Crossing large bodies of water
Crossing lakes, fjords and sea inlets by packraft: what matters when it comes to wind, waves, cold and planning.
Trips and planning
Trip planning, crossings, coast and mudflats, water levels, apps and rules on the water.
14 terms in this topic
Guide
All terms
River apps
Apps show water levels, river descriptions and paddling rules. The Anfibio blog recommends RiverApp, Meine Pegel and Canua.
Tides
On the North Sea and Atlantic, ebb and flood change the water level and current several times a day. A packraft can hardly make headway against a tidal current.
Crossing large bodies of water
Crossing lakes, fjords and sea inlets by packraft is tempting, but one of the riskiest situations. Wind, waves and cold decide.
Island hopping
Island hopping means crossing a large body of water in short stages from island to island. In between, there's always an emergency landing spot.
Right of public access
In Sweden, Norway and Finland, the right of public access lets you roam nature largely freely and camp for a night in many places, with consideration and rules.
Coast and sea
On the coast you also deal with tides, currents, surf and offshore wind. With planning, packraft trips on the sea are wonderful.
Multi-day trips and expeditions
On multi-day trips your whole camp travels in and on the boat. Luggage system, load capacity and the ability to repair become crucial.
Overnighter
An overnighter is a short trip with one night outdoors, ideal for testing gear and your packing system.
Packing list
What belongs on every packraft trip: boat, paddle, PFD, inflation bag, repair kit, waterproof dry bags and spare clothes.
Packraft course
A course is the fastest way to safe technique, especially for whitewater and rescue skills.
Shuttle and getting back
On river trips you have to get from the finish back to the start. With packrafts that works by train, bus or on foot, without a second car.
Trip planning
A good packraft trip starts at home: route, water levels, weather, put-ins and take-outs, portages and a plan B.
Wadden Sea
In the Wadden Sea you can paddle to islands by packraft at high tide. Currents, tidal channels and national park rules need to be considered.