Packraft whitewater course Kanupark-Markkleeberg, Leipzig

Learn how to safely control a single packraft in whitewater in your own boat on a rental. The courses focus on the unique hydro-dynamics of packrafts, but doesn’t overlook basic whitewater and safety skills. You will learn to paddle up to WW class III, even try class IV if you like. To ensure effective training for each participant, we divide each class into three categories of experience.

Categories:

BEGINNER (A):
First time in a packraft? We’ll teach you the basic techniques of paddling before heading into the rough stuff.
Aim: To provide a solid base for safe paddling in whitewater. After the course you will have learned the essential skills of boat control and risk evaluation on whitewater, allowing you to participate in guided whitewater tours up to WW II.

STANDARD (B):
For proficient paddles on calm water who now want to learn how to handle their packraft on whitewater.
Aim: To provide unguided proficiency to tackle WWII and the ability to participate in guided whitewater tours up to WW III.

ADVANCED (C)
For packrafters with experience on whitewater (e.g: completed the standard course) that want to advance their techniques and skills. On this course you will be instructed in the theory and practice of whitewater safety and rescue including throw bag recoveries.
Aim: Provide the ability to safely undertake independent whitewater descents on known rivers up to on WW III–IV.

Packraft rentals

You can use your own single person packraft with spraydeck (fully closed) or self-bailing packraft. Of course you can also rent a packraft if you don't own one yourself or invite your friends, so you have skilled partners for your next whitewater adventure. The boat and WW paddle costs €35,00. Please let us know your height so we can provide the right sized boat (see below).

Location and host

The courses are held at Kanupark Markkleeberg near Leipzig, east Germany, where you’ll be taught by a trained Kanupark instructor in one of Europe’s most advanced artificial whitewater courses.

Extended use: After taking part in a course you are free to use the whitewater park.

The Kanupark offers tickets on hour- or day based rates. Details here. At Kanupark you must conform to the general terms and conditions of Kanupark Markkleeberg.

Dates/Availability

Course "KP 1" (A): Saturday, 15 July 2023 | 10.00 am - 6:00 pm (fully booked)

Course "KP 2" (B): Sunday, 16 July 2023 | 10.00 am - 6:00 pm (fully booked)

Course "KP 3" (A): Saturday, 22 July 2023 | 10.00 am - 6:00 pm (fully booked)

Course "KP 4" (B): Sunday, 23 July 2023 | 10.00 am - 6:00 pm (fully booked)

Course "KP 5" (A): Saturday, 16 September 2023 | 10.00 am - 6:00 pm (1 course available)

Course "KP 6" (B): Sunday, 17 September 2023 | 10.00 am - 6:00 pm (fully booked)

Course "KP 7" (A): Saturday, 23 September 2023 | 10.00 am - 6:00 pm (fully booked)

Course "KP 8" (B): Sunday, 24 September 2023 | 10.00 am - 6:00 pm (fully booked)

Please meet up to half an hour before start at the main entrance of Kanupark:
(Wildwasserkehre 1, 04416 Markkleeberg).

Requirements

age minimum 16 years
ability to swim
good physical condition

With booking these are considered as additional conditions as recognized.

Please bring the following

single packraft with spraydeck (fully closed) or a self-bailing packraft, otherwise please use the rental option
swimming wear, T-shirt, towel
flip-flops, toiletry
food if necessary (restaurant "Wildwasserterrasse" at the Kanupark)
if existing:
PFD (ref. DIN EN ISO 12402-5)
helmet (ref. EN 1385)
neoprene clothing or drysuit
(neoprene) shoes
The neoprene equipment can be rented completely or individually on site for a material fee. Prices:
Helmet 3,50 €
Life jacket 4,50 €
Total neoprene clothing: 14,50 €
Neoprene clothing (single pieces): jacket 5,50 €, trousers 5,50 €, shoes 3,50 €
As an alternative to neoprene shoes you can also use your own sneakers while paddling

Number of participants

Maximum: 5
Minimum: 3 (otherwise refund)

Accommodation

Close to the Kanupark is "Neuseenland-Camping", also with guest rooms available. We suggest an early reservation. Staying in Leipzig for longer is also worth considering. It is a true "Watercity".

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Disclaimer

The fee for the class and the packraft rental needs to be paid at least ten days after booking. Otherwise the claim for the course extinguishes. In case of higher power such as flooding, thunderstorms etc. there is a right for alternate date as long as the course has not started yet.

Please note: If you order this course form outside Germany, please add your adress again as separate shipping address and choose the country "Germany", otherwhise the system will add shipping costs to you order.

Schedule for category A and B
09:45 am: meeting / registration
10:00 - 10:15 am: changing clothes
10:15 - 10:45 am: material science, theory, basic techniques
10:45 - 11:30 am: basic techniques in still water
11:30 - 12:00 am: break
12:00 - 01:30 pm: inspection of the competition canal / basic techniques in whitewater
01:30 - 01:45 pm: swimming down the canal
01:45 - 02:30 pm: break
02:30 - 03:00 pm: repetition and reflection of basic techniques
03:00 - 03:45 pm: basic maneuvers in whitewater
03:45 - 04:30 pm: repetition of basic techniques white water
04:30 - 05:00 pm: safety and rescue (incl. exercise throwing and rescueing with throw Bag)
05:00 - 05:30 pm: evaluation with the instructor
05:30 - 06:00 pm: return of clothing/ changing clothes

Bianka und Uwes Experience from the course

Packraft whitewater course 2023 at Kanupark Markkleeberg, Leipzig

Details

Categories:

BEGINNER (A):
First time in a packraft? We’ll teach you the basic techniques of paddling before heading into the rough stuff.
Aim: To provide a solid base for safe paddling in whitewater. After the course you will have learned the essential skills of boat control and risk evaluation on whitewater, allowing you to participate in guided whitewater tours up to WW II.

STANDARD (B):
For proficient paddles on calm water who now want to learn how to handle their packraft on whitewater.
Aim: To provide unguided proficiency to tackle WWII and the ability to participate in guided whitewater tours up to WW III.

ADVANCED (C)
For packrafters with experience on whitewater (e.g: completed the standard course) that want to advance their techniques and skills. On this course you will be instructed in the theory and practice of whitewater safety and rescue including throw bag recoveries.
Aim: Provide the ability to safely undertake independent whitewater descents on known rivers up to on WW III–IV.