APA Blog

Across three episodes, module 3 of Be Waterwise covers self-rescue techniques, environmental hazard reading, and the group dynamics that determine whether a close call becomes a catastrophe. Together, these episodes make the case that safety isn't a checklist — it's a practice.

Module 2 of Be Waterwise covers the technical fundamentals of moving water: first, learning to control your boat; second, knowing how to rescue yourself and others when things go wrong; and third, unlocking the body mechanics that make edging and ferry gliding click. Together, these three episodes cover the core fundamentals every paddler needs before venturing into more challenging conditions.

Our second Be WaterWise video series is a practical safety education resource for packrafters at every level. Episodes 11 through 14 form a complete arc that takes you from selecting your first boat all the way through planning a safe river trip. Whether you are brand new to whitewater or coming back to refine your systems after a season on the water, the series meets you where you are.

This August, APA Ambassador Adam Jones shared tips and LNT principles while introducing hikers to packrafting at Washington’s Snow Lake Trailhead. The day highlighted APA's new Ambassador Program, bringing more opportunities to connect and empower local paddlers throughout the year. Learn how Adam and other ambassadors are helping build a stronger, safer, and more connected packrafting community.

Leashes are complicated. They might seem like a simple piece of gear until you start unpacking where, when, and if they belong in packrafting. Ask ten paddlers their opinion and you’ll probably get ten different answers. In this post, we break down why leashes are never safe to use on rivers, and why they can be useful on open water, but with serious risk still involved.

What happens when a whitewater kayaker trades their hardshell for a packraft in one of the most remote corners of the Grand Canyon? This trip report captures a stunning four-day journey blending hiking and paddling—and offers a glimpse into how packrafts are powerful tools that can unlock adventures hardshells simply can’t reach. For those used to chasing rapids, this story offers a compelling case for adding a packraft to the quiver.

Rodrigo's commitment to community, education, and responsible recreation reflects APA’s core values. We’re proud to recognize his work and look forward to seeing his continued impact on packrafting in Mexico.

APA partnered with Here Montana to introduce first-time packrafters to the sport, offering accessible outdoor experiences for historically underserved communities in Western Montana. Learn how this outing fostered a sense of community, skill-building, and connection to nature.

Discover how packrafts have transformed adventure racing as a sport, enabling athletes like Chelsey Magness of Bend Racing to navigate diverse terrains and push their limits in extreme endurance events.

The National Park Service is currently revising its Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP) for the Green and Colorado rivers. This is a document that will shape river access, safety regulations and the overall experience for packrafters there for years to come. Read on to learn what a CRMP is exactly, and why packrafters and outdoor enthusiasts should care.

With a big runoff event expected this spring, Escalante land managers anticipate a high number of packrafters on the river this season.Learn how to be a good steward of the packrafting community by doing your part to keep the Escalante pristine and wild!

Officials at Grand Canyon National Park have recently approved up to 8 miles of Raft Assisted Backcountry Travel (RABT) on a backcountry permit. The allowance of packrafting on a backcountry permit has taken over a decade of rapport building with the Park Service led by leaders from the APA community to get RABT allowed.

The river was a place, an intact ecosystem, water in an expansive desert, a sanctuary for all living creatures, a path, and our livelihood for the next 11 days.

Traveling in this high desert landscape comes with great rewards, but requires a great deal of preparedness and responsibility.