The Packraft Expedition Paddler
Enable your own Adventure.
"Amazing! Couldn't have asked for more... Packed to the brim with learning. Testing and challenging with first class facilitation from Tirio. Loved it... more please!" Oct exped '19
This five day course will provide you with the knowledge, techniques and skills to enjoy multi-day packrafting expeditions in the UK and beyond. The Course is
Based around the Moidart and Morvern areas of Western Scotland, we will hone your packrafting and journeying skills in some of the most spectacular and challenging terrain in the UK.
The Course follows a full syllabus of skills; following a recap and review of personal techniques you will explore a number of key factors that are critical in undertaking successful expeditions. You will demonstrate your skills in each area prior to planning and executing a 2-3 day expedition in a location determined by your group planning.
Moidart & Morvern
The Moidart and Morvern areas are part of the Lochaber District situated north of Oban and West of Fort William in what is often called the 'Rough Bounds' on the West Coast of Scotland. The unique blend of sea, lochs and rivers provide the perfect combination to allow you to plan and execute packrafting expeditions. Rich in history and wildlife, in our frequent visits to the area we have seen both sea and golden eagles, seals and otters. There are castles and crannogs as well as the spectacular Atlantic Oak Woodlands and white sandy beaches...Its a place you'll want to revisit! These areas are often rugged, remote and will test your expedition planning and packrafting skills fully.
Who is the course for?
This course is aimed at individuals who wish to take their packrafting to the next level and gain a sound knowledge in packraft expeditioning (see pre-requisites)
This course should provide the stepping off point for getting out there and undertaking more ambitious packrafting expeditions in the UK and beyond.
Course Skills
The course will breakdown into the following areas:
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Overview and review of personal skills
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Planning and Legal considerations
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Weather implications
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Group and Individual needs
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Equipment
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Shelter, Nutrition and Water
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Navigation
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Communications
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First Aid and Rescue / Evacuation Considerations
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Environmental Considerations and Leave No Trace techniques
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Wildlife
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Paddling Techniques
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Planning of Course Expedition
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Expedition Phase
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Course Review and Action Plan
Expect to be tested and challenged! With real time scenario incidents throughout your expedition, this course is all about equipping you with real journey skills.
Pre-requisites
This is not an entry level course. It is aimed at individuals who already have a sound grounding in packrafting or paddlesports. Candidates should:
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Be competent and capable of paddling your packraft on moving water up to Grade 1 and Sheltered Open water
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Have a good knowledge of Safe Packraft Outfitting and able to conduct a solo deep water rescue and recovery to shore.
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Have evidence of at least 4 paddling journeys (each of 4 hours minimum in duration)
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Be a confident swimmer. Able to swim 50m fully clothed.
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Have experience of camping and living outdoors.
Approved Prior Learning
Those individuals who have passed the Tirio Packraft Paddler Course will have the required level of skills and knowledge to participate on the Expedition Paddler Course.
Individuals who have experienced paddlesports disciplines may also apply; qualifications such as WSA Adventure Guide or Exped Guide / 3* Open Canoe / 3* Sea Kayak (above or equivalent) can be considered.
We recognise that folks may still have a wide range of relevant experience outside of the qualifications listed above - drop us a line. We are happy to discuss your application. We can arrange tailored training to suit if required.
Booking
£500 5 Days
2 - 6 October 2024
Applications open - please contact us for details
Price includes:
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Full Coaching and instruction from highly experienced packrafters and highly qualified adventure sports coaches.
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Pre and post course support and advice.
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Hire of Packraft and paddle.
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Certification Fees.
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Course manual.
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5 days of Packrafting and Wild Living in one of the remotest, rugged and beautiful parts of the UK.
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Membership of Tirio Alumni Community.
Not included:
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Food, accommodation and transport.*
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Paddling equipment (apart from packraft and 4 piece split paddle)**
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Camping equipment.*
*Days 1 & 2 are based from our Course Bunkhouse. Details will be provided upon booking.
Payment
You can pay by Bank Transfer or if you wish to pay by card just let us know and we'll send you all the details.
Full and Half Coaching days also available.
Please enquire.
Want to do this with your own group?
Talk to us to arrange your course.
