Roll Call Alaska 2016

SteveAE wrote:
outwestbound and others who might be interested;
Get a packraft (for Alaska water, you may want a dry suit if you are in a packraft).
Small, lightweight, boats that you can backpack or bikepack with.
Probably the most versatile water craft I know of.....and I have many (canoes, kayaks, and rafts).
Regarding your skill set, take a couple classes (lots of opportunities in the SE US) in any type of craft. Yes, you can learn on your own, but the learning curve will be so much faster in a class. The most important skills (river reading) are interchangeable with any craft. And, if we do hook up, and you have the right gear for the river, we can teach you everything you need to know (we are instructors).
Also, look into the Yukon R. system. The Yukon alone is a great (easy) trip (and there is a thrice weekly bus between Whitehorse and Dawson City), besides many tributaries (Teslin, Pelly, Big Salmon) that might appeal to you.
Lastly (for now), if you are not highly experienced, please don't undertake a river trip alone and always wear (not sit on) your PFD.

Thanks. Good info. I'm definitely into life safety and preparation, so I'll look into river training. Before heading out west early last year, I completed the WFR certification at Solo Southeast's facility at Nantahala Outdoor Center in North Carolina on the Nantahala River in North Carolina. I went down the river with a raft full of guides getting certifications, so I know enough to know that I don't know much! Dry suit is a given for a Florida boy!!!

Thanks again.