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:
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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.
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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.
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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. Please let us know your height so we can provide the right sized boat.
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.
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 €
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".
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
09:30 – 09:45 am changing clothes
09:45 – 10:15 am meeting, goals and schedule
10:15 – 11:00 am setup & Preparation Materials
11:00 – 12:00 am basic techniques calm water
12:00 – 12:30 pm flow In and out Large big canal
12.30 – 01:00 pm swim across the lower part of the bigcanal & short break
01:00 – 02:00 pm maneuvers in whitewater (small canal)
02:00 – 02:45 pm break
02:45 – 03:15 pm repetition maneuvers in whitewater
03:15 – 03:45 pm Repetition basic techniques
03:45 – 05:00 pm maneuvers in whitewater
05:00 – 05:30 pm Evaluation, cleaning boats & end
Schedule for category B
09:00 – 09:15 am changing clothes
09:15 – 10:15 am meeting, goals and schedule
10:15 – 11:00 am repeat techniques in still water
11:00 – 11:30 am flow entry and exit & flow crossing big canal
11:30 – 12:00 am theory, swimming in big canal
12:00 – 12:45 pm break
12:45 – 02:00 pm repetition maneuvers in whitewater (big canal)
02:00 – 02:15 pm evaluation & short break
02:15 – 04:00 pm maneuvers in whitewater (big canal)
04:00 – 05:00 pm evaluation, cleaning boats, changing clothes & end
Schedule for category C (different on Sunday)
10:00 – 10:15 am changing clothes
10:15 – 11:00 am meeting, material science
11:00 – 11:30 am repeat basic techniques
11:30 – 01:00 pm repetition and maneuvers in whitewater (big canal)
01:00 – 02:00 pm safety and throwing bag rescue (small canal)
02:00 – 03:00 pm evaluation & break
03:00 – 05:00 pm maneuvers in whitewater (big canal)
05:00 – 06:00 pm evaluation, clean packrafts & end
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