Explore-Share logo and link to home
Animas River
Bikerafting Course in the Colorado River
Bikerafting Course in the Colorado River
Bikerafting Course in the Colorado River
Bikerafting Course in the Colorado River

Bikerafting Course in the Colorado River

Take your bikerafting skills to the next level on this 5-day course where you will learn from one of the most accomplished experts in the field, Steve "Doom" Fassbinder, on the Animas River and Utah. The course covers a wide range of skills, from the basics to more advanced river reading techniques.


TRIP TYPE

Group

DURATION

3 Days

OFFER PERIOD

Oct

FITNESS LEVEL

high

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate

PAYMENT METHODS

Credit Card, Wire Transfer and more!

  • Aquire a wide range of skills, from the basics to more advanced river reading techniques
  • Spend two days on the Animas River and three days in Utah
  • Build the confidence and knowledge you need to enjoy bikerafting safely

Description

Are you ready to take your bikerafting skills to the next level? Learn from one of the most accomplished experts in the field, Steve "Doom" Fassbinder, on a 5-day course in the Animas River and Utah.

On day one, you'll focus on packrafting skills, such as paddling, bracing, and self-rescue. On day two, you'll learn how to transition between biking and rafting, and how to navigate rivers.

You’ll be practicing the skills you learned the first few days over three days in a remote backcountry setting on and around the Colorado River

Our learn basic river bikerafting and packrafting skills instructional courses are designed to help you build confidence and progress your skills. We start with the basics and gradually increase the difficulty of the challenges as you become more comfortable. We tailor the experience to your individual abilities, so you can learn at your own pace.

In our beginner to intermediate courses, you will learn a wide variety of skills, including:

  • Basic packraft equipment use and care

  • Self-rescue, partner-rescue, and how to right your boat with a bike on it

  • Dealing with currents

  • Aggressive and defensive swimming positions

  • Navigating river hazards with a bike on your boat

  • River dynamics

  • Basic paddle strokes with a bike on your boat

  • Using eddies

  • River commands

  • How to lash your bike to your boat and vice versa

  • Transitioning from bikes to boats and vice versa

These skills will give you the confidence and knowledge you need to enjoy bikerafting and packrafting safely and responsibly. Whether you are new to the sport or looking to improve your skills, our courses are a great way to get started.

This course is perfect for anyone who wants to learn the basics of bikerafting or take their skills to the next level. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, you'll learn from the best in the business on this exciting course.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

- Helmet

- Camping equipment tents

- Camping equipment sleeping bag

Price details

Included in the price:

-An open Alpacka Classic packraft, PFD, paddle, and helmet.

-Food, camping, and sanitation package for the 3-day backcountry portion of the course.

Optional:

Accommodation at Scullbinder Ranch, a 1-hour drive from Durango, where the first 1.5 days of the course will be held.

NOT included in the price:

-Transportation, lodging, and food while you're in Durango.

-A tuned-up, working bicycle.

-Adult beverages, whitewater boats, drysuits, river knives, whistles, and throw bags.

You may or may not need a drysuit for this course. It depends on your tolerance for cold, wet conditions and the weather. The weather in October is unpredictable.

Secure your spot with just 25% payment

48-hour free cancellation with 30-day advance booking


Equipment you will need to bring

For this trip, you will need the following gear: * A tuned-up, working bicycle * Whitewater boats * River knives * Whistles * Throw bags * Drysuit (optional, depending on your personal comfort level with cold, wet conditions) * The weather in October can be inconsistent, so it is important to be prepared for both cold and wet conditions. If you are not comfortable riding a bicycle in cold, wet weather, or if you do not have a drysuit, we recommend bringing rain gear and warm clothing.

FAQs

What's included in the price?

Included in the price:

-Open Alpacka Classic packraft, PFD, paddle, and helmet

-Food, camping, and sanitation package for the 3-day backcountry portion of the course

What is NOT included in the price?

Not included in the price:

-Transportation, lodging, and food while you're in Durango.

-A tuned-up, working bicycle.

-Adult beverages, whitewater boats, drysuits, river knives, whistles, and throw bags.

What experience and skill level do I need to have to join this course?

This course is for beginners and intermediates, based on the mileage covered and the general nature of the course. You must have experience cycling with bags and extra weight (i.e., bikepacking). However, if you are a strong and avid mountain biker who is willing to suffer, you’ll probably be fine. You also must have general backcountry experience. You do not need packrafting experience.

How many clients can go with 1 guide?

There will be 1 guide for every 4 participants

How will accommodation be handled?

At Scullbinder Ranch, we offer two accommodation options: a cabin or a glamping tent. Please let us know your preference.

What gear do I need to bring?

For this trip, you will need the following gear:

-A tuned-up, working bicycle

  • Whitewater boats
  • River knives
  • Whistles
  • Throw bags
  • Drysuit (optional, depending on your personal comfort level with cold, wet conditions). The weather in October can be inconsistent, so it is important to be prepared for both cold and wet conditions. If you are not comfortable riding a bicycle in cold, wet weather, or if you do not have a drysuit, we recommend bringing rain gear and warm clothing.

About the guide: Four Corners

Guide profile image

Four Corners

Guiding agency

The Four Corners Guides team, led by Steve and Lizzy, runs a base camp and adventure guide service. They aim to offer adventure opportunities and enhance backcountry skills for bigger and more exciting adventures. Their guides are certified in Swiftwater Rescue Training, Wilderness First Responders, and Level 3 American Canoe Association Packraft Instructors. They also conduct risk management training with Wilderness Medical Associates International and advanced paddling training with Kent Ford. Their goal is to provide guests with a deeper sense of enjoyment for living in and using human-powered tools in remote landscapes.

Languages

English | Spanish

Certificates

ACA - American Canoe Association

What people are saying about Explore-Share

Kumari

5.00

I’m extremely happy with the ease with which I could book via your site reliable and experienced guide. Thank you so very much, and I’ve started to recommend your site to my friends. Dimitris is not only an awesome guide, but a wonderful person who was always looking out to give me the best experience I can have when he found out how much I love climbing! He is the Best!

Niklas

5.00

I am very pleased with Explore-Share! This was my first international climb, and the communication and response time were great. Herbie is a very skilled guide and very efficient. The entire booking process & payment was smooth. I will definitely use Explore-Share again. Thank you.

Greg

5.00

I was looking for a local guide for a hike I was planning and came across Explore-Share. They seemed to have good reviews and so decided to give them a try. The experience was very positive and completely happy with their service. I will be using them again for next trip.

Colin

5.00

Easy to set up and find the perfect trip. Informative site that is easy to use. Guides are all great to work with and communicate all arrangements needed. As simple as can be!

Lesley

4.00

Thank you explore-share for a wonderful via feratta experience. We have been wanting to learn for a long time but don't have the facilities in Scotland. The guide Mitja was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, answering all my many questions and providing advice. On the day head to take another group but he quickly arranged another guide Borut, who was brilliant. We had a fantastic morning learning via ferrata at Hvadnik in the gorge. It gave us the confidence to later hire our own equipment and go out in Mojstrana. Altogether a five star + experience. Thank you.

 

You may also like

Join our newsletter!

Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.