The progression packraft course is designed for occasional or beginner kayakers who wish to gain independence.
The goal is to acquire the necessary skills to venture out on your own. We focus on safety and technique, applying this learning during the third day on the river.
During this course, participants will learn the fundamentals of packraft navigation, including:
– Reading the river to identify and analyze rapids.
– Understanding currents and eddies.
– Mastering essential techniques for navigating the river safely and effectively, such as crossing currents (ferry gliding), restarting in the river (eddy hopping), and stopping techniques.
– Safety techniques specific to packrafting, like re-entering the boat, assisting another paddler, avoiding entrapments, and swimming with your gear.
Learn the basics before going solo
Perfect for improving in whitewater
Opportunity to earn the RESCUE 3 REC during this course
Course led by a certified guide and expert in kayaking and packrafting
Opportunity to test equipment different from your own
Level 2: I am "The Intermediate!"
I know how to go straight, turn, stop, and generally control my kayak or packraft.
I have already navigated on a Class 2 river (light current, waves).
The minimum age for this adventure is 16 years old. Please note that regardless of age, participants must know how to swim and must have the required physical and/or technical level.
If you have any doubts, feel free to give us a call.
4 to 8 people
This Course is often led by Xavier or Antoine.
The price includes:
The price does not include:
You can reserve the 3rd day when booking online (Step 2).
You can change the date of your activity or cancel it up to 72 hours before the start of the activity. To do so, please send us an email at info@blue-secret.com or contact us by phone, specifying your name, the date, and the activity in question. In case of cancellation, we will refund you with a deduction of 5 euros per person. However, if this deadline is not respected, the full amount for the service will be charged. Of course, we remain available for any questions
If for various reasons (lack of participants, bad weather, or unsuitable water levels) Blue Secret is forced to cancel the adventure, then 3 options are available to you:
It should be noted that the modification of the participant’s identity can be made at any time without any additional cost, but only if the new participant also meets all the physical and technical prerequisites of the adventure.
*Gift vouchers are not nominative. The person of your choice can benefit from it, but only if that participant also meets all the physical and technical prerequisites of the adventure.
To learn more about whitewater stadium or the equipment used, feel free to visit their websites
It depends on the location of the course, feel free to contact us.
Discover some images from our packraft progression course.
Avant de partir en expédition autonome avec mon mari, nous avons suivi un stage de trois jours avec Antoine et Xavier. Ce stage était parfait pour nous rassurer et apprendre les techniques nécessaires pour faire face à des situations délicates. Antoine et Xavier sont de grands passionnés et savent transmettre leurs connaissances avec expertise. Encore merci à eux, et à très bientôt !
After my first solo expedition, where I lacked knowledge in packrafting, I decided to take a course to master navigation techniques before my next trip. These three days were incredibly enriching and allowed me to understand and correct my mistakes. Xavier and Antoine are highly professional and share their passion and river knowledge enthusiastically. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to embark on an independent packrafting adventure.
The packraft learning course was exactly what I needed before planning my solo trips. The support from the Blue Secret team is exceptional, with highly professional and knowledgeable guides. Thank you for sharing your valuable expertise. I’ll be sure to return for the two-day expedition in the Verdon!
The meeting point for this excursion will be communicated to you upon registration. It will also be our final arrival point.
The first two days will often take place on an artificial basin (Ile de la Serre, Durance, St Pierre, etc.), while the third day will take place on a nearby natural river, depending on water levels.
The third day will be dedicated to descending a natural river, applying the exercises practiced during the previous two days. We will navigate the river while performing several exercises to master the basic techniques.
We will also spend time in the water to learn proper rescue and assistance techniques for someone in difficulty.
Here are the main topics covered during the training:
Personal equipment
Technical and group equipment
Communication in whitewater
Whitewater swimming techniques
Rescue techniques: safety rope, roped swimmer, etc.
Navigation techniques: ferry glide, eddy hopping, stopping, surfing
Rapids analysis and risk assessment
Yes, it is of course possible to privatize an adventure. The price will be at least equivalent to the participation of 6 people. For a tailor-made adventure, feel free to call our team; they will be happy to advise you.
Yes. Most of our guides speak English. Some also speak Spanish. All English speakers or those who speak English well enough to understand safety instructions are welcome in our adventures.
The minimum age for this adventure is 16 years old. Please note that regardless of age, participants must know how to swim and must meet the required physical and/or technical level.
We have both single and double packrafts available. However, the choice of packraft type depends on the adventure and the stock available. For specific requests, feel free to contact us.
Level 1 / Beginner: I am discovering a new activity.
No special training or physical condition is required for this level, as long as you are in good health. You want to try packrafting and learn the basics of this new activity in a natural and relaxing setting without exerting too much physical effort.
Level 2 / Dynamic: I venture off the beaten path.
You are energetic and enjoy sports in general. You are able to exert yourself for 5-6 hours a day. You want to discover unique places, stepping away from touristy areas and the ordinary, all in a natural environment.
Level 3 / Committed: I engage in an extraordinary expedition!
This level is for good athletes who practice endurance sports regularly (at least twice a week). You are capable of exerting yourself for 7-8 hours a day. Used to outdoor sports, though not yet fully autonomous or specialized, you enjoy sleeping in remote, exceptional locations (assistance with setting up camp will be required). You seek nature and adventure to recharge in unique, hard-to-reach places. Weather conditions can sometimes be unpredictable, but they don’t intimidate you. You want to experience something intense that will challenge your limits and push you out of your comfort zone.
Level 4 / Expert: I explore little-known lands!
Reserved for experienced athletes who practice endurance sports intensely (more than 3 times a week). Portages can reach up to 20kg, and physical activity can last up to 12 hours a day. Adventurers accustomed to outdoor expeditions with strong motivation and mental resilience. Progression in isolated environments that can become very demanding if weather conditions turn extreme. Geographic isolation means limited rescue resources. These are ambitious projects where achieving the goal and ensuring group safety depend on everyone's commitment. Solidarity is key!
Knowing how to swim is an absolutely mandatory prerequisite.
Yes, the shoes will go in the water. It is important to note that for safety reasons, shoes are mandatory during all of our adventures.
A pair of sneakers with soles, such as sports shoes, is required.
The group size varies depending on the adventure. However, generally, groups range from 4 to 8 people. For safety reasons, some adventures are limited to 6 people. You can find a 'group size' section on each adventure page. Feel free to check it out.
Safety is our priority! However, even if the weather is not ideal (rain, wind, clouds, etc.), the adventure will go ahead as long as the safety of the participants is not at risk. If the weather conditions are problematic along the route, an alternative itinerary may be arranged by the guide to avoid putting the group in danger.
If no alternative route can be arranged, the adventure will be canceled.
