This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater. On this Friday night Gear Garage Live, Zach digs into a full batch of viewer questions about gear, boats, and how much stuff you really need to drag down the river. From minimalist multi-day setups to the realities of owning a dory, this one is all about making smarter, simpler choices on and off the water. He also shares some honest opinions on helmets, packrafts, and winter runs in Oregon and Washington, plus a behind-the-scenes look at why show notes and transcripts aren’t as simple as they sound. In this episode Finding the “sweet spot” between comfort and overloading your multi-day raft, including Zach’s minimalist kit (one dry bag, small tent, simple pad, limited shoes). Why some private trips feel like moving a small furniture store down the river—cots, giant Paco pads, huge chairs—and how that affects your ability to actually enjoy camp. Packrafts vs hardshell kayaks: when a packraft makes sense (hike-ins, big portages, exploratory creeks) and why Zach thinks using one on drive-up runs or the Grand Canyon doesn’t really add up. Thoughts on modern packraft designs like kayak-shaped boats and why he’s loved ultra-light decked inflatables in the past. Helmet talk: concerns about NRS/WRSI-style buckets, broken adjusters in far-flung places, the Virginia Tech ratings, and why—if it fits—Zach leans toward Sweet Protection lids. Wetsuit separates and safety: real incidents where wetsuit pants or shorts slid down and trapped swimmers, and what you can do (tight drawstrings, good fit, secure shorts) to avoid that hazard. Winter day-trip ideas for private boaters around Salem and the greater Oregon/Washington region, with pointers to the Whitewater Guidebook and cataraft progression articles. Dories and McKenzie drift boats for rivers like the Rogue, Owyhee, and Lower Deschutes—storage, trailers, group dynamics, rock hits, wrapping, and why rafts are so forgiving by comparison. How Zach currently handles podcast pages and show notes, and why fully detailed transcripts for every live show are a heavy lift for a “for-fun” project. Gear & Rivers Mentioned Multi-day camping kits: dry bags, pads, cots, chairs, tents, and shoe strategies for guides and private boaters. Packrafts and light decked inflatables for hike-in missions and portage-heavy runs. Helmet options for big heads, including NRS/WRSI-style helmets and Sweet Protection models. Cold-weather layering with wetsuit pants and tops vs going straight to a drysuit. Oregon & Washington winter runs, including classics like the Rogue River and other regional staples highlighted on Whitewater Guidebook. Dories vs McKenzie drift boats vs rafts for rocky, shallow Northwest rivers and big-water classics. Resources Whitewater Guidebook – Zach’s write-ups on Oregon, Washington, and California runs, plus rowing progression articles. Rogue River – Multi-day staple that comes up often in discussions of winter boating and dories/drift boats. Guidebooks like “Soggy Sneakers” and “Paddling/Kayaking Oregon” for more winter run ideas around Salem and beyond. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re bringing way too much stuff, if a dory is really the next boat you need, or how worried to be about your wetsuit pants, this episode is for you.

