by Whitewater Guidebook
Zach rambles about all things whitewater with a focus on rafting
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Publishing Since
1/16/2024
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April 25, 2025
This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater. Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode Answer Questions Middle Fork Trip Planning Blog Some of the Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section of this episode Topic: Oar Length (For a Specific Situation) What’s the best oar length for running Class II rapids in a 15'6" long Stryker inflatable boat? The boat has a 60-inch span, a 6'2" wide beam, and a 160-pound outboard motor on the stern. I plan to use it occasionally as a drift boat. For longer, deeper, easy-going sections, I’ll use the motor to go back upstream and re-fish, or to get through slow, deep, unfishable water. Thanks! Topic: IK for Extended Trips I've been using an Aquaglide touring IK for Class III/IV trips—our last was on the Lower Salmon—and after spending days sitting in water, I know it’s time for an upgrade. I recently picked up a Star Outlaw II for my son, but so far it's only seen flatwater. We’ve got some whitewater trips planned for June and July, and I’d love some advice for my new IK. I’m super torn between a few options. In order of interest: Star Outlaw II — I like the 5 chambers, drop-stitch floor, and the price point, plus the reviews are solid. But I hate the lack of anchor points for gear—had to glue some on for my son. AIRE Outfitter II — Tons of great reviews, nice bow kick, and it has good gear loops. But it's pricey, and I’m worried I’ll be sitting in water again with that floor. AIRE Lynx II — Same pros and cons as the Outfitter. Corran Tandem — I like that it handles big water, but I think I’d hate it on flatwater. RMR Taylor vs Animas — The price is right and what I’ve found so far is positive, but reviews are way fewer compared to NRS stuff. I’m 6’2”, around 300 lbs (currently cutting weight), and I need an IK that can support me on a 5-night trip. Also curious about the NRS Riffle—it looks durable and capable.
April 16, 2025
This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater. Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode GoRafting.com Maps Answer Questions May 4th Illinois Trip Today's Questions: Topic: Raft Pressure I’d love to hear your thoughts on air pressure for rafts. How do you know when it’s right? What do you think about those digital air pressure caps, like the TRiB brand ones NRS sells? I know you should let some air out when driving over mountain passes or when the boat's sitting in the sun to prevent blowouts. But other than that, how important is it to get the air pressure just right on the water? Thanks, and keep up the good work! Topic: Tech Support Hi Zach! Love the show, great content! I’m filming our Main Salmon trip this year with a GoPro. What do you use—or what have you heard of—to merge and edit GoPro clips into one seamless video with text and music? I need something old-guy friendly, since I’m not super tech-savvy. Got any tips or tricks you’ve learned from your own experience? Thanks! Topic: Dish Bucket Water Love the show, thank you for keeping this up. I always look forward to the Tuesday show and any other reviews, testing or other topics you cover. For getting rid of dish water, different rivers have different rules. My understanding is that for high-volume rivers, it's better to dispose of strained dishwater into the river. For smaller rivers (Smith, MFS), you're supposed to disperse the water above the high water line and away from camp. For low use camps, I guess this could make sense, that eventually the rain will do it's thing and it'll soak into the ground. For desert trips or popular camps, this just seems like a recipe for attracting pests. Even if you could strain every bit of food, there's still going to be oils and dissolved sugars which will get tossed on the ground. Maybe my concept of how much oil/sugar/small stuff gets left behind is wrong. I'm assuming these rules have science/research behind them. Any thoughts or ideas on this?
April 9, 2025
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! Ask a question on the next live show Spring Rogue Rowing School Some of the Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section of this episode Topic: River Hazards I can’t really immediately see a sieve on the river or most of the time from river side either or on videos really. I get it when it’s pointed out. Same with undercuts . I see them when it’s pointed out and understand but it’s not always obvious to me even after the fact. Makes me nervous . Don’t want to be overly paranoid but need to know for safety sake. What’s your process of identifying these kinds of hazards when you’re scouting? Happy boating and stay safe out there. Topic: PFD knife storage Can a sheath knife be fitted Inside the exterior knife pocket on a pfd? (eg the Palm Nevis, Astral Indus) As to my mind this is the optimal kayak set up. Instant deployment, no snag hazard. Topic: Permits and Bots With as difficult as it to obtain coveted river permits, I struggle with what’s fair or not fair with regards to obtaining a permit with the help of a bot. Do you have any thoughts or feedback on using bots to secure river permits?
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