Learn to Packraft in Grande Cache
Packrafting
Safety & Navigation
Learn Packrafting Safety, Rescue & Navigation
Learn to packraft with confidence in this hands-on, 2-day course designed for paddlers who want real-world river safety training and navigation skills. You’ll navigate Class I–II+ water while learning swiftwater rescue techniques, hazard identification, and packraft handling.
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Led by Johannes Zwart, a certified raft guide examiner and Swiftwater Rescue instructor with over 25 years of experience, this course blends classroom learning, scenario-based rescue, and a full-day instructor-guided river trip.
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Packraft rentals and Kokopelli packraft discounts are available through Untamed Tours.​
COURSE DETAILS
Cost: $425* + gst
Duration: 2 days (16 hours)
Rapids: Class II/II+
Ages: 16+
Dates: July 12–13, 2025 (Sat–Sun)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Professional instruction in river morphology,
safety & rescue, plus packrafting navigation. -
Personal Gear (if required): Wetsuit, jacket,
splash gear, socks, helmet, and PFD -
Bus shuttle to and from the river
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* E-transfer payments avoid a 4% online transaction fee. Please email fun@wildblueyonder.ca to set this up.
What You’ll Learn in this Course
DAY 1 – Packraft Safety & Rescue Training
Location: WBY Base + Smoky River
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River morphology: how to identify features and hazards
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Packraft-specific throw-bag drills and shallow crossings
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Defensive and offensive swimming techniques
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Shore-based rescues, communication, and teamwork
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Realistic swiftwater rescue scenarios with instructors
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DAY 2 – Packraft Safety & Rescue Training
Location: WBY Base + Smoky River
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18 km packrafting trip on the Smoky River
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Ferry angles, eddy turns, and hazard avoidance
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Navigation through a Class 2+ rapid (optional repeats)
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Group lunch (BYO) on the river and end-of-course debrief
What You Need to Bring
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Swimsuit, towel, warm clothing
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River shoes or secure sandals
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Lunch, snacks, and water both days
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Notebook and pen for classroom sessions
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Optional: Your own approved PFD, helmet, wetsuit or drysuit.
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Personal packraft, or rent one (next section)
Packraft Rentals & Discounts
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Need to rent a packraft?
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Weekend rental: $75 through Untamed Tours
Want to buy a packraft?
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20% discount for registered students
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Early ordering is recommended due to limited stock
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Contact Untamed Tours for more information.
Things to Know
Do I need experience?
Yes. You should have some paddling experience (packraft, canoe, or kayak).
Do I have to sign a Waiver? Yes. Read more about it here.
What safety precautions are there? Learn how we manage risk.
What is the Cancellation Policy? 7 days for 90% refund.
Still Have Questions? Contact Us. ​
Meet Your Instructor: Johannes Zwart
Johannes Zwart is a co-owner of Wild Blue Yonder, a Swiftwater Rescue Instructor and a Raft Guide Instructor/Examiner in British Columbia and Alberta. He has over 25 years of experience guiding and instructing on rivers across Western Canada, certifying hundreds of guides and rescue technicians.
Johannes is known for his calm, supportive teaching style and deep knowledge of river systems. Students appreciate his focus on building skills and confidence in a practical, down-to-earth way.
“This right here is a hidden gem… the amount of fun we had cannot be put into words. You couldn’t ask for a better set of people to take you down those rapids.”
- Alen Jude, Google Review