Denali Packrafting Classes

Lesson

Healy • Denali National Park

Features

Locally Owned

Shuttle Included

Beginner Friendly

Free Cancellation

Instant Book

Description

Packrafting Courses in Denali

Whether you're just dipping your paddle into the world of packrafting or looking to push your skills into faster, more technical water, our progressive packrafting courses offer something for every level. Set in the dramatic landscapes near Denali, these hands-on classes are designed to build confidence, safety, and paddling proficiency—from calm lakes to moving rivers. You’ll learn from seasoned instructors who live and breathe river travel, gaining the foundational skills to get started or the advanced techniques to handle whitewater with precision. Each course builds on the last, so whether you're after a half-day intro or a full weekend of whitewater action, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get you river-ready.

Level 1: PackRaft Foundation Skills - Half Day

Ready to hit the water and start your pack-rafting adventure? This fun, beginner-friendly course is perfect whether you're new to the sport or looking to sharpen your skills. Set on the picturesque Otto Lake, it’s the ideal spot to build your confidence and get comfortable on the water in a relaxed and supportive environment. You’ll dive right into the basics, starting with essential gear—like your pack-raft, paddle, PFD, and drysuit—plus all the must-know terminology. Then, you’ll practice key paddling strokes, from forward and backward strokes to sweep and low brace techniques, giving you the skills to navigate like a pro. We’ll also cover wet exits, capsizing, and swim position to keep you safe and in control, plus wet re-entry and self-rescue techniques so you can tackle any unexpected situations with confidence.

Whether you're taking your first paddle strokes or refining your skills, this course will help you feel confident, capable, and excited to take on your next pack-rafting adventure! By the end of the course, whether you’re new to pack-rafting or have some experience, you’ll have the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills to safely enjoy pack-rafting on lakes and set the foundation for more advanced adventures.

Level 2: River & Whitewater Adventure - 2 Days

Ready to level up your pack-rafting game? This course is for those who’ve mastered the basics and are itching to tackle rivers with some mild to moderate whitewater! We’ll dive into essential skills like boat control, rescue techniques, and navigating moving water, all while keeping safety front and center. You’ll refine your paddling strokes, learn to read river features like currents, eddies, and waves, and practice both self-rescue and group rescue techniques. Get ready to understand the wild world of river mechanics, from hydraulics to hazards, and put it all to the test in both calm and moving waters. It’s time to take your river adventures to the next level—let’s get paddling!

By the end of this course, you'll have the skills and confidence to safely navigate rivers, handle whitewater conditions, and respond to emergency situations, setting you up for more advanced river adventures.

Level 3: Advanced Whitewater Packrafting Course

Ready to level up your pack-rafting? The White Water Advanced Packrafting Course is designed for experienced paddlers eager to take on more challenging rivers with confidence and precision. This is your chance to master the art of navigating fast, powerful whitewater and push your limits beyond the basics! Whether you're gearing up for epic river expeditions or simply want to feel more at home in intense rapids, this course will give you the skills and techniques to tackle even the toughest sections with style. With expert instruction and hands-on practice in real-world conditions, you’ll sharpen your ability to navigate fast-moving water and refine your decision-making under pressure. Get ready to conquer powerful rapids and elevate your pack-rafting game to the next level!

Duration

Level 1: Half-Day - Friday; This course can be taken separately from the Level 2, or in addition. This course will be offered on the Friday before we offer the Level 2 which will be on Saturday/Sunday.

Level 2: Two Days - Offered select Saturdays & Sundays throughout the summer.

Level 3: One Day

Location / Where to Meet

New Wave Adventures Office

Mile 239 Parks Hwy, Denali, Alaska 99755

We can provide a free shuttle pickup within the Healy area.

We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled trip time to allow for check-in and any final preparations.

Ages & Requirements

Minimum Age: 16+

Prerequisites:

Level 1: No experience required!
Level 2: We recommend that you have taken the Level 1 Course.
Level 3: Prerequisite Required: This course is for advanced pack-rafters only, and requires completion of a previous Packrafting course along with NWA approval. It’s designed for those who are already comfortable in whitewater and ready to take their skills to new heights in challenging river environments.

What's Included

Experienced packraft instructors

Not Included

Snacks and/or lunch (available for purchase at store.)
Tips for guides and staff
Gear Rentals:

Pack Raft: $40 day ($80 full course)
Drysuit: $30 day ($60 full course)
Paddle: $5 day ($10 full course)
PFD: $5 day ($10 full course)
Whitewater Helmet: $5 day ($10 full course)
Everything: (boat, drysuit, paddle, PFD, helmet for L1/2): $50 day or $100 full course

What to Bring / Wear

Please bring all necessary packrafting gear:

PackRaft
Appropriate base layers
Drysuit
Paddle under 210CM
White water helmet
Tennis shoes/river booties (nothing open toe)
PFD minimum 15.5lbs of flotation with whistle
Dry bag for personal gear storage
Reusable water bottle
Snacks and/or lunch (available for purchase at store.)
Pogies or gloves & Throw rope (Recommended)

We recommend wearing warm layers, especially warm socks, to keep comfortable while packrafting on a glacial river.

