Words by Sarah Kilborne, Photos by Sarah Kilbourne and Jack Henderson
Hi, I’m Sarah Kilbourne, the Executive Director of the American Packrafting Association (APA) and a passionate packrafter. Packrafting opens up endless possibilities to explore remote landscapes, navigate rivers, fish in serene lakes, and plan huge suffer fests through challenging backcountry terrains. It’s an activity that offers a little something for everyone interested in experiencing nature through a fresh lens.
My packrafting journey began in the summer of 2019 in Alaska, where part of my guiding job was leading clients across a stunning glacial lake. After hours, my fellow guides and I would borrow packrafting gear to the local creek, and it was during these adventures that I became hooked. I had always been interested in whitewater kayaking, but found it intimidating—packrafting, on the other hand, felt more accessible. With the guidance of my experienced friends and fellow guides, I felt the thrill of navigating rapids and exploring the outdoors in a new and exhilarating way. This passion led me to join the APA, become a packrafting instructor, and work to help others experience the same excitement I found on the water.
At APA, we focus on three key pillars:
● Education & Safety: We provide resources and best practices to help packrafters understand how to plan safe adventures, especially in whitewater environments.
● Access & Stewardship: We work to ensure continued access to wild places while educating packrafters on the importance of preserving them.
● Community Building: As a small, niche sport, we prioritize building a strong, supportive community of adventurers who share our love for exploration and conservation, and prioritize safety.
Though we’ve relied on board members and volunteers to carry out our mission, my role as Executive Director, even at part-time hours, marks a significant step in APA's growth and ability to serve the packrafting community.
Some of our accomplishments include:
● Expanding packrafting education through videos, safety cards, and the first packraft instructor certification, in partnership with the American Canoe Association.
● Strengthening partnerships with conservation groups, lobbying for more inclusive management regulations, and providing toolkits for local advocacy.
● Growing a connected community of packrafters, organizing 10 National RoundUps, and fostering an active online community of over 3,200 forum posts on topics like safety, gear, and trip reports.
As we look ahead, we’re committed to expanding our educational programs, creating more opportunities for people to experience packrafting, building a strong community, and advancing our advocacy for access and stewardship. We’re dedicated to providing valuable resources to help packrafters enjoy the sport safely, while also working to protect wild spaces by promoting responsible access, Leave No Trace principles, and invasive species education. Our focus is also on fostering a supportive, engaged community, connecting packrafters through events, advocacy and shared learning experiences, so everyone can be part of this adventure and contribute to its sustainable future.
Whether you’re interested in packrafting or a seasoned paddler, we’re here to support you. Visit our website and forum to explore resources, and connect with the growing APA community.
This progress wouldn’t be possible without the support of incredible partners like Hyperlite, whose dedication to our mission has been instrumental in our growth and success.
See you on the water!
Sarah Kilbourne
