Learn to Packraft with Canoes Plus Adventure Experience
Whether you are a complete beginner looking to step off the hiking trail and onto the water, or an experienced paddler aiming to conquer technical whitewater, Canoes Plus Adventure Experience offers a structured pathway to master the art of packrafting.
Here are the primary options available to start your journey:
1. Introduction to Packrafting Course
Perfect for newcomers, this course focuses on the fundamentals of handling these ultra-lightweight, versatile crafts. Introductory Courses are generally held locally on the Yarra or on the Goulburn River at Eildon.
- What you will learn: You will master inflation techniques, wet entries, efficient paddle strokes, and basic river reading.
- The setting: Conducted in calm, controlled flat-water or gentle moving water to build your confidence from the ground up.
2. Moving Water & Whitewater Skills
Designed for adventurers who want to take their packraft into moving currents and rapids. Moving Water and whitewater skills courses start with lessons on the Yarra at Wonga Park. More advanced intermediate packraft lessons may be held on the bigger whitewater such as the King River.
- What you will learn: Professional instructors teach you how to break in and out of eddies, cross currents safely, and perform self-rescue maneuvers.
- The setting: You will put your skills to the test on dynamic rivers, learning how to safely navigate rocks and wave trains.
3. Guided Expedition Experiences
The ultimate way to learn is by doing. Canoes Plus takes you out of the classroom and onto Australia’s most spectacular waterways on fully guided, educational wilderness trips.
- Mitchell River Gourmet Packraft Trip: A perfect single-day stepping stone. You will carry your gear down to the sacred Den of Nargun, receive a thorough morning skills briefing, and immediately apply those techniques down 10 kilometres of rugged whitewater.
- Snowy River Multi-Day Expedition: For intermediate paddlers ready for a true wilderness test. This 4-day, 70km journey teaches you the logistics of multi-day packing, remote camp management, and navigating sustained Grade 3 whitewater.
Our instructors are all highly qualified through Paddle Australia, and hold the highest level of qualifications in kayak, canoe, packraft and raft instruction.
About the Operator: Established in 1972, Canoes Plus Kayak School & Adventure Experiences is one of Australia's most experienced providers of kayak courses, canoe instruction and packraft training. Based in Melbourne, we have been teaching paddlers of all ages and abilities for more than 50 years, helping thousands of people develop the skills and confidence to safely enjoy rivers, lakes and wilderness waterways. About Canoes Plus Adventure Experience. Canoes Plus Kayak School has developed a reputation as Australia’s leading Canoe and Kayak education facility, with attention to detail, flexibility and the desire to make each course an experience you won’t forget. Canoes Plus Kayak School is the place to learn all the necessary skills to ensure every paddle trip is a safe and enjoyable day out.
The Cost: Learn to packraft lessons start at $180 for a group lesson including all gear. Our lessons may cost more, but you are getting highly specialized instructors, with 20 years plus of experience. You learn from the best, and get specialized attention.
By enrolling in any course you are also accepting the waiver ( considered as signed by enrollment and payment) WAIVER FORM. To book a course or to tailor your own instructional program please email canoes@canoesplus.com.au or call Canoes Plus Kayak School on 13000 KAYAK