Packrafting Skills & Safety with Mark Oates | Boat, Don’t Float | American Packrafting Association

In this American Packrafting Association presentation, outdoor educator and packraft instructor Mark Oates shares decades of experience leading packrafting trips across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the United States. “Boat, Don’t Float” focuses on practical packrafting skills, river safety, and decision-making in moving water—key knowledge for anyone looking to progress from beginner to confident river paddler. Mark has over 30 years of experience in whitewater education and has led packrafting workshops internationally. This talk is a valuable resource for paddlers, instructors, and anyone interested in safe and skilled packrafting in wilderness environments. Learn more about the American Packrafting Association and our work in education, access, and safety in the packrafting community at packraft.org