Additional Beginner/Introductory Packraft Course on offer

[Mark_O]

I know that this is not strictly bushwalking but I also know that there is some interest within the bushwalking community in using packrafts to explore Australia's amazing wild areas via our beautiful rivers. The previous course offered in October was filled in 10-14 days. If you are keen to learn how to undertake this activity safely and competently then you may be interested in the following from Canoe Tasmania:

Due to significant interest Canoe Tasmania will be conducting a second Introductory/Beginner Packrafting Course based at the Arm River Outdoor Education Centre and Mersey River Whitewater Course over the weekend of the 7th and 8th Nov. Practical and theory sessions will be conducted including an evening theory session on Saturday.

For details and to download a registration form (be quick as likely to fill quickly again!), please go to the Canoe Tas website:
http://www.tas.canoe.org.au
Su Sprott (Canoe Tas Development Officer)

10394501_10206562913465031_3039843649731832900_n by Mark Oates, on Flickr

Next year our intention is to offer an intermediate level course early in the year. This may well suit those who have participated in one of the two beginner courses offered this year. During spring 2016 we then hope to run an advanced course for more experienced paddlers. We are also looking at the potential for additional mainland courses but certainly the intention is that the above courses will run in Tasmania. Cheers, Mark

[Mark_O]

Last weekend 12 participants had a great time completing Canoe Tasmania's first packrafting course. A number of the group were bushwalkers who had never paddled on whitewater before but who were keen to learn. Through the course they learnt a lot about river safety, reading whitewater and specialist packrafting and safety gear. They now have a really well informed and realistic idea of just where their skills and experience are at and what they can do to be safer and better paddlers/packrafters.

I believe there are now only a couple of spaces left on the Nov 7th/8th course so if you are interested in exploring the idea of undertaking packrafting adventures then sign up quickly.

If the Nov date does not suit I would still encourage you to register your interest for future courses with Canoe Tasmania. I am not sure when the next beginners course will be but it may not be until this time next year depending on the interest shown. You do not need to own a packraft to undertake the course as these can be hired for the weekend.