Packraft Expedition Paddler Course

Packrafting and Safety Equipment.

This is a more advanced course, designed for people who already possess some skills and packrafting equipment. So this list is just a guide - we'll discuss and agree your kit list in the build up to the expedition.

Equipment:

A list of equipment is included below. The environment in the UK can change quickly and so you must prepare accordingly. We assume that you will have most of the listed packrafting gear - however, don't worry if you're missing items, as we have a huge store of expedition ready gear for you to hire at reduced rates - we've got your back!

• Packraft. (Can be hired - £10 per day)
• Paddle. (Can be hired - £5 per day - free with packraft)
• Drysuit (Can be hired - £40 course duration, plus £100 returnable damage deposit)
• Drybags
• Water rescue knife, saw.

 You will need to bring / wear:

• A warm fleece top or insulated jacket.
• A base-layer (a non-cotton t-shirt).
• ‘Outdoor’ type trousers (Not denim - synthetic track suit bottoms are fine).
• Thermals
• Warm hat and some gloves
• Waterproof Jacket. (Essential – even on warm sunny days).
• Waterproof trousers. (Essential – even on warm sunny days).
• Walking shoes or boots.
• Water shoes (these will get wet! An old pair of trainers is perfect)
• A rucksack to carry your gear (it will need to carry your safety gear and boat too – so make sure its has plenty of space! 50l rucksacks are normally more than adequate. 
• A watertight liner or dry bag for inside your rucksack.
• A spare change of clothes (carried) x 2.
• Food and drink for the day. (A hot sweet drink in a small flask is a good idea, especially if it’s a bit chilly out.)
• Sunglasses, sun hat, sun screen (as required).
• ​Personal medication. You must take any medication you may require with you and show it to us at the start of your adventure, so we know where it is if you need it!
•  Wash kit including a small towel.
• Tent - (2 person superlight weight tents can be hired for £30 per Tent)
• Sleeping bag suitable for the season.
• Sleeping mat. 
• Cooking Stove and fuel. 
• Cooking pots and eating implements. 
• Food and drink for evening meal and breakfast.
• Torch and spare set of batteries. (Not mobile phone torch!)
• A small bag for rubbish.
• Sufficient toilet paper and sanitary products.
• Lighter or matches.

Please do not wear cotton tops or bottoms as the material stays cold and heavy when wet.

Fitness to Participate.

We only accept on-line bookings for candidates of 18 years or older. Where being under 18 years old doesn't necessarily preclude a candidate from taking part, we reserve the right to discuss their experience and abilities prior to accepting them on the course. All persons under 18 must be accompanied by a participating parent.

All candidates must be able to easily swim 25m fully clothed.

Medical  

Please read the questions below.  If you or any member of your group answer "yes" to any of these questions, please contact us to discuss BEFORE booking.  

Questions:

Do you get chest pain, when exercising or not?

Do you ever lose consciousness or do you lose your balance because of dizziness?

Do you have a joint or bone problem that may be made worse by undertaking physical activity?

Is a physician currently prescribing medications for your blood pressure or heart condition?

Are you pregnant or post-partum?

Do you have diabetes?

Have you ever suffered from any form of seizures, fits or epilepsy?

In the last 6 months have you not undertaken regular exercise?

Do you know of any other reason why you should not undertake physical activity?

Have you ever been told by a physician that you have a heart condition or you should only do physical activity recommended by a physician?

DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY AND SAFETY BRIEF ON RISKS

At Tirio we take your safety seriously and, whilst we don’t want to cause you unnecessary concern, we do feel it is important that we make you aware of the inherent risks associated with these adventurous activities. Please take the time to read the following information; of course, please contact us if you wish to discuss anything!

Packrafting, Water-Based Rescue and other Water-Based Activities – Packrafting, Water-Based Rescue and other Water-Based Activities are “Assumed Risk” – “Water Contact Activities” that may carry attendant risks, including personal injury, damage to personal property and death. Open water, the sea and rivers can be hazardous. The water can be deep, and/or cold with the prospect of long swims in cold and/or moving water. Other hazards may be present such as rocks, trees, hidden underwater hazards, other water users, water hazards and debris. You may be required to paddle Your packraft or operate and swim in cold water for several hours each day; this may be in bad weather. Spectacles can be a hazard to You whilst participating in an Activity. If You choose to wear spectacles You must accept that injury may occur and accept full responsibility for any such injury. Participants may wear contact lenses.

Hiking and Mountaineering – Hiking and mountaineering may involve, Walking or Scrambling over uneven, rugged, slippery, steep ground and Bad weather and are “Assumed risk” activities that may carry attendant risks, including, personal injury, damage to personal property and death. Hazards include, but are not limited to, cuts, burns, trips, slips and falls, and falls from height. Other hazards may be present such as rocks, trees, holes, other persons, water hazards and debris. You may be required to walk for several hours each day; this may be in bad weather.

Camping, Wild Camping and Bushcraft Activities – Are not without inherent risk and, as such, may involve: Terrain that may be uneven and unlit, Cooking equipment with open flames and open fires being present, Participants using sharp tools and appliances, Walking on uneven, rugged, slippery, steep ground and Physically demanding and dynamic activity. Hazards involved include, but are not limited to, cuts, burns, trips, tick borne illnesses, illness contracted from poor hygiene, slips and falls and falls from height. Other hazards may be present such as rocks, trees, other persons, water hazards and debris.

Safety Brief.

The Activities You are choosing to undertake are “Assumed risk” Activities that may carry attendant risks, including personal injury, damage to personal property and death. Participant(s) agree to be aware of, and accept these inherent risks on behalf of, their Dependent(s) and the Participant, as part of their chosen Activity.

Physical and Mental Fitness.

Due to the strenuous nature of the activity, all participants should be content that they are of a suitable level of physical health to undertake them. The WW Expedition Paddler Course is a 5-day course that will take place in the outdoors for its duration, in a wide variety of weather conditions. Throughout the course you will paddle significant distances (several kilometres daily) as well as undertaking other physical activity such as rescue training (swimming whilst submerged in cold water), walking over rough terrain and possibly swimming in fast moving water. During the expedition phase we will be operating in some very remote terrain, and it is essential that all candidates are honest about their physical and mental health and ability. Please be honest with yourself and with us... For safety reasons we reserve the right to refuse participation to any candidate whom, in the opinion of the Course Staff, is not physically or mentally able to undertake any of the activities or tasks.

Contact us for further details and enquiries.

Course price is £700.

£100 Deposit secures your place and all payment details will be sent to participants upon our agreed confirmation of attendance.