This summer, the American Packrafting Association (APA) partnered with Here Montana to offer an Introduction to Packrafting Skills Day to a group of 10 new packrafters in Missoula. Here Montana, an organization dedicated to increasing access to outdoor adventures for People of Color and intersecting communities in Western Montana, provides participants with opportunities to experience activities like backpacking, rafting, skiing, and climbing. For this outing, APA Executive Director Sarah Kilbourne joined forces with Here Montana's Executive Director Alex Kim to guide the participants through the fundamentals of packrafting. APA is excited to continue collaborating with Here Montana and similar groups to offer more outings for individuals who have historically faced a barrier to experiencing packrafting.
Below, we share insights from Alex Kim about the event, its significance, and the impact it had on participants and the community.
Can you share your perspective on the impact of making packrafting accessible to people who may not be able to afford it, especially in a place like Missoula where outdoor recreation is such a big part of the culture?
Making packrafting accessible to people who face financial barriers, especially in a place like Missoula where outdoor recreation is such a central part of the culture, can have a huge impact on both individuals and the community.
First, it breaks down the barriers that keep people from experiencing something new. Packrafting’s unique appeal lies in its versatility—it allows users to explore almost any body of water because it’s lightweight, portable, and easy to set up. For people who may not have the resources to invest in expensive outdoor gear, offering free or affordable opportunities to try packrafting ensures that they at least get the chance to decide if it's for them.
On a larger scale, this accessibility can also expand and diversify the packrafting community. New participants bring fresh perspectives and experiences, which can help grow the community and strengthen local businesses that cater to outdoor recreation. More importantly, by exposing more people to the beauty of our waterways, it creates a larger group of advocates who care about preserving and protecting these natural resources. Organizations like Here Montana that provide these opportunities for free play a crucial role.
What was the initial goal you hoped to achieve by offering the packraft outing to the Here Montana community?
The goal of the packrafting outing for the Here Montana community was multi-layered. First, it aimed to introduce participants to the exciting opportunities that packrafting offers for water-based recreation, sparking interest in a new form of outdoor adventure. The outing also provided a chance for people to experience packrafting firsthand, allowing them to see what kind of gear and skills are needed to safely enjoy time on the water. Additionally, a core objective was to help grow the packrafting community by bringing people together, encouraging them to connect over a shared enthusiasm for the activity, and expand the network of local packrafters.
What was the significance of having a group of brand-new packrafters on this outing, many of whom may not have had the opportunity to experience the outdoors this way before?
The significance of having a group of brand-new packrafters on this outing lies in the shared experience and the impact it has on shaping their perceptions of packrafting. When people try something new, especially in a group setting, it becomes a bonding moment. The collective experience helps build confidence and creates lasting memories. For many, it may be their first real exposure to the outdoors in such a dynamic way, making it even more special. Sharing these "firsts" with others deepens the experience, creating a sense of camaraderie and excitement. It’s also a chance for people to learn from one another, support each other, and collectively build their confidence as they navigate new challenges.
For many of these packrafters, this outing could mark the beginning of a lasting connection with nature and outdoor adventure.
In what ways did you see the participants’ confidence and skills grow during the packrafting day? Were there any standout moments where you felt the sense of community really shine through?
The participants’ confidence and skills noticeably grew throughout the packrafting day, and one of the most memorable moments was seeing them truly relax in their packrafts. For many, learning a water sport can be intimidating, but Sarah, our instructor, did an incredible job teaching them the skills they needed to feel more comfortable and in control on the water. As people became more confident in their abilities, they were able to slow down, take a breath, and actually enjoy the beauty of the nature around them.
A standout moment was when we were all practicing the skill of turning in the water. Watching everyone grasp the technique together, as a community, was awesome. It was like a collective "aha" moment, where people’s fear or uncertainty shifted to empowerment and accomplishment. Seeing them cheer each other on and celebrate their progress really highlighted the strong sense of community that developed over the day. It wasn’t just about individual growth—it was about shared success, which brought everyone closer together.
This event highlighted the powerful intersection of outdoor recreation, accessibility, and community building. Through efforts like this, APA and Here Montana are forging connections that make outdoor adventures accessible to more people, inspiring new packrafters, and empowering individuals to deepen their relationship with the environment and each other.
Do you want to get involved or support programs like this? Learn more about APA’s work here and support us here. Learn about Here Montana’s mission here.
Photos provided courtesy of Alex Kim/Here MT
