Bikerafting Course in the Colorado River

Take your bikerafting skills to the next level on this 5-day course where you will learn from one of the most accomplished experts in the field, Steve "Doom" Fassbinder, on the Animas River and Utah. The course covers a wide range of skills, from the basics to more advanced river reading techniques.

Group

3 Days

Oct

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Aquire a wide range of skills, from the basics to more advanced river reading techniques
Spend two days on the Animas River and three days in Utah
Build the confidence and knowledge you need to enjoy bikerafting safely

Description

Are you ready to take your bikerafting skills to the next level? Learn from one of the most accomplished experts in the field, Steve "Doom" Fassbinder, on a 5-day course in the Animas River and Utah.

On day one, you'll focus on packrafting skills, such as paddling, bracing, and self-rescue. On day two, you'll learn how to transition between biking and rafting, and how to navigate rivers.

You’ll be practicing the skills you learned the first few days over three days in a remote backcountry setting on and around the Colorado River

Our learn basic river bikerafting and packrafting skills instructional courses are designed to help you build confidence and progress your skills. We start with the basics and gradually increase the difficulty of the challenges as you become more comfortable. We tailor the experience to your individual abilities, so you can learn at your own pace.

In our beginner to intermediate courses, you will learn a wide variety of skills, including:

Basic packraft equipment use and care
Self-rescue, partner-rescue, and how to right your boat with a bike on it
Dealing with currents
Aggressive and defensive swimming positions
Navigating river hazards with a bike on your boat
River dynamics
Basic paddle strokes with a bike on your boat
Using eddies
River commands
How to lash your bike to your boat and vice versa
Transitioning from bikes to boats and vice versa

These skills will give you the confidence and knowledge you need to enjoy bikerafting and packrafting safely and responsibly. Whether you are new to the sport or looking to improve your skills, our courses are a great way to get started.

This course is perfect for anyone who wants to learn the basics of bikerafting or take their skills to the next level. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, you'll learn from the best in the business on this exciting course.

Price includes

Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Tents
Helmet
Sleeping bag

Price details

Included in the price:
An open Alpacka Classic packraft, PFD, paddle, and helmet.
Food, camping, and sanitation package for the 3-day backcountry portion of the course.
Optional:
Accommodation at Scullbinder Ranch, a 1hour drive from Durango, where the first 1.5 days of the course will be held.
NOT included in the price:
Transportation, lodging, and food while you're in Durango.
A tuned-up, working bicycle.
Adult beverages, whitewater boats, drysuits, river knives, whistles, and throw bags.
You may or may not need a drysuit for this course. It depends on your tolerance for cold, wet conditions and the weather. The weather in October is unpredictable.

Equipment you will need to bring

For this trip, you will need the following gear: * A tuned-up, working bicycle * Whitewater boats * River knives * Whistles * Throw bags * Drysuit (optional, depending on your personal comfort level with cold, wet conditions) * The weather in October can be inconsistent, so it is important to be prepared for both cold and wet conditions. If you are not comfortable riding a bicycle in cold, wet weather, or if you do not have a drysuit, we recommend bringing rain gear and warm clothing.

FAQs

What's included in the price?

Included in the price:

-Open Alpacka Classic packraft, PFD, paddle, and helmet

-Food, camping, and sanitation package for the 3-day backcountry portion of the course

What is NOT included in the price?

Not included in the price:

-Transportation, lodging, and food while you're in Durango.

-A tuned-up, working bicycle.

-Adult beverages, whitewater boats, drysuits, river knives, whistles, and throw bags.

What experience and skill level do I need to have to join this course?

This course is for beginners and intermediates, based on the mileage covered and the general nature of the course. You must have experience cycling with bags and extra weight (i.e., bikepacking). However, if you are a strong and avid mountain biker who is willing to suffer, you’ll probably be fine. You also must have general backcountry experience. You do not need packrafting experience.

How many clients can go with 1 guide?

There will be 1 guide for every 4 participants

How will accommodation be handled?

At Scullbinder Ranch, we offer two accommodation options: a cabin or a glamping tent. Please let us know your preference.

What gear do I need to bring?

For this trip, you will need the following gear:

-A tuned-up, working bicycle

Whitewater boats

River knives

Whistles

Throw bags

Drysuit (optional, depending on your personal comfort level with cold, wet conditions). The weather in October can be inconsistent, so it is important to be prepared for both cold and wet conditions. If you are not comfortable riding a bicycle in cold, wet weather, or if you do not have a drysuit, we recommend bringing rain gear and warm clothing.

About the guide

Four Corners

Guiding agency

The Four Corners Guides team, led by Steve and Lizzy, runs a base camp and adventure guide service. They aim to offer adventure opportunities and enhance backcountry skills for bigger and more exciting adventures. Their guides are certified in Swiftwater Rescue Training, Wilderness First Responders, and Level 3 American Canoe Association Packraft Instructors. They also conduct risk management training with Wilderness Medical Associates International and advanced paddling training with Kent Ford. Their goal is to provide guests with a deeper sense of enjoyment for living in and using human-powered tools in remote landscapes.

Languages

English | Spanish

Certificates

ACA - American Canoe Association

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