This course, based on the internationally recognized WRT-REC (Whitewater Rescue Technician - Recreational) standard, is designed specifically for packrafters as part of our whitewater packrafting courses in Slovenia.
An understanding of the risks as well as basic safety and rescue techniques in and around whitewater—with and without a packraft—is essential for anyone navigating these waters. In particular those who plan to continue paddling whitewater rivers on their own, without a guide, after completing our whitewater courses will benefit from being able to assess risks and competently assist themselves and others in an emergency.
Course Highlights
Feedback from Participants
Course Description
This course teaches the necessary knowledge and skills to act correctly in an emergency. How can I help myself and my friends? Your own safety is always the top priority. We’ve expanded the WRT-REC courses to include special packrafting elements.
On the first day, the course begins with a theory session covering: How do I stay safe as a rescuer? What are the basic considerations? How does effective risk management work on the river? How can I communicate in whitewater?
Afterward, we head out onto the river: swimming, self-rescue, throw bag techniques, and contact rescue are on the agenda.
On the second day, the morning is entirely devoted to rope techniques. How can I work effectively with minimal rescue equipment that fits in my life jacket? What other applications does the throw bag have?
In the afternoon, we’ll run through various scenarios based on rescue situations and reinforce what we’ve learned over the past two days. In addition to learning important rescue techniques, you can expect plenty of fun and action on this course.
The course concludes with a certificate from Rescue3 International.
Instructor and Course Leader
The courses are led by Sebastian Larcher. He is an instructor with many years of experience, enjoys the trust of the LWA team, and is a WRT Professional Instructor for our whitewater guides. If Sebastian is unavailable in a particular year, he will personally find a substitute with experience in WRT courses specifically for packrafts.
- Lives in Austria and paddles full-time on rivers around the world
- Has worked full-time as a whitewater guide for 25 years
- Has been teaching rescue and safety in WRT courses for 10 years—for paddlers, guides, and professional rescue organizations such as the DLRG or the fire department.
In our experience, training in rescue techniques and personal safety is not just a theoretical precaution. The website <a data-link-type=">Packraft Fatalities by Luc Mehl calmly and objectively lists serious accidents that have occurred to date and their circumstances during unguided packrafting expeditions.
General Information, Services, and Prices
2026 Date
The WRT-REC course will take place on the weekend between Soca4-2026 and Soca5-2026: September 12–13, 2026
WRT-REC-2026: September 12–13, 2026 (Saturday and Sunday) Reserve
Course duration: 2 days
Course location: One of the camps in the Vodenca Valley, Slovenia, base camp for our Soča Whitewater Packrafting Course
Number of participants: 6–12 (minimum number of participants required for the course to take place; full refund if the course is canceled)
Participation fee for initial certification: €350 per person
Required equipment: whitewater safety gear (can be rented for 40€ per course) and, if available, a throw bag. A packraft is not required and does not need to be rented. Boats used during the course will be provided.
What’s Included:
- Two days of training according to the internationally recognized WRT-REC standard in the stunning whitewater setting of the Soča Valley
- Completion with a Rescue3 International certificate
Reservation