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater. Intro In this episode of the Gear Garage Live Show, Zach checks in from Bangkok on his way to Bhutan and dives into winter rafting on the Rogue River, dialing in oar length for wide boats, and how to think about whitewater rescue courses. He also shares thoughts on oar tethers and how they can help keep you in the boat when things get spicy. Episode Summary Zach starts with a behind-the-scenes look at NWRC’s Bhutan cultural and paddling trips, then answers questions about late-fall and winter rafting on the Rogue River. He walks through his oar length equation (distance between oarlocks × 1.63) using a Highside Pro-XT and Sawyer MX-LG oars as a real-world example, and explains why frame width and seat height matter as much as the math. The conversation wraps with custom oar tethers, the Oar Snubber concept, and why “whitewater rescue” for boaters is different from traditional “swiftwater rescue” for first responders. Highlights Bhutan trips overview: nine-day hotel-based itineraries, three efficient half-day rafting runs, and a more expedition-style option with a three-day overnight through a national park. Why the Rogue is such a great late-November and winter river, and why Zach often suggests Grave Creek to Foster Bar for shorter, colder days. Winter rafting essentials: drysuit vs wetsuit, layering for comfort, and campsite systems with solid tents, tarps, and legal campfires. Deep dive on oar length: how Zach derived the 1.63 oar length multiplier, why many frames push people toward oars that are too short, and why 12' oars are rarely practical. Frame design critique for wide boats like the Highside Pro-XT—high captain’s chairs, wide towers, and how they affect rowing geometry and leverage. Custom oar tether solutions, including Larry’s strap-based system and the Oar Snubber bungee idea to keep oars engaged and rowers in the boat. Whitewater vs swiftwater rescue: why boaters benefit more from river-running focused “whitewater rescue” courses taught by experienced guides and private boaters. Gear Mentioned Highside Pro-XT 16' raft and recommended frames. Sawyer MX-LG oars (11'–12' discussion and limitations). Dry suits, wetsuits, fleece layers, and cold-weather river footwear. Three-season tents, tarps, and fire setups for wet, cold camps. RMR Fat Cat with oar frame and custom oar tethers. Oar Snubber-style bungee tether concepts for keeping oars in play. Related Resources Rogue River – NWRC’s overview of the Rogue and trip options. Rogue River Guide – rapid descriptions, logistics, and flows. Wrap-Up Thanks for hanging out for another Gear Garage Live session. If you’re dreaming about winter on the Rogue, dialing in your oar length, or maybe heading to Bhutan, this episode will help you think through safety, comfort, and boat setup so you can enjoy the river season all year long. Connect with Us Catch every new episode of the Gear Garage Live Show by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform. For rafting trips, guide training, and expert resources, visit Northwest Rafting Company and the Whitewater Guidebook. Hosted by Zach Collier | Produced by Northwest Rafting Company

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater. In this episode of the Gear Garage Live Show, Zach dives into rescue education for both guides and private boaters, explores the world of hard-to-find pins and clips, and answers questions about rowing progression when you don’t live near a river. He also shares thoughts on Rally Crew, community-building, and how to keep learning after a Class III rowing school. Episode Summary Zach opens with a look at NWRC’s expanded rescue curriculum, including the Rescue 3 Whitewater Rescue Technician course for guides and the Class III Safety & Rescue Clinics designed specifically for private boaters. From there, the show slides into a deep gear rabbit hole—comparing old-school Klaviy-style pins and clips, discussing DIY stirrup options, and talking through why certain sleeves just don’t cut it. The episode wraps with progression advice for boaters in gear-limited states, plus new ways to connect with paddlers through Rally Crew and regional instructors. Highlights The difference between guide-focused WRT courses and private-boater rescue clinics—and why prevention is at the core of whitewater rescue. One-day “à la carte” rescue workshops covering mechanical advantage, entrapments, throwbag skills, and swim practice. What to know about pins and clips, why Zach prefers ball-style tops, and why floppy stirrups are a liability. DIY stirrup options (cutting from old kayaks, 3D-printed end caps) and why a well-sized hard stirrup matters. Progression advice when you don’t have a local river: boat ownership, travel, repeat courses, and finding community. Where to find instruction outside the West Coast—including Canyon River Instruction and Daniel Stillman's new Wolf Creek Whitewater program. Gear Mentioned Pins & clips (ball-top and rubber-cap styles), stirrups, PVC sleeves, and Oar Snubber. NRS oar towers, sleeves, and why Zach often avoids stock plastic options. Boat choices for progression: 13' rafts for day trips or 16' boats for full overnight setups. Related Resources Whitewater Guidebook – Ask a question, river beta, and rescue articles. NWRC Rescue Courses – Guide WRT Pro and Class III Safety & Rescue Clinics. NWRC – Rowing School details and upcoming workshops. Wrap-Up Thanks for tuning in! Whether you’re hunting for rare pins and clips, exploring new rescue education, or figuring out how to keep progressing without a local river, this episode offers practical next steps for safer, more confident boating. Connect with Us Catch every new episode of the Gear Garage Live Show by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform. For rafting trips, guide training, and expert resources, visit Northwest Rafting Company and the Whitewater Guidebook. Hosted by Zach Collier | Produced by Northwest Rafting Company

