Video: Packraft Wet Reentry

Wet reentry is one of the most common rescues you'll perform while packrafting. Be sure to work the kinks out of your technique ahead of time so this self-rescue tool will be honed when you need it.

This is a preview of a member exclusive premium article.

Learn more

Packraft whitewater enough, and you will eventually find yourself taking an unplanned swim. When that happens, the best option is often to quickly climb back into the boat while still floating down the river. You'll have better maneuverability to avoid upcoming drops or strainers and better protection from rocks if you are back in your boat and paddling than if you are swimming. Practicing getting back into your boat - wet reentry - under controlled conditions will help the process go more quickly when you need to do it for real.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

Overview

# WORDS: 450
# PHOTOS: 1
# VIDEO: 1

--- End of free preview ---

Member Exclusive

A Premium or Unlimited Membership* is required to view the rest of this article.

Membership Login

* A Basic Membership is required to view Member Q&A events

This topic is empty.

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

Author

Posts
Apr 7, 2009 at 6:43 pm #1235402

Addie Bedford
BPL Member

@addiebedford
Locale: Montana

Companion forum thread to:

Video: Packraft Wet Reentry

Apr 8, 2009 at 10:34 am #1492388

Devin Montgomery
BPL Member

@dsmontgomery
Locale: one snowball away from big trouble

I hate to be a wet blanket, and hope this is taken constructively, but I think it would have been much better for the demonstrators to actually use the recommended techniques. If two of the big re-entry no-no's are letting go of your paddle or pushing off of the bottom, it would help to see how to do it without doing those things.

Apr 12, 2009 at 8:42 pm #1493545

Derek Cox
Spectator

@derekcox
Locale: Southeast

I've never been packrafting, but I have done a lot of kayaking and canoeing as well as climbing onto inflatable rafts… which brings me to my point… maybe it's just me, but is this video really necessary? Anyone can figure out how to get back into a raft when it tips…you just climb in… It's not hard, especially if you can stand on the bottom (as in one video), it's calm water (all videos), or you don't have to worry about losing your paddle (several videos). I hope future articles focus on more interesting and informative topics and not things such as How to inflate an air mattress…

Apr 20, 2009 at 9:22 pm #1495808

Brett Tucker
Member

@blister-free
Locale: Puertecito ruins

Wet re-entry of an Alpacka is not nearly as straightforward as with some other types of watercraft and takes practice, especially in deep water. See here for a diary of my struggles prior to 'mastering' the technique. It's difficult until it's easy, and frankly no amount of distance learning will compensate for hands-on practice, but at least it's a worthwhile place to start.
Author

Posts

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

Become a Backpacking Light Member

Forum Access

Unrestricted access to all forums, plus the ability to post and start new threads.

Premium Content

Unrestricted access to all 2,300+ articles, gear reviews, skills, stories, and more.

Community Posts

Post new content to the community including gear swaps, reviews, trip reports and more!

Online Education

Get unlimited access to all our online education (*Unlimited membership required).

Pack less. Be more. Become a member today!