The Packraft Festival
From the 29th to the 1st June of 2025 May,
on the banks of the Drac, between Grenoble & Gap
- Introduction to packrafting
- Bikerafting
- River runs from class 1 to 4
- Workshops
- White water safety training
- Meet others, dance & have fun!
What's it all about?
An introduction to packrafting, bike-rafting, multiple descents from class 1 to 4, a concert… It doesn’t matter if you are a novice or an experienced paddler, come and meet other members of the packrafting community and let’s have fun together on and off the water! The event is open to all and the choice of activities is up to you!
White water technique and safety workshops
Learn the basics of packrafting, or improve your technique and safety skill with supervised workshops and qualified guides: Rope throwing, whitewater swimming, paddling technique, etc.
Paddle through some stunning scenery
Discover the rivers and lakes of Dévoluy, Champsaur and Valgaudemar. An incredible landscape in the heart of the French Alps.
A concert, new friends and lots of fun!
Cool people, a concert, local beers are some of the ingredients for an unforgettable weekend. Perhaps you will leave with new teammates for future adventures.
Practical information
Location & acces, safety and pricing… Find all the necessary info below to plan your weekend! If you have and questions, just drop us an email at nathael(at)mekongpackraft.com
SAFETY
YOU ARE RESPONSABLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY!
The objective of the Packraft Festival is to bring people together and have a great time paddling and learning new skills. We look after the campsite activities including pitch reservation, food service and on-site workshops but participant will need to organise paddling and logistics (getting to the put in or take out) themselves and are responsible for their own safety on and off the water.
Experienced packrafters will be on hand to help provide support and share advice. We suggest small groups should paddle together to mutually assist each other.
LOCATION
The festival will take place in Saint Bonnet en Champsaur, within the campsite “Les Rives du Drac”
Adress : 1186 Le Ga, 05500 Saint-Bonnet-en-Champsaur
DATES
The festival will take place from Thursday May 29th to the Sunday 1st June 2025. However, some of you may be tempted to come earlier. Early arrival is possible and even encouraged, so you are ready on Thursday morning. In this case you will need to contact the campsite directly.
FOOD
- Registration for the festival includes meals on Friday and Saturday evening.
- Plan your picnic for lunch.
- Bring something to eat for the Thursday evening meal. A BBQ will be available to grill some food.
- There are two supermarkets in town and a petrol station. Several restaurants and bakeries are available in Saint Bonnet.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE?
- You need to have your own packraft to participate at the festival (unfortunately we will not be able to rent, loan or sell boats on site during the festival).
- It is essential to be equipped with all the safety equipment for whitewater paddling (pfd, helmet, whistle, thermal protection).
- Some of the gear can be rented (wetsuits) or bought (whistle, paddle, helmet) during the festival. To reserve a wetsuit please go HERE. Payment for the rentals is to done on site.
- You need to register to participate. (see further down)
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Compulsory
- Packraft
- Paddle
- Certified White Water Helmet
- Certified Personal Flotation Device
- Hiking and/or packrafting shoes
Recommended
- Thermal protection (wetsuit or drysuit) is very highly recommended, and will be compulsory for participating in the guided workshops.
- Throw rope and other security gear
- A bike if you want to bikeraft
- Dry bags, and any other system to keep your gear dry on and off the water.
- A backpack that can carry all your paddling gear, at least 40 litres.
- Warm clothes
- A first aid kit (that you would normally take travelling with you)
- Camping gear: tent and sleeping bag…
- A picnic for midday lunches and the thursday evening meal.
INSCRIPTION FEE
Our aspiration is to keep the Festival a recurring event and make it better each edition. Registrations fees help cover some of the expenses: campsite, food, musician’s fees, volunteers expenses, vehicle rentals to load all the gear, sound and film gear rental (…) i.e. approximately €10,000 in all for around a hundred participants.
The price to participate in for Festival is 95€ euros. This includes:
- The campsite pitch for the three nights
- Friday and Saturday evening meals, prepared by a local caterer
- Three drinks at the bar (craft beer, soft drinks, mulled wine, etc.)
- Access to the multiple workshops (excluding guided workshops)
- Cinema session with film screenings on Friday evening
- Saturday evening concert and music
- Participation in the race and prize giving
The time spent organizing the festival, around fifteen days multiplied by ten people, will remain our responsibility whatever happens. This represents a cost of several thousand euros, which is not negligible for a small team like ours!
