If you haven't bought and read the Dial book, do so. I am relatively new to packrafting and found it very instructive. It is not heavy on technique or equipment. What makes it effective is that teaches you what a wonderful tool it can be for someone who is already a backcountry adventurer. You will read it and want to be Roman Dial or Dick Griffith when you grow up. There's a lot of adventure yarns in there, and they're effective for showing you how to use the boats.