We will be running an introductory packrafting instruction day on the beautiful Thomson River located in Gippsland near Walhalla.
This trip is suitable for those interested in learning more about packrafting and for paddlers looking to gain knowledge and confidence in low grade two white water.
The day will focus on Instruction in the necessary foundations of boat craft, paddling skills and white water safety and learning to negotiate fun grade 2 rapids as we travel through the stunning riverscapes of the Thomson River.
Full hire gear is available if required
Meet your instructors
Paddy Howlett is a Paddle Australia qualified whitewater water instructor / packraft specialist with over 20 years experience in various paddling disciplines. Paddy is also an ex military veteran that is a qualified navigation instructor and professional outdoor educator with an aviation and rescue helicopter background. Paddy has competed at World Series level as an adventure racer and National Level in Rogaining. His experience and knowledge as an outdoorsman was tested recently when he completed The Yukon 1000 race which is the world toughest expedition paddling race 1600km from Canada to Alaska through some of the remotest wilderness on the planet.
Kelly van den Berg is a mountain guide, professional outdoor educator and expedition medic that has participated in teams on many wilderness expeditions and both here and overseas in varied environments from the deserts of the Sahara to alpine ascents. She holds raft guide qualifications, Operations 1 CAA qualification and is a Paddle Australia trainee guide. Kelly was Paddy’s race partner and navigator for the Yukon 1000 expedition race in 2023.
All Gippsland Adventure staff hold current wilderness first aid, professional white water rescue qualifications, WWCC and are fully insured and licensed operators.
