Whataroa Stakeout

Whataroa Stakeout: Advanced Packrafting Clinic (Grade 3–4 Progression)

Ready to step up from solid Grade 3 to true Class 4 packrafting? The Whataroa Stakeout is a 3-day immersive whitewater clinic designed for paddlers who want to push limits, sharpen technique, and grow their river skills in the wild backcountry of New Zealand’s West Coast.

This is a full-spectrum packrafting experience, blending skill development, gorge runs, and real expedition conditions. It’s not just about learning how to paddle harder water—it’s about becoming a safer, more self-reliant and capable paddler, in every sense.

You’ll be coached by Huw Miles, a qualified Rescue 3 instructor, experienced expedition leader, and one of New Zealand’s leading voices in packrafting safety and progression. You’ll also be joined by Alpacka Raft athlete Ryan “Baby Bird” Lucas, bringing international whitewater expertise, great vibes, and technical insight.

Who It’s For
This course is designed for confident Grade 3 paddlers who are ready to progress into more technical and powerful Grade 4 water. You don’t need to be elite—but you do need to be solid. You should be comfortable in moderate whitewater, with previous experience on multi-day trips, and ready to learn through challenge and coaching.

Ideal for:

• Recreational paddlers building toward tougher rivers

• Aspiring expedition paddlers or adventure racers

• Those preparing for trips like the Landsborough, Perth, or overseas runs

• Anyone wanting a big leap in confidence, safety, and control

What You’ll Learn
This is a hands-on, high-coaching clinic. You’ll learn:

• Advanced paddling techniques to move with power, precision, and flow

• Line planning, scouting, and portaging in real backcountry terrain

• Reading and running technical rapids with improved judgment

• Safety systems, rescue scenarios, group dynamics, and risk management

• Expedition packing, self-sufficiency, and rapid deployment

• Navigation using topo maps and route-finding in the mountains

We blend on-water coaching with terrain-based decision making, debriefs, and practical learning. You’ll get individual feedback, video analysis where possible, and support from some of the most experienced coaches in NZ packrafting.

Featuring Ryan “Baby Bird” Lucas (Alpacka Athlete)
We’re thrilled to have Ryan joining us for this special clinic. Ryan is known worldwide for his river running and expedition trips with Alpacka Raft. He’s also a fun, supportive coach who brings serious experience, a great attitude, and global perspective to every trip.

The Venue: Whataroa Valley, South Westland
Wild, glaciated, and remote, the Whataroa Valley is a dream training ground. From mellow warm-ups to steep gorges, the progression is natural and the learning curve steep—but safe. It’s a truly unforgettable place to paddle and learn.

Trip Plan (subject to weather & conditions)

Day 1 – Arrival & Orientation

• Transport available from Queenstown

• Group accommodation in Franz Josef

• Evening briefing: map reading, packing guidance, gear checks, trip overview

Day 2 – Warm-Up Paddle (Lower Whataroa)

• Coaching-focused paddle session on Grade 2–3

• Build skills, confidence, and paddle technique

• Return to Franz Josef accommodation

Day 3 – Hike In & Gorge Run

• Hike into base camp in the Whataroa Valley

• Continue on foot upstream to Scotties Beach

• Run the Scotties Beach Gorge and Reynolds Gorge

• Camp riverside under the stars

Day 4 – Final Gorge or Perth Descent
Your instructors will decide which option is best for the group based on conditions and paddler readiness.

Option A: Hike into the lower Perth River, paddle from Nolan’s Hike back to camp
Option B: Re-run the Scotties/Reynolds gorges for consolidation and deeper coaching
Afterwards, paddle from camp to take-out, debrief, and return to Queenstown (if using transport)

What’s Included

• 3.5 days of expert instruction with Huw Miles + guest coach Ryan Lucas

• 3 nights accommodation (2x shared Airbnb, 1x remote tent camp)

• Trip planning support and gear checks

• Group safety equipment, maps, and satellite comms

• Optional return transport from Queenstown

What to Bring

• Your own packrafting gear (boat, paddle, PFD, helmet, drysuit, etc.)

• Camping gear for one night (tent or bivvy, sleeping system, stove, meals)

• Personal clothing, food, and river snacks

• A full packing list will be sent on booking

Rental gear may be available in limited supply—please enquire early.

Not Included

• Meals

• Personal gear

• Travel insurance

• Additional nights outside the trip dates

Why Book With Us?

• Led by NZ’s most experienced packrafting instructors

• Includes Rescue 3 safety training elements

• Supported by Alpacka Raft athlete Ryan Lucas

• Intimate group size for maximum coaching

• Real expedition conditions—no simulations

• A chance to train in NZ’s best whitewater classroom

Push your paddling. Grow your confidence. Experience the West Coast wilderness in its rawest form.