THE WORKSHOPS
To promote safe and fun packrafting, we will be proposing multiple workshops on diferent topics. Part of these workshops are organised by the Mekong team and expert volunteers. They are free, you just need to be at the right place at the right time! If you would like to propose a workshop, you are more than welcome! Please don’t hesitate to contact us!
You can also participate in workshops supervised and led by Hike2River guides. These workshops are paid. In addition, prior registration is mandatory for any participation. This year, to maximize time on the water, all guided workshops will be day-long. You can choose from technical + safety workshops or guided descent workshops with applied skills. There are 4 levels: beginner; intermediate (€50 per day); advanced (€65/day) and expert (€70/day).
The prices are a little higher for advanced and expert groups because group size is reduced. To participate in a guided descent workshop of a defined level, you must have participated in a technical + safety workshop of the same level beforehand (or completed a course of the same level with Hike2River). You can book the workshops in the third step of the registration.
THE PROGRAM
Registration
To help organise the festival we ask participants to register as soon as possible. As places are limited at the campsite, the sooner the better. Thank you!
FIRST STEP : Fill our the form with your information.
SECOND STEP : Click on the button below to add your registration to the basket.
Registration allow you to benefit from the entire organisation of the Festival as well as evening meals, entertainment and overnight stays. If there are multiple persons in you in a group, you can click as many times to add the registrations.
THIRD STEP: If you wish, you can also register for paid workshops guided and run by Hike2River.
In Green, beginner level workshops, on both the lake and class I-II river.
In Blue , intermediate level workshops on class II-III rivers.
In Red, advanced level workshops on class III-IV rivers.
In Black, expert level workshops on class IV rivers.
- The workshops are adapted to each level of difficulty to allow everyone to have fun and progress together. If you have difficulty estimating your level, please contact up by email to explain in more detail if you are not sure. We will get back to you if we think any adjustments are necessary.
- The technical and safety workshops are specifically designed to improve your technical and safety skills, through exercises adapted to your level (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
- The guided descents will allow you to paddle with a guide and apply you skills on the surrounding rivers (Drac, Séveraisse, Souloise, Bonne). PLEASE NOTE: Registration for the guided descent workshops is conditional on prior participation in a technical and safety workshop of the same level, or on a course Hike2River of the same level.
- The English-speaking Priority refers to workshops and descents led by guides who can speak in French and English. People who are comfortable in French are asked to register on workshops without the English priority where possible
- Girls Groups are workshops reserved for female paddlers. Objective: to bring together, promote and develop the female practice of packrafting.
For more information on each workshop, you can scroll to the end or check out the Hike2River website.
A down payment of 10€ is required for each workshop. The remaining amount is to be paid to the guides directly on site. The full amount, including down payment is destined for the guides. If you do not want to take part in any of the workshops, leave everything on “0”.
To finish registration, with or without workshops, click on “Confirm my registation and workshops”.
Thank you and see you all soon! We look forward to paddling together!
The detailed program
The Festival basics (ongoing)
START OF THE FESTIVAL AND SETTING UP AT THE CAMPSITE
Starts at 11h00
Campsite
We will set up camp and organise the pitches. Any help is welcome 🙂
Free paddling
Starts at 13h00
River
Explore the surrounding rivers at your own pace! If you have some paddling experience or want to try a particular section, speak to other participants and get a group together! By paddling together you can share tips and learn from each other!
WORKSHOP - CLASS IV PACKRAFTING - EXPERT
10h00 - 15h00
River
Paddle the Bonne (class IV, for expert paddlers), one of the most iconic rivers of the Ecrins.
Organised by Hike2River, price 50€
WORKSHOP: TWO SEATER PACKRAFTING - INtermeDIATE
10h00 - 15h00
River
Paddle the classic section of teh Drac in a two-seater packraft (from the campsite to the Guingette bridge) accompanied by a guide.
Organised by Hike2River, price 50€
WORKSHOP: TWO SEATER PACKRAFTING - BEGINNER
10h00 - 15h00
River
Naviguez en packraft biplace sur la partie aval du Drac, de Pont du Fossé au camping (classe II, niveau débutant), en étant encadré par un guide.