Base Layer: Thin long-sleeve shirt or thermals.
Mid Layer: Long-sleeve sweater, sweatshirt, fleece, or vest.
Outer Layer: Light puff jacket (preferably without a hood) and a rain jacket.
Gloves: A thin glove layered with dish gloves is an effective way to keep your hands warm.
Socks: Wool socks or thick winter socks (like ski socks) are ideal. You can also layer two socks and use toe warmers in between.
Reusable water bottle.

Reminder: Your clothes keep you warm; drysuits keep you dry.

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY New Wave Adventures

FAQs

What will we learn in Level 1?

Pack-raft Setup & Safety: Learn to inflate, pack, and safely handle your raft.
Paddling Techniques: Refine core strokes for better control, including forward, turning, and stopping.
Water Navigation: Understand lake conditions and confidently maneuver your pack-raft in calm waters.
Rescue Skills: Practice self-rescue techniques and safe re-entry after capsizing.
Environmental Awareness: Gain knowledge on local ecosystems and leave-no-trace principles for responsible paddling.

What will we learn in Level 2?

Gear: Proper rigging for river and whitewater conditions.
Boat Control: Advanced paddling strokes, effective body mechanics, and bracing techniques.
Safety & Rescue: Wet exit, re-entry, self-rescue, assisted rescues, and defensive swimming.
River Mechanics: Understanding river features (eddies, waves, holes, etc.), hazards (wood, rocks, undercuts), and the International Scale of River Difficulty.
River Running: Catching eddies, ferrying, navigating hazards, and group communication on the water.
Multi-day Trip Considerations: Gear management and wilderness river trip planning.

What will we learn in Level 3?

River Running Strategy: Master reading the water, planning your line, and navigating fast currents with confidence.
Body Mechanics: Refine your posture and paddling technique for better control, balance, and energy efficiency on the water.
Catching Eddies: Perfect the art of entering and exiting eddies, using them to reset and power through rapids.
Boat Control: Learn advanced maneuvers like ferrying, bracing, and sharp turns to handle your pack-raft with precision in any whitewater.

What is the student-instructor ratio?

Courses have 8 people maximum, with an 8:2 student-to-teacher ratio.

Who should take a packrafting class?

Beginners: New to paddlesports or whitewater rivers
Experienced paddlers: Wanting to improve their skills or learn how to rescue others
Groups: Friends who want to take a course together

What is the weight limit of a packraft?

The weight limit for a packraft varies by model but typically ranges from 250 to 500 pounds, accommodating a person and gear.

Do I need any previous packrafting experience to take a Denali packrafting course?

No prior experience is necessary for the Level 1 course—it’s designed for complete beginners and those looking to build foundational skills. Level 2 and 3 courses require previous packrafting experience and/or completion of earlier levels.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Packrafting is a water sport, so we’ll run the course in most weather conditions—rain is all part of the fun! However, if there are high winds, lightning, or unsafe conditions, we’ll adjust the itinerary or reschedule as needed for safety.

How fit do I need to be?

You should be in generally good health and comfortable with light to moderate physical activity. For Level 2 and 3, a higher fitness level is recommended, as these courses involve more demanding paddling and time on the water.

Where do the courses take place?

Level 1 is held on Otto Lake, which offers calm, beginner-friendly waters. Levels 2 and 3 take place on the Nenana River, a classic Alaskan river with a range of conditions perfect for progression.

Which hotels do you pick up at?

Denali Cabins
Denali Park Village
Grizzly Bear
Visitor’s Center Bus Stop
Riley Creek Mercantile Bus Stop
Grande Denali
Princess & Holland America
Denali Bluffs
Salmon Bake

What drysuit sizes do you have for rent?

Minimum Fit: XXS

Weight: 50lbs
Neck: 10"
Wrist: 4.5"

Maximum Fit: XXL-Tall

Chest: 50-52"
Waist: 44-48"
Hips: 48-52"
Weight: 235-265 Ib
Height: 6'4"-6'6"

Cancellation Policy

A 24-hour notice is required for cancellations. Trips run rain or shine. If we cancel your trip, a full refund will be issued. Canceled Canyon Wave trips will be rebooked to Wilderness Wave or refunded. No refunds for wrong arrival times/location