Packrafting: an adventure on the water for everyone

What is packrafting?

Packrafting is a water sport, using special, lightweight and easy-to-transport pontoons called packrafts. Packrafts are so compact that when packed they fit in a backpack and usually weigh from 2 to 5 kilograms, which allows them to be carried over longer distances. After reaching area with water, the packraft can be quickly inflated to start an adventure on the water.

Packrafting stands out for its versatility and the possibility of combining various outdoor activities in one trip. Participants can travel on foot or by bike, and then switch to a packraft to cross rivers, lakes or even seaside.

How to start packrafting?

When starting your packrafting adventure, it is worth following a few basic rules:

• Know your skills: packrafting requires basic knowledge of kayaking, especially if you plan to paddle on faster-flowing rivers. It is also good to have experience in trekking, as it often involves hiking in difficult terrain.
• Choose the right equipment: Beginners are advised to start with simple rafting on calm waters. The choice of packraft depends on the type of waters you plan to paddle on and your plans – some models are better for faster-flowing rivers, others for calm lakes and slow rivers, a smaller pontoon will be ideal for weekend trips, or a larger one for more serious expeditions.
• Practice makes perfect: Before you set off on a longer trip, it is worth taking a few shorter trips, even by the shore on a lake, to gain confidence and learn how to operate the equipment in different conditions (it is worth practicing emergency situations such as capsizing). To start, we recommend rafting in sections of up to 10 km.
• Safety first: Always take a life jacket, a dry bag for your equipment and appropriate clothing. It is also worth having a basic packraft repair kit with you (often sold in the set).

What equipment is needed for packrafting?

The basic packraft set includes:

• Packraft: a lightweight, inflatable boat. There are different models available, depending on the user’s preferences and the conditions in which they intend to sail.
• Packraft pump: a special pump for quickly inflating the packraft. Some models have a built-in foot or hand pump.
• Paddle: a lightweight, foldable paddle (two-blade or single-blade) that easily fits into a backpack.
• Life jacket: essential for safety on the water. We recommend everyone wear one, regardless of experience and swimming skills.
• Dry bag: Helps protect your gear from getting wet.
• Neoprene clothing: on colder days, especially when swimming in rivers with low water temperatures, it is worth wearing thermal or neoprene clothing.

By land and water - bike rafting

Bike rafting is a combination of cycling and packrafting. The idea of ​​bike rafting is based on the use of two means of transport – a bicycle and a packraft. Thanks to this, we are not dependent on car transport, we gain mobility and freedom.

The cyclist carries his bike on the packraft, and then continues the journey on land. This is an excellent solution for long trips, where the variety of terrain does not allow the entire route to be covered in just one way.

Where can you go packrafting in the Pomorskie Voivodeship?

Pomorskie, thanks to its dense network of rivers and its diverse landscape, is an ideal place for packrafting. Basically, every river in Pomorskie, including those with stronger currents, is suitable for packrafting – if not entirety, at least at some sections of the river. Here are a few of our suggestions to get you started:

• Brda: known for its picturesque landscapes, it is one of the best places to go packrafting. Particularly recommended for beginners due to its calm current and charming river sections.
• Wda: also known as Czarna Woda, it is a great place for those looking for calmer, but at the same time demanding routes. It flows through the Tuchola Forest, which guarantees beautiful views and close contact with nature.
• Wdzydze Lake: a vast body of water surrounded by forests, ideal for packrafting in calm conditions. You can also try bike rafting here, combining water adventures with bike trips along the surrounding paths.
• Slupia: for more advanced pack rafters, the river offers dynamic sections that will provide a lot of adrenaline. This is a great place to test your skills on more demanding waters.
• Lupawa (middle section, Kozin-Lupawa, length about 18 km): here we encounter waters with an exceptionally mountainous character. This section is a challenge for the toughest and most experienced who are not afraid of the rapid current, numerous drops and obstacles, as well as sections that require strength and technique.

Detailed descriptions of all rivers in Pomorskie, divided into sections, can be found here.

Packrafting is an amazing form of outdoor activity that combines adventure, contact with nature and versatility. Thanks to the ease of transport and the possibilities it offers, it is becoming increasingly popular in Poland as well.

Pomorskie, with its rich water resources, is the perfect place to start your packrafting adventure. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced explorer, you will definitely find something for yourself here!