Organisé par Hike2River, tarif 50€
WORKSHOP: BIKERAFT ON THE DRAC - INTERMEDIATE
10h00 - 15h00
River
Discover bikerafting with a gravel ride and bikerafting descent (cl II, intermediate) on the Drac with a guide.
Organised by Hike2River, price 25€
SAFETY SKILLS : CALM AND CLASS I-II RIVER
13h00 - 16h00
River
Learn the basics of white-water safety with your packraft. The guides from Hike2River will teach the basic know-how needed to paddle safely. This workshop is for beginners.
Organised by Hike2River, price 25€
DEFENSIVE AND ACTIVE SWIMMING IN WHITE WATER
18h00 - 19h00
Campsite
Learn the best reflexes in case you end up out of your boat
Organised by Hike2River. Free
WELCOME BRIEF
19h00 - 20h00
Campsite
The welcome brief will give you the key elements about the festival organisation and to stay safe on the water. Presence is mandatory
Organisé par Mekong & Hike2River
ON-WATER COMMUNICATION
9H00 - 010h00
Campsite
Before hitting the river, learn (or go-over) the basics of on-water communication, including the principal signs.
Organised by Mekong, Free!
Free paddling
Starts at 09h00
River
Explore the surrounding rivers at your own pace! If you have some paddling experience or want to try a particular section, speak to other participants and get a group together! By paddling together you can share tips and learn from each other!
WORKSHOP: class III-IV PACKRAFTING
09h00 - 15h00
River
Paddle the Souloise, one of the most beautiful rivers of the Alps (class III-IV, for advanced paddlers), accompanied by a guide.
Organised by Hike2River, price 50€
WORKSHOP: classe II-III PACKRAFTING
09h00 - 15h00
River
Paddle on the lower Drac beneath the campsite (class II-III, for intermediate paddlers), accompanied by a guide, including technique and paddling exercises.
Organised by Hike2River, price 50€
WORKSHOP: class I-II PACKRAFTING
09h00 - 15h00
RIver
Discover the basics of white water paddling on the upper Drac (class I-II, for beginner paddlers).
Organised byHike2River, price 50€
WORKSHOP: ADVANCED PADDLING TECHNIQUE
09h00 - 12h00
River
Improve your paddling and packrafting skills with the guides. Paddle strokes and more! This training is for advanced packrafters.
Organised by Hike2River, price 25€
WORKSHOP: INTERMEDIATE PADDLING TECHNIQUE
09h00 - 12h00
River
Improve your paddling skills This workshop if for intermediate packrafters that want to improve their technique and move better on the river
Organised by Hike2River, price 25€
WORKSHOP: Technique débutant
09h00 - 12h00
River
Want to become an efficient paddler? The guides will give you the basics to work on your paddle strokes and packrafting skills.
Organised by Hike2River, price 55€
WORKSHOP: ADVANCED SAFETY SKILLS
13h30 - 16h30
River
Perfect you safety skills for white water packrafting through multiple exercices. This workshop is for advanced paddlers.
Organised by Hike2River, price 25€
WORKSHOP: Intermediate SAFETY SKILLS
13h30 - 16h30
River
Improve your safety skills. This workshop if for intermediate packrafters that want packraft safely on cl II-III rivers.
Organised by Hike2River, price 25€
WORKSHOP: BEGINNER SAFETY SKILLS
13h30 - 16h30
River
Discover the basics of white water safety on calm water and the upper Drac (class II, for beginner paddlers).
Organised by Hike2River, price 25€
BIKERAFT WORKSHOP, IDEAS AND TIPS
17h00 - 18h00
Campsite
Discover the basics of bikerafting anfd ho to mix pedals and paddles
Organised by Mekong, Free!
TRIP PLANNING WORKSHOP
18h00 - 19h00
Campsite
Tips, advice and some cool ressources: discover how to prepare your paddling trip for a safe and fun adventure!
Organised by Mekong, Free!
ROPE THROWING WORKSHOP
17h30 - 18h30
Camping
Come and learn how to use a throw rope!
Organisé by Hike2River, Free!
COLLECTIVE BARBECUE
Starts at 19h00
Campsite
Let’s all sit down around a hearty meal (we are still deciding the menu) and share the days adventures together!
TRIP REPORTS AND STORIES
21h00 - 23h00
Campsite
Come and share your last packraft adventure with us. We will be screening some cool trips and stories.
