Pucon Kayak Retreat

12/11/2024

08/11/2024

Great score in the lost and found after Pan American Rafting Championships. Sweets of the East

05/11/2024

Aniol Serrasolses came by tonight. So I showed Veleida some videos. Her reactions are priceless.

05/11/2024

RETREAT FAQs.
"Hello David, you spoke to my wife Leslie a few weeks ago and gave her options in Feb for kayaking trips. We are requesting time off work to figure out which option would be most worthwhile for skill progression, and of course to enjoy the beauty of the Pucon region.
The 1st option was Feb 1-8 where she is in beginner trip and I have an (private advanced) instructor. The 2nd option was Feb 8-15 where I am in an advanced trip and she has an (private beginner) instructor. What do you think would be the most beneficial? I would really like her to level up quickly more than anything. But selfishly, I know the rivers there are one of a kind. What would an instructor for either of us look like?"

RETREAT, "Adam, the instructors are the same for either option with NOC's Jared Smith aka Blue and Haley McKee. You won't find a better pair of professional instructors that offer student centric instruction. Yet, a retreat trip is more than kayak instruction. It is an experience meeting international travelers amongst a developed program designed for excitement, education, entertainment and exploration of Chile rivers. I lean toward your wife being with a group of beginners on like skilled lakes and rivers. There are advantages to learning with others and the social factor adds to the trip too. Because you are an advanced kayaker the retreat instructors are enthusiastic to take you on private kayak trips to charge rapids, boof, make challenges, and notch drops. It would be just as easy for us to give your wife the private beginner trip while you go out with a small group of advanced kayakers. Either option the groups will have a shared Rio San Pedro day where you get to charge big water warm waves, and she will likely paddle in an inflatable kayak that day. Meals and nightly celebrations happen amongst both groups at the same dinner table where you and her share your daily challenges and successes.

Keep Kayaking.

READ MORE, Chile Kayak Trips Calendar... https://puconkayakretreat.com/book-trips-calendar/

05/11/2024

Thanks Cerveza Puesco for providing Chile's best craft brews at the Pan Am Rafting Championships.

04/11/2024

Flying kayaks international got more restricted over the years. Pucon Kayak Retreat has got you covered with kayaks, paddles, trucks, and other equipment rentals. Extended rental discount schedule at bottom of page link. https://puconkayakretreat.com/chile-kayak-rentals/

03/11/2024

Watch the paddle snap from hit. Recovery time… Pan Am Rafting finals head to head.

02/11/2024

Clay Wright IMHO is a remarkable company asset. I have experienced this buena onda company culture from Jackson Kayak repeatedly at Pucon Kayak Retreat

01/11/2024

Day 2 Pan Am Rafting slides. Slalom gates and rainy day… keep the fire🔥 going!!!

01/11/2024

Best Time to Kayak in Chile - Full Guide - https://mailchi.mp/e755d527762a/when-is-the-best-time-to-kayak-in-chile-10145451

31/10/2024

When an international competition lands in your front yard. VAMOS!

31/10/2024

First sprint lap to finish with the WV girls. Sib proud. Pan American Rafting Championships

30/10/2024

Practice day Pan Am Rafting Championships Pucon Kayak Retreat. Bienvenido a Chile. 🇨🇱 VAMOS!!!

29/10/2024

Preparation for Pan Am Rafting Championships. GRATITUDE TO COMMUNITY: UFRO students clean river bank, federation and municipality provide infrastructure Baños chemica, rafts, garbage services, buses; national teams arrive daily to train.

21/10/2024

Kayak Travel FAQs. Rapid Expeditions Owner Dave Crawford asks,
Hello David,
As our kayaking adventure draws near, I wanted to get your opinion on the best way to get our paddles to Chile. Wanted to see if shipping them to you was even possible. Since we will be on several flights, we were thinking shipping them would be a more dependable way. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time.
Thanks
Dave Crawford
Rapid Expeditions LLC

THE RETREAT SOLUTIONS:
Dave,

I am glad you asked this excellent question.

A. Do NOT ship your paddles. It can be costly, incur import fees, and get stuck at customs requiring customs agents. I've seen groups not receive their imports stuck in customs their entire two month Chile travels.
B. Use a GROUP PADDLE BUNDLE and fly with it as a checked bag... estimated $150 oversize bag.
1. Put all of your group's paddles into one bundle aligning the blades.
2. Strap, tie or package tape the paddles securely together. The paddle bundle together will strengthen each paddle too reducing risk of broken paddles. Get those blades nice and aligned and tight to protect. Even brace/protect them with booties, life jacket, fleece...
3. Wrap the bundle with a tarp, boat bag, felt or even an old blanket. I use a candy wrapper style (taping ends) and you can carry or drag the package by the ends. Package tape, tape, tape... the bundle. You can even put additional gear in the middle such as a full gear bag. The bag will be charged oversize but that is OKay because your group will split the costs of your bundle as an additional oversize bag. Know your airlines oversize bag fees. Rates of weights often go up at 50 and 70 pounds but you must check and make sure you are under those rate increase weights.
Have a group member carry the bag and split the fees. If you have ten paddles for a $150 oversize bag then you do the math...

Welcome to the exciting world of kayak travel. The retreat also rents paddles for $10/day.

Keep Kayaking.

David Hughes