banjos Bakery will be the last chance to purchase lunch or to use a real toilet as the intention is not to return to New Norfolk and shops until the end of the day.
Bring lunch, plenty of drinking water plus some energy food.
You will be in the water some of the time so come prepared for this with a wetsuit, drysuit & thermals or a drytop/spray jacket in combination with a wetsuit.
Day 2 Times & Starting Location: Sunday 8 February 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
We will confirm the starting time and location but it will likely involve meeting at the previous day’s venue.
Day 3 Times & Starting Location: Monday 9 February 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Starting location to be confirmed. We finish early on this day to allow time for participants travelling either interstate or to the north of the state.
Instructors: The instructors involved in the course include Dan Hall (Senior Whitewater Instructor), Mark Oates (Senior Whitewater Instructor) and Jen MacGibbon (Whitewater Instructor).
Equipment Required:
Participants need to attend with the following:
- packraft with inflation bag
- appropriate kayak/packraft paddle
- whitewater paddling helmet. Please do not bring climbing or bike helmets
- whitewater PFD that fits you well
- wetsuit and cag/paddling jacket or a drysuit. Some people may be able to get away with thermals-drytop/cag combined however we would recommend bringing a number of changes of clothes to ensure you can stay warm enough.
- water shoes that you can comfortably walk around on rocks in (note that old runners/volleys may actually work better than lightweight/soft wetsuit booties which are often uncomfortable to walk in, particularly on rough and slippery rocks)
- personal medications & sunscreen
- lunch, snacks and drinking water for each day
- warm clothes for afterwards
You may also like/opt to bring the following but do not worry if you don’t have them:
- throwbag
- river knife
- paddling gloves (can be particularly useful if not used to handling thin throw ropes and are very useful for sun protection)
- any safety gear you normally paddle with (screwgate carabiners, sling, etc)
Purchasing New Gear:
We encourage you to try and avoid buying anything new for this course. We will bring along a number of throw-bags so if you don't have one yet, please simply use ours. More than likely if you are missing a key item of gear we may be able to loan you something for the course - if we are informed well in advance. After completing the course, you will have a much better idea of what is a good piece of equipment and what isn't. Hopefully that way you will spend your money wisely.
Potential Locations Utilised (note that we may only use some of these sites or others nearby):
Broken Bridge Slalom Site: From the northern side of the bridge at New Norfolk head west along the Lyell Hwy for 10.7 km, (8 mins) till you spot a dirt turnoff just before a white cottage on a righthand bend. The turn off comes up quick so watch out for it.
Google Maps: -42.735330098873916, 146.95339454042602
Plenty Railway Bridge Car Park (listed as ‘River Derwent Railway Bridge): drive 7.2 km from the bridge over the Derwent in New Norfolk, along the western side on the Glenora Road.
Google Maps: -42.75602047522549, 146.98608174243938
Hayes Corner Car Park and Lookout: drive 4.7 km (4 mins drive on the eastern side) along the Lyell Hwy, from the bridge over the Derwent in New Norfolk.
Google Maps: -42.758679937547285, 147.00800050341405
For information about the course itself & whether this course is suitable for you, please contact either of the Course Co-ordinators, Dan Hall, via: danchall@hotmail.com or Mark Oates via mark.oates.outdoors@gmail.com