Feel free to contact us if you have a short film you would like to screen!
Free paddling
Starts at 09h00
River
Explore the surrounding rivers at your own pace! If you have some paddling experience or want to try a particular section, speak to other participants and get a group together! By paddling together you can share tips and learn from each other!
Workshop: class III-IV PACKRAfting
09h00 - 15h00
River
Paddle a beautiful alpine style river (class III-IV) with a guide. Enjoy the scenery and work on your technique! This workshop if for advanced paddlers.
Organised by Hike2River, price 50€
WORKSHOP: CLASS II-III PACKRAFTING
09h00 - 15h00
River
Paddle the lower Drac from the campsite (class II-III) to the Guingette bridge wiyth a guide. Take in the Devoluy mountains and catch some eddies! This workshop is for intermediate paddlers.
Organised by Hike2River, price 50€
WORKSHOP: CLASS II PACKRAFTING
09h00 - 15h00
River
Discover the basics of packrafting on the upper Drac (class II, for beginner paddlers).
Organised by Hike2River, price 50€
WORKSHOP: ADVANCED PADDLING TECHNIQUE
09h00 - 12h00
River
Perfect your paddling technique through some advanced exercises.
Organised by Hike2River, price 25€
WORKSHOP: INTERMEDIATE PADDLING TECHNIQUE
09h00 - 12h00
River
Improve your paddling skills, including eddy catching and river traverses.
Organised by Hike2River, price 25€
WORKSHOP: BEGINNER PADDLING TECHNIQUE
09h00 - 12h00
River
Learn the basics of paddle technique for more efficient and comfortable paddling. .
Organised by Hike2River, price 25€
WORKSHOP: ADVANCED SAFETY SKILLS
13h30 - 16h30
River
Perfect you safety skills for white water paddling with the guides. The workshop will be dedicated to advanced techniques.
Organised by Hike2River, price 25€
WORKSHOP: INTERMEDIATE SAFETY SKILLS
13h30 - 16h30
River
Improve your safety skills on the water by practicing some of the essential manouvres. For intermediate paddlers.
Organised by Hike2River, price 25€
WORKSHOP: INTERMEDIATE SAFETY SKILLS
13h30 - 16h30
RIver
Learn the basics of white-water safety with your packraft. The guides will teach the basic know-how needed to paddle safely.
Organised by Hike2River, price 25€
Race
18h00 - 19h00
Campsite
Improve your speed against the best packrafter of the world
Organised by Mekong & Hike2River
Light bivy workshop
16h30 - 18h00
Campsite
Learn the basics to set up and ultralight bivoauc. Being able to set up a light camp will give you new ideas for trips!
Organised by Anthony from Carnets d’Aventures Magazine
SHARED DRINKS AND MEAL
Starts at 19h00
Campsite
After a day on the river, swimming, paddling and more, sitting down to a good meal is the perfect moment to relax and grab some energy for the evening.
Concert
Starts at 21h00
Campsite
Get ready to dance into the night, its time to party!
COLLECTIVE DESCENT ON THE DRAC
Starts at 09h00
River
Meeting on the Drac above the campsite (depending on the navigation conditions) for a collective descent.
SHARED MEAL AND END OF THE FESTIVAL
13h00 - 15h00
Campsite
We will share a last meal all together before saying goodbye and till next time!
Rivers around the campsite
Around the campsite, there are multiple rivers and lakes you can paddle, for all tastes and levels! There are several sections on the Drac, upstream (clII) and downstream (cl III) from the campsite. There are also several more difficult rivers in the nearby valleys, like the Séveraisse (cl III(IV), the Souloise (cl III-IV) and the Drac Blanc (cl III(IV) and Noir (IV) depending on the water levels. Further on you can check out several sections of the Durance (cl II to III) and the Bonne (III-IV). There is beautiful calm water on the Lac de Sautet and Monteynard. Here is the map with classifications and timetables (by car).
Here are some of the routes you can paddle:
The Séveraisse From le Bourd, Click HERE
Drac From Pont du Fossé. Click HERE
Drac From Saint Bonnet. Click HERE
Durance From St Clement. Click HERE
The book “Rivières Sauvages” from L. Nicolet can be purchased at the Festival with more than 100 courses on 63 rivers in France.
