Gaining experience

1

After years of wishing I had a packraft, reading and watching all the videos I’ve found, I’ve finally got one! I’ve been practicing like mad in lakes (Eklutna, mainly), getting to know the boat, working on re-entry and back-paddling and that sort of thing. I’m eager to get out on a river and learn more that way, but I know exactly zero people who also packraft (and after my first float trip with everyone else in kayaks, well, I guess you know how that goes) and while I may be adventurous in my solo endeavors, I try not to be downright stupid.

I’m interested in working up to Class IV-V and I know I’m capable, but any suggestions on a good starting point would be much appreciated. And if you’re interested in a trip, my schedule is open until UAA is in session and I’m always up for a good hike. I’m in the Valley, but anywhere is great. Thanks.

Sean
chaptersofautumn at gmail dot com

2

look at Alaska Kayak Acadmey. They have some packrafting classes that are great!
If you are ready for some “easy rivers”
I would suggest:
Little su (from shrock rd to Houston)
Lyon Creek (Turnagain Pass)
Willow Creek (red gate)
Upper Kenai

That will get you going on some rivers.

3

Thanks for the tips. The sun peeked out today, so I took advantage and ran a bit of Matanuska River, from the top of the River Park (there’s a nice little put-in along the trail) to a couple of miles below the Old Glenn bridge. It was a blast! I got into a couple of the relatively bigger sections, and I was pretty comfortable with them. Hitched back to the park (my favorite form of travel) and did it again, with less mistakes, such as getting stuck in a whirlpool and bottoming out on gravel. I can’t wait to get out again! I love it.