The Professional River Guide Series is a video series featuring conversations with seasoned river professionals, aimed at continuing education for professional working river guides. From whitewater safety and rigging tips to leadership, river history, and guiding philosophy, we dive into the knowledge that makes great guides even better. Whether you're gearing up for your first season or have decades on the water, these talks will keep your skills sharp and your stoke high. Today's discussion is with Zach Collier, Aaron Cavagnolo and Mark Hirst. Take the "Best Practice" questionnaire yourself HERE

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater. In this episode of the Gear Garage Live Show, Zach digs into the growing focus on whitewater rescue training for rafters, breaks down a viewer’s Cherry Creek catboat run, and answers questions about beaver boards, dance floors, and GoPro mounting. Along the way, he explains why different boating communities need different rescue curricula and shares practical tips for setting up a gear-friendly frame system. Episode Summary Zach opens with a deep dive into the difference between traditional “swiftwater rescue” for first responders and the type of whitewater rescue that rafters, guides, and private boaters actually need. He explains how NWRC is separating guide-focused Rescue 3 courses from private-boater Class III Safety & Rescue Clinics to deliver better outcomes. The episode then shifts into a catboat video review from California’s Cherry Creek—highlighting oar shipping, downstream hazards, and why catboats can be both forgiving and deceptive. Additional questions touch on beaver board construction, marine-grade plywood, handling sketchy rescue situations, and Rivtech-style experimental raft designs. Highlights Why mixing guides, firefighters, agency staff, and private boaters into one rescue course produces poor outcomes. How NWRC differentiates whitewater rescue for guides vs private boaters—and why prevention is the heart of safety. Cherry Creek breakdown: oar shipping, Miracle Mile timing, risky swim lines, and where catboats forgive bad angles. How Zach mounts his GoPro using a SUP paddle and handlebar clamp for stable rafting shots. Beaver boards and dance floors: marine-grade plywood, alternatives, and why regular plywood works for most private boaters. Evaluating Rivtech-style rafts and other “bathtub” hull experiments in modern whitewater design. Gear Mentioned SUP paddles and GoPro handlebar mounts. Marine-grade and standard plywood for beaver boards. Pins and clips, oar rights, and catboat frame setups. Experimental hulls like Rivtech drop-stitch rafts. Related Resources NWRC Rescue Courses – Whitewater rescue for guides and private boaters. Whitewater Guidebook – Submit questions, find river beta, and explore safety articles. Wrap-Up Thanks for tuning in! Whether you’re curious about rescue training, working on your frame setup, or studying lines on Cherry Creek, this episode offers practical insight to help you stay safer and sharper on the river. Connect with Us Catch every new episode of the Gear Garage Live Show by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform. For rafting trips, guide training, and expert resources, visit Northwest Rafting Company and the Whitewater Guidebook.

