Learn to Packraft in Moab with Our Beginner Packrafting Course

Whether you’ve just purchased your first packraft or you’re curious about trying the sport before investing in your own gear, our 2-day beginner packrafting course is the perfect place to start. Learn the fundamental skills, safety techniques, and river knowledge needed to confidently begin your own packrafting adventures.

Designed for first-time and beginner paddlers, our packrafting course in Moab, Utah combines hands-on instruction, daily workshops, dry-land skills training, and time on the Colorado River. You’ll gain practical experience while learning paddle strokes, self-rescue techniques, river reading, trip planning, gear selection, and the essential skills every packrafter should know.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the foundational skills to continue your packrafting journey. You’ll build confidence on the water while learning the essentials of packrafting; the first step in developing your skills as a packrafter. No previous experience is required, and if you don’t own a packraft yet, we provide all the equipment you need.

Limited Spots Available : Call to book 435-259-4433, or click below to sign up.

 

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October 24-25th 2026

About The Packrafting Course

Course Prerequisites

  • No prior paddling experience required

 

Course Duration

  • October 24-25th 2026
  • 9:00AM-4:30PM
  • Reach out to hear more about our bonus 3rd day outing. We’ll be heading out for a packraft-hike-packraft adventure on the 26th! (Cost is separate)

 

Course Location

  • Moab, UT
  • We’ll spend the majority of our time on the Colorado River
  • Prior to getting out on the river, we’ll spend time at Lions Park

 

Number of Participants

  • We intentionally keep our courses small as to provide quality instruction. We guarantee a 4:1 ratio (particiapants to instructor) Min 5 participants, Max participants: 8

 

What You’ll Take Away

  • Preparing to depart – weather, conditions, hazards, trip plan, gear, etc.
  • Packraft setup, packing, inflation, and gear management
  • Essential paddling strokes and boat control techniques
  • River reading and navigating river features
  • Proper paddling posture, efficiency, and strokes
  • Packrafting safety, self-rescue, and assisted rescue techniques
  • Equipment selection, maintenance, and field repairs
  • Leave No Trace principles and responsible river travel
  • Risk assessment, group communication, and decision-making

Build the confidence to safely plan your own packrafting adventures!

Packrafting Course Pricing

$650.00 + tax/cc fee per person

 

*If you’re a local to Grand County, we offer 1/2 off discounts. You will need proof of residency. (ID with address, or mail with name on it.)

 

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Your Instructors

Bret Davas (BD)

BD lives in Durango, CO and has been instructing paddle sports for 25+ years.  He is an ACA Whitewater Packraft and Kayak Instructor Trainer who enjoys sharing his passion for rivers with all.  His personal paddling experience has taken him around the world allowing him to meet incredible humans and experience wonders of our planet that few get to see unless in the cockpit of a boat.

 

For more information about BD visit his website: http://thelessoncollective.com

Kainoa (Kai) Palmer

 

Kai discovered packrafting after moving to Moab, Utah, in 2019. A lifelong lover of water sports, she quickly fell in love with the unique opportunities packrafting offers to connect multiple outdoor pursuits into a single adventure. Much of her free time is spent poring over Google Maps, scouting drainages and dreaming up routes that combine canyoneering, hiking, and packrafting into creative backcountry linkups.

Kai is an ACA Level 3 River Packrafting Instructor and holds current certifications in Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue and Wilderness First Responder (WFR).

 

 

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What's Included:

 

Classic model Alpaca brand packraft (no thigh straps)

 

PFD (Personal Floatation Device)

 

Paddle

 

Neoprene farmer, vest, socks, & splash gear

 

Small Dry-Bag

 

*We encourage participants to use their own gear if they have it. If not, no problem!

What is NOT included:

 

Drysuit- not required, but if you have one – bring it! The water temperature this time of year ranges from 45-55 degrees. 

 

Food – Please come prepared with plenty of snacks/lunch, & water to keep you happy for the whole day.

 

Travel Insurance

What To Bring:

  • Water: Bring pleny to keep you hydrated for the whole day
  • Snacks and or lunch
  • Closed-toe shoes required. A pair of hiking shoes or running shoes are great. Whatever you feel comfortable in, and don’t mind getting wet. Pro tip: Bring a second pair of sandals/puffy shoes etc to change into after the river!
  • Warm clothing: Temperatures range from 60-70s during the day, but it feels chilly in the mornings. Bring plenty of layers. Pro tip: wool is great under drysuit if you have one.
  • sunscreen/sun protection (hat/sunglasses)
  • Notebook if you’re a note taker!

What To Wear:

  • Athletic clothing you are comfortable in, plenty of warm layers. Wool is great!
  • If you’re borrowing a wetsuit, folks typically wear a swimsuit, or underwear under the wetsuit. Expect to get fully wet when out on the river both days.
  • An extra set of dry, warm clothing, and shoes to change into after the river
  • Closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting wet.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations prior to 2 weeks: All of your money will be refunded if you cancel prior to two weeks before your course date. except for cancellations made within 48 hours of the trip. If you cancel within 48 hours of your trip, no money will be refunded (regardless of note from mom).

Cancellations within 2 weeks: If you cancel within two weeks of your trip (and have a note from your mother) we will refund all but $50 for a cancellation fee.

Cancellations within 48hrs: No refund issued

Weather: Full refunds are given if your trip is cancelled due to bad weather. Our instructors will make the final “go/no go” decision based on the weather. We’ll often go ahead with a trip even if it’s raining lightly in the morning. Also, weather around here changes quickly and more often than not the day’s weather turns out great despite a dreary morning. If you decide not join, even if the guides make a “go” decision, you will not receive a refund. If it’s raining cats and dogs when you show up in the morning and the weather does not appear to become tolerable or safe that day, we’ll probably cancel the trip in which case you’ll receive a full refund. If your trip does go out the door, yet gets cancelled or modified in some way mid-trip due to a change in weather, we will negotiate a fair refund with you.

Please realize that safety is our primary concern in regards to the weather (remember, we’re in the water with you, too!). We’re not even remotely interested in taking a chance with bad weather if our safety will be in question. Do realize, however, that we make “go/no go” decisions based on whether or not it’s safe to go, not necessarily based on whether or not it will be the most pleasant to go. If the weather is so-so, yet safe enough to go, just be sure to bring rain gear and we’ll have a fun time regardless. If you decide to cancel because of uncomfortable weather, our standard cancellation policy will apply.

Travel Insurance: If you believe there is a chance that you will have to cancel your tour within the non-refundable 24-hour cancellation period, we strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance. We are not affiliated with any insurance companies, but can recommend www.travelexinsurance.com.