Packrafting Academy

MRS Paddling Academy | “Accident Case Report” Series – Vol. 3

Posted on by admin
09
Aug

Packrafting is not just a form of sport; it is a lifestyle, an attitude of facing and respecting nature. Whether you are an ambitious beginner or a seasoned paddler with years of experience, always remember that safety is paramount. Additionally, strive for continuous improvement, as every outdoor activity is worth the long haul.

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Shared by Player

Case 1:
JMR(a river) New Player Self-Guided Tour

The following content is described
by player “Yixin”

Incident Review
Our team, consisting entirely of new players, embarked on a self-guided tour of JMR. We ventured onto the river without adequate knowledge of the equipment, techniques, or river conditions. One of our team members tied a 5-meter rescue rope to his body before getting into the water. When he fell into the water, he held onto the rope out of concern that the boat might be swept away. In fact, this behavior is extremely dangerous and posed a risk of entanglement. Fortunately, he realized the danger and let go of the rope. After getting back into the boat, he put the rope into his bag.

Entanglement Incident | Photo by: Kunka

Later, we learned that tying a rope during whitewater rafting is extremely dangerous. If someone falls into the water, the rope can easily become entangled around their body. Plus the drag from the water, this will prevent escape and even lead to drowning.

Case 2:
Newcomer at LUCY RIVER Sluice Gate

The following content is described
by player “Yixin”

Incident Review
During our rafting trip on the LUCY RIVER, one of our team members, a novice, accidentally got sucked into the sluice gate area while passing the dam. We hurriedly shouted for her to paddle hard, but whether due to nerves or inexperience, she was unable to paddle out and ended up capsizing at the sluice gate.

Boat capsize scene | Source: Yixin

Fortunately, the water was shallow, and she quickly stood up. We pulled her back to the shore. The boat remained stuck in the sluice gate for a long time until Wali used a bamboo pole to dislodge it from the sluice gate’s outflow area.

Accident Review

1. Tying ropes during whitewater rafting is strictly prohibited, as ropes can pose a fatal risk if someone falls into the water.
2. Novices should have basic knowledge about rafting, river conditions, dangerous areas such as rolling dams, sluice gates, and sieve-like dense river sections, and develop a sense of crisis before getting into the water.
3. Conduct proper safety and rescue training and learn how to handle emergency situations.
4. Continuously learn and improve skills to better handle unexpected situations in the future.

 

Proper Training – Essential Knowledge for Beginners

I.Choosing the Right Equipment

Essential Whitewater Equipment Sharing | Tom Beadle

 

Boat Types

Packrafts are designed for different use scenarios, such as fishing, swift crossings, and whitewater rafting.

 

Flatwater packraft Type

The bottom of flatwater boats is not curved, which increases the surface area in contact with the water, resulting in higher stability. Due to increased water resistance, the boat won’t easily rock side to side while rowing and has better straight-line tracking.

 

 

Whitewater packraft Type

The curved shape of the bottom of whitewater boats makes it easier for the boat to ride over waves. The reduced surface area in contact with the water decreases resistance, making it easier to control the boat’s direction.

 

 

Backrest

Adjust the seat backrest to the proper position to achieve the correct paddling posture.

Paddles

Use appropriate functional paddles and suitable paddle shaft lengths

 

 

Safety and Protective Equipment

Choose appropriate safety and protective equipment based on the river conditions: helmets, life jackets, spare clothing, dry suits, rafting rescue rope bags, water shoes, and other accessories.

 

II. Learning Basic Paddling Skills

 

III. Developing Safety Awareness and Basic Rescue Knowledge

Communication: During a rescue, you cannot rely on verbal communication with team members. Discuss and agree on the use of whistles and signals with your team beforehand.
Swimming: Knowing how to swim can help you rescue yourself and others, as well as gather scattered equipment.
Rescue Boat: Teammates in the rescue boat who are capable can assist swimmers and retrieve equipment.
Re-boarding: Practice and ensure proficiency in re-boarding the boat in calm water before starting the rafting trip.

 

IV. Respect the River and Understand the Risks

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, it’s essential to understand the basic conditions of the water and assess the risks before getting into the river.
River hazards include water holes, waves, sieves, and environmental factors such as cold air, water levels, precipitation (water level changes), and landslides.

These hazards are the same for all skill levels, but the likelihood of injury depends on how exposed the paddler is to the hazard and the severity of the hazard.

Factors Affecting River Risk:
River Conditions: Try to obtain detailed descriptions of river hazards from river guides and other paddlers.
Water Level: Water levels can change the danger level of the river. At low water levels, more rocks are exposed. At high water levels, water holes can be more powerful, and at even higher levels, water holes may flatten out and become waves.
Weather: Wind and rain can turn a calm lake into a dangerous crossing.
Temperature: Swimming in cold water is more dangerous than in warm water.

 

The most common injuries in rafting are similar to those in other outdoor activities, including sprains, fractures, and infections. To prepare for these injuries, the best approach is to participate in relevant professional training. Everyone should receive basic first aid and CPR training.

 

V. Finding a Mentor (Duck Mother)

A “Duck Mother” is someone who is willing to teach you and can provide a safety net.
A suitable Duck Mother can help you determine when you are ready to try new challenges. You can evaluate whether a Duck Mother is trustworthy by considering their communication skills, sense of responsibility, patience, and their proactive and rigorous approach to safety matters.

 

Learn Basic Skills and Safety Knowledge:
Offline training provides professional guidance and hands-on opportunities to learn correct paddling techniques, safe practices, and emergency response skills. These basics are crucial for safely enjoying water activities.

Understand Packraft Types and Equipment:
During activities, you can learn about different boat types and how to properly use and maintain them and their related gear.

Field Guidance and Experience Accumulation:
With professional coaching, hands-on practice, and scenario training, you can gain valuable real-world experience, improving your ability to handle water environments and unexpected situations.

Build Confidence and Independence:
Training helps build confidence and teaches you to independently plan and execute water activities, enhancing your self-reliance.

Community and Resources:
Training also allows you to join communities of packraft enthusiasts, offering opportunities to exchange experiences and resources with other experienced individuals.

 

If you’re interested in forming a community or becoming a Duck Mother yourself, feel free to contact us.
info@mrsraft.com    service@mrsraft.com

Disclaimer
The above “Accident Case Report” should supplement but not replace on-site training. You should actively seek training courses on swift water rescue, rafting guidance, and wilderness medical skills.
If formal courses are not available to you, diligent self-study, practice, and capable partners can provide a suitable environment for your skill growth.
The views in this document are personal and do not represent definitive standards in style, technique, equipment, or safety. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own safety.