What are strainers? According to ‪@APA-ED‬  , the APA's ED and a Swiftwater Safety Institute instructor: "Strainers are obstacles like fallen trees, bridge pilings, or debris that let water flow through but can trap paddlers and boats.. Water pressure can pin a person against or under a strainer, making escape nearly impossible. These hazards are especially dangerous in swift currents, where even strong swimmers can be forced underwater. Understanding and respecting these haz

As summer fades and the crisp air of autumn settles in, there’s no better way to soak up the season’s beauty than from the seat of a packraft. Across the United States, rivers transform into winding corridors of gold, crimson, and amber—offering paddlers both serenity and adventure. Whether you’re chasing mirrored reflections of fiery maples, gliding through quiet mountain valleys, or navigating gentle rapids beneath canopies of fall foliage, the country’s waterways provide e

Foot Entrapment occurs when a paddler’s foot becomes wedged between rocks or debris in a riverbed, causing them to be pinned underwater by the current. This is especially dangerous in swift-moving water, where the force can quickly submerge and drown a person. Attempting to stand in strong currents increases the risk significantly. Understanding and practicing defensive swimming protects paddlers, reinforces the Culture of Safety, and helps ensure our rivers remain safe and e

This is just common sense if you're a serious paddler, learning to navigate whitewater. But there's a long-standing association with whitewater paddling and drinking. Think of the "bootie beer" where kayakers/rafters made their fellow paddlers drink if they swam. The thing about packrafts is you swim, sometimes a lot, especially when learning. And you'll probably swim more if you're drinking. Why? Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time—critical skills neede

It's time to talk about the skills you need to get out packrafting on your own with friends. This Be WaterWise video highlights essential skills that keep paddlers safe, protect rivers and waterways, and strengthen our community. Mastering these skills not only protects you and your partners—it supports the Culture of Safety that keeps packrafting sustainable and accessible for everyone. Here are a few, but there are so many more! 1. Buddy rescues 2. How to safely utilize thr

So while solo paddling can be peaceful and rewarding, it comes with heightened risks. Without a partner, there’s no one to assist in case of a capsize, injury, or unexpected hazard. Delays in rescue can turn minor incidents into life-threatening situations, especially in remote areas or challenging conditions. Choosing whether to paddle alone isn’t just a personal preference—it’s a matter of safety. By encouraging education and preparation before attempting solo trips, we red

Whether you packraft alpine lakes, flat water or even the lochs of Scotland, you should understand the dangers of packrafting on flatwater. Flatwater may seem benign and totally safe, but if you're out in the middle of a very cold lake on a windy day and you aren't dressed properly for cold water, things could go south very quickly! So how can you develop good judgement on flatwater? Knowing the conditions of the body of water you are planning to paddle is KEY! Suggestion: Wi

Oregon is a naturalist's dream come true. It is an area of the earth where mountains accumulate clouds, rivers create canyons, and the forests are alive with natural noises. Bikerafting in Oregon  is a one-of-a-kind blend of a sport most people have never heard of with the rest of the state's exciting and peaceful outdoor pastimes. It is more of an adventure than a sport, allowing you to enjoy nature on both land and sea in one continuous, exhilarating voyage. In a nutshell,

Oregon's various landscapes are a dream come true for fans of the outdoors and particularly those with an interest in the rare combination of hiking and paddling with the help of a packraft. The packrafting community in Oregon hardly finds anything more exciting than the ability to go on waterways that are not only great for navigation but are also scenic and then take a walk along the trails that usually pass through green forests, high hills, and clear rivers. The objective

The integration of the two sports is what makes packrafting so unique: a combination of hiking and paddling; thus, the required gear should be able to support both activities. When it comes to rivers or lakes, safety should always come first, and the right tools can be a game changer in that regard.

The most immersive experience one can imagine with all of that wouldn’t be just about drifting along the water; it would be about submerging into life around you, learning about the different ecosystems, practicing sustainability, and accepting the unrefined splendor of nature.

Many of you love taking your packrafts to beautiful alpine lakes. Or maybe you're just using it to cross a river or lake. Either way, the packraft allows us to draw increasingly expansive lines on our maps. Luc Mehl has tracked packrafting fatalities from the early days of the sport in the 1990’s. Incredibly, he’s found that 44% of packrafting fatalities involved cold water and solo paddling. Whoa, right? So how can packrafters develop good judgement? Well, dressing for a swi

Entanglement occurs when ropes, leashes, fishing lines, or other gear wrap around a paddler’s limbs, PFD, or equipment, restricting movement and creating a drowning hazard. In swift water, even a minor entanglement can become life-threatening, as currents force paddlers underwater or prevent them from reaching safety. Learning to rig your boat safely not only protects you, but also helps preserve rivers, supports safe practices for the packrafting community, and reinforces a

Leashes don't belong on rivers, and only sometimes make sense on open water. Leashes are one of the most debated topics in packrafting, and for good reason. On rivers, they’re dangerous and should never be used. In current, even a short leash can entangle a swimmer or fail to release under load. On open water crossings, some paddlers choose to use a short, releasable leash to avoid becoming separated from their raft in strong wind or waves, but it’s never risk-free. Be WaterW

Personal Flotation Devices also known as PFDs, life jackets or life vests, are essential buoyancy devices keep you afloat if you capsize, get injured, or become fatigued. Even strong swimmers can be incapacitated by cold water shock, swift currents, or unexpected obstacles. Be WaterWise, always use your PFD! Make Sure to Check out all 10 of the Safety Videos at https://www.packraft.org/pages/education/water-wise-safety-videos

Discover 10 short, engaging videos that highlight common packrafting hazards, practical mitigation strategies, and essential skills for paddlers of all levels. Learn, connect with the community, and level up your safety on the water. Whether you’re new to packrafting or a seasoned paddler, welcome! This space is dedicated to helping you stay safe and confident on the water. Packrafting offers access to incredibly scenic places and adrenaline highs, but hazards like strainers

Some quick and easy ways to properly inflate your packraft to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience out on the water.

Embarking on your first Whitewater rafting trip is an exciting experience — the thrill of the rapids, the power of the river, and the...

For adventurers who crave more than just a trail or a river, combining hiking and packrafting offers an unbeatable way to experience the...

The rush of energy from beating the current, the excitement of the ride, and the thrilling experience of navigating whitewater are what...