Be WaterWise #8 - Alcohol & Paddling: A Dangerous Mix

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 needed for safe paddling. It also increases fatigue, affects balance, and lowers body temperature, raising the risk of capsizing, injury, or drowning. Many paddling accidents involve alcohol, making it one of the leading contributors to fatalities on the water. Avoiding alcohol on the water protects you, your fellow paddlers, and the rivers and lakes we love, reinforcing the Culture of Safety that keeps packrafting sustainable and accessible for everyone.

Make Sure to Check out all 10 of the Safety Videos at https://www.packraft.org/pages/education/water-wise-safety-videos