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater. In this Gear Garage Live Show, Zach shares why he’s all-in on boater-focused rescue courses, breaks down low-water Middle Fork and Main Salmon decisions, and digs into the science of oar length and boat setup. Along the way he talks about gear minimalism, clean water systems, and choosing the right raft for Northwest rivers and overnight trips. Episode Summary This episode starts with an update on Zach’s new rescue courses designed specifically for whitewater rafters and kayakers, from private boater classes on the Clackamas to professional guide trainings on the Hood River. He reviews the film “Just Get a Kayak,” then answers detailed questions on deadheading the Middle Fork Salmon at low water, IKs on the upper miles, and how to balance group comfort with light boats. Zach also covers pushing vs pulling heavy rigs, choosing raft sizes for runs like the Clackamas, White Salmon, and Wind, and explains his go-to oar length formula so boaters can avoid expensive guesswork. Highlights Why Zach built separate rescue curriculums for private boaters and professional guides, and what those courses look like on the Clackamas and Hood River. Thoughts on the “Just Get a Kayak” film and why authentic river storytelling beats self-promo edits. Middle Fork Salmon low-water strategy: deadheading, respecting the trip leader, and packing light for the top miles. When to push vs pull in shallow technical rapids, how tracking changes with heavy gear boats, and why it’s so situational. Balancing creature comforts vs work: why Zach leaves chairs and extra shoes at home to keep boats light and camp simple. Oar length made simple: distance between oarlocks × 1.63 (± 0.5 ft), plus frame width, tower height, and seat position mistakes to avoid. Gear Mentioned Rescue gear for boaters (throw bags, swim practice, flip drills, foot entrapment scenarios). Rafts for Northwest classics: ~14–15 ft rafts from brands like Wing, SOTAR, Avon, and NRS for rivers such as the Clackamas, White Salmon, and Wind. Oars and frames: 9–10 ft oars for 13–14 ft boats, double-rail frames, proper oar tower height (8–9") and avoiding oversized captain’s chairs. Clean water systems: traditional water jugs treated with Aqua Mira versus newer pressurized filters like the LifeStraw 5-gallon system. Sleeping systems: Therm-a-Rest style pads vs bulkier paco pads and why going light keeps trips easier. Related Resources Rogue River – Classic multi-day trip for refining rescue and rowing skills. Rogue River Guide – Rapid descriptions, permits, and trip planning info. Northwest Rafting Company Trips – Commercial trips and instructional courses with NWRC. Whitewater Guidebook – River beta and resources for private boaters. Wrap-Up Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Gear Garage Live Show. Whether you’re eyeing a Middle Fork Salmon low-water trip, rethinking your gear load, or trying to finally solve the oar length puzzle, Zach hopes this helps you make smarter, safer choices on the river. Connect with Us Catch every new episode of the Gear Garage Live Show by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform. For rafting trips, guide training, and expert resources, visit Northwest Rafting Company and the Whitewater Guidebook. Hosted by Zach Collier | Produced by Northwest Rafting Company

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater. Today's Show! Answer Questions River Hardware Flip Line Some of the Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section of this episode Topic: Secure Backrest Help! I can get my backrest setup properly on a 4-bay oar frame on a 16er. We have Watershed Colorado Bags. The front bay has a table across it with the paco pads on top. No matter what I try they don’t stay in place. They tend to slide back, interfering with the rower.

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater. Today's Show! Answer Questions Some of the Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section of this episode Topic: Safety Coverage Canyon section of the South Fork Payette at 4900cfs (Summer). Commercial trip with one raft (2 guides, 5 customers) and one safety kayak. No other boats on the river. Is that an adequate safety setup? Topic: Tiny Rafts This may be a random question, but I have been watching your videos for quite some time now and love the magnetic small rafts you use in your videos. I have been looking all over for them and have come up short. Did you make them / have them 3d printed? Or did you purchase them somewhere? Thank you for all you do for the whitewater community. Topic: Rowing School Prep Been down the Lower Rogue many times over the last 20 years, but mostly in IKs or on the front of someone else's boat. I've had a 14ft Sotar for a few years know and have rowed on the Upper and the Owyhee, but not the lower. I've enrolled for the Class III Rowing School starting Aug 26th, but my buddies asked if I would be the 2nd boat on a raft supported hike trip Aug 3-7. My original plan was to row with y'all before putting that burden on any other boater. However, my skills are getting there (oar shipping, reading water, downstream ferrying) and I wonder if I should help these guys out, plus it'll give me some prep before Rowing School. Should I hit Galice to Graves a bunch to practice technical lines in Argo, or what would you advise? Topic: Stern Mount Frame Specs Hi Zach! Josh from Chattooga here. I came across Gear Garage episode 155 on stern mount frames. I like the last frame you demonstrated, the slant board design that can be mounted center or stern. We paddle guide here but I enjoy rowing in my free time. I plan to build a custom frame for a 13' or 14' raft and was wondering if you can pass along the specs for that frame. Any tips or drawings would be super helpful. I'm pretty tall like you and I think it would suit me and the raft perfectly. There's a local welder's shop that I'll be taking the design to. Thanks in advance. Have a great day!

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater. Today's Show! Public Lands Answer Questions Ecuador Courses Some of the Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section of this episode Topic: Boat Spacing What is considered good boat spacing in low water runs when giving space for crux moves. Is it the same in high-water crux moves? Topic: September MF Hey Zach, big fan of the channel! My friend has a permit for the Middle Fork of the Salmon on September 3rd, and I’m wondering—what do you think the river will be like around then? Would love to hear your thoughts.