If you have access to a packraft, want to paddle moving and turbulent water, and enjoy learning, this is the right course for you.

The exercises in Paddle up a level are the core of my in-person instruction for novice and intermediate paddlers—I've taught these techniques to hundreds of packrafters, and they've all benefited from them.

If these statements apply to you, you are in the right spot:

• I want to assist my partners when they capsize.
• I want to be able to self-rescue if I capsize.
• I want to get better at using the river's currents and features to control my descent.
• I want to get better at catching eddies ... smaller and smaller eddies!
• I want to learn/improve at using braces to keep me upright in turbulent water.
• I want a judgment-free learning experience where all paddlers are welcome and questions are celebrated!

Paddle up a level will make you a better and safer paddler. Improved boat control will help you navigate river features and assist partners that need help. Boat control makes paddling more fun!

No experience is necessary. This course is designed for novice and intermediate paddlers, but everyone benefits from practicing recovery and boat control techniques.

You will need access to the appropriate personal protective equipment (PFD, helmet, layering, etc.,) and a packraft. Thigh straps are recommended, but not required.

You will want partners for each practice session.

Half of the course should take place in a controlled flat water environment such as a swimming pool, pond, or lake.

The final module, boat control, should be done in Class II water featuring eddies. The more eddies the better, either behind rocks or along the banks.

There are four modules in the course. Each module will take an hour to complete, followed by a local practice session with partners, as follows:

Introduction and Equipment: One hour online, 30 minutes to assess and modify your boat's outfitting at home.

Swimmer and equipment recovery: One hour online, 1-2 hours at a pool or lake.

Paddle strokes and edge control: One hour online, 1-2 hours at a pool or lake.

Boat control: One hour online, 2-4 hours on a Class II river.

Paddle up a level consists of four modules. Each module will take an hour to complete, followed by local practice sessions. Printable checklists will help you remember what to practice in the water.

You will also have access to live Q&A sessions during the paddling season.

Access to the video tutorials is unlimited.

Q&A office hours will be available during the paddling season.

Luc is the author of the internationally-acclaimed, award-winning, The Packraft Handbook. The Packraft Handbook captures the lessons learned during fifteen years of packrafting.

Luc teaches swiftwater rescue training for the Swiftwater Safety Institute, and spearheaded the creation of the American Canoe Association's packraft curriculum. Luc has been instructing packrafting since 2013.

This course accompanies Part I: Foundations, in The Packraft Handbook. You will learn how to respond to the most common things that go wrong and develop boat control for navigating moving and turbulent water.

Other topics in The Packraft Handbook are not part of this course: advanced rescue technique, ropework, picking lines, setting safety, scouting, identifying river hazards, swimming techniques, and trip-planning.