Packrafting at True West

Packrafting is a key part of the True West Adventure Race long course experience, bringing teams deep into wild and beautiful terrain. Both the 24-hour and 48-hour events include multiple packrafting stages—ranging from winding rivers and serene lagoons to expansive lakes and estuaries.

Skill Requirements

To participate in the packrafting stages:

• 24-Hour Teams must be Grade 2+ proficient

• 48-Hour Teams must be Grade 3+ proficient

These are serious backcountry water environments—your safety and the smooth running of the event depend on appropriate skills and judgement.

Gear: Choose What Works for You

Your packraft is as personal as your mountain bike—it needs to suit your team’s needs, budget, and experience level. There are several reputable brands and suppliers offering a range of gear, and many also provide training, safety courses, and hire options.

We’ve listed some recommended providers below, including Blue Duck Packrafting, our official packrafting partner for True West.

Training and Instruction

It’s essential to build your confidence and skills before race day. There are two main ways to get proficient:

1. Packraft-Specific Training:
   Many of the packraft retailers offer courses in technique, safety, river reading, and rescue skills. These are highly recommended if you're new to packrafting.

2. Whitewater Kayaking Courses:
   Learning in a hardshell kayak can be even more effective. The New Zealand Kayak School provides exceptional training. Once you can confidently paddle rivers in a whitewater kayak, transitioning to a packraft is relatively easy—packrafts are generally more forgiving and stable. The school also offers Packrafting training courses.

Fitness Matters

Being a strong paddler will make a massive difference. Ideally, you should be training regularly in a kayak or surfski—they’re better suited for building paddle fitness than a packraft, which is best reserved for adventure missions and gear testing trips.

Start Exploring

Once you have your packraft and essential gear, plan mini adventures to hone your skills:

• Explore lakes and gentle rivers

• Gradually move to more challenging terrain

• Practice portaging, gear packing, and water navigation

New Zealand—especially the South Island—is practically made for packrafting. With countless remote valleys and wild waterways, you can create epic adventures walking in and paddling out. Add an overnight camp, and you've got the perfect training weekend.

Final Tips

• Start early—skill development takes time.

• Prioritise safety.

• Train smart and have fun exploring.

• Respect the rivers, lakes, and land you travel on.

True West isn’t just about racing—it’s about pushing your limits in the raw, rugged beauty of the West Coast. Packrafting is your ticket to parts of the course only a few get to experience.

Recommended Repair Kit & Packrafting Gear

Having the right gear—and being prepared to fix it—is essential for a safe and smooth packrafting stage at True West. Here’s what we recommend every team carries:
Preferred Packraft Type
For the demands of True West, we strongly recommend using:
    - Self-bailing packrafts – these allow water to drain out as you paddle, reducing the need to stop and manually bail.
    - T-zip storage systems – ideal for internal gear storage, keeping weight low and secure.
    - Double packrafts (tandem) – better efficiency and teamwork, especially on longer paddle stages.
These features will help you move faster, more comfortably, and more efficiently through the water-based sections.

Paddles
    - 4-piece whitewater paddles are highly recommended for their durability, performance, and easy packability.
    - These are ideal for racing, especially when you need to stow gear between stages.

Inflation System
Each team should carry at least two inflation devices:
   - 1x Electric pump – quick and efficient, ideal for transitions.
   - 1x Inflation bag pump – lightweight and reliable backup if batteries fail or electronics get wet.

Repair Kit Essentials
Being able to fix minor damage on the go is critical. Your repair kit should include:
    - Repair Tape:
    We highly recommend Tescon Extora Weathertight Sealing Tape (60mm). It adheres well to packraft materials and holds under pressure, even in wet conditions.
    - Spare Valves:
    Always carry at least one spare valve suitable for your raft’s inflation system. Check compatibility before the race.
    - T-Zip Lube:
    Essential for maintaining your T-zip and keeping it operating smoothly. A seized zipper can make your gear compartment unusable, so keep it clean and lubricated.

Important:
Carry your repair kit on the outside of your packraft, where it’s quickly accessible during the stage.
   
Optional Extras
    - Patch glue and fabric patches specific to your raft model
    - Small multitool or scissors for cutting tape or trimming patches
    - Drybag or waterproof pouch to store your repair kit

Final Tips
Know your gear—practice using your repair kit before the race
Test all inflation devices in the weeks leading up to the event
Label your gear and do a pre-race gear check with your team

Being self-sufficient and prepared is a core part of the True West experience. Choose your gear wisely, train with it thoroughly, and be ready to adapt. When things get tough on the river, preparation will keep you moving forward.