Gear Garage Live Show Whitewater Guidebook

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 this episode

Better Mounts Raft Frames
Middle Fork Flow Page

Some of the Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section of this episode
Topic: Middle Fork
My friend has a June 18 Middle Fork permit. I’m wondering if you have any info, words of wisdom, videos, etc. , about Hell’s Half/Velvet, or whatever is down there now. Are rafts getting through? portaging? class V move? walk in the park by then? I’d love to give him a little heads up of some sort.

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater. Today we have special guest Zac Kauffman from Sawyer Paddles and Oars

Topics and links that Zach talked about this episode

GoRafting.com
Guides Across America

Some of the Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section of this episode
Topic: Lower Owyhee
Do you think the lower Owyhee will stay over 1000 CSF
through June 3rd? How much have you seen it drop in a day this late in the season?
Planning a 4 day trip May 31st to June 3rd.
I really enjoy the show! Thank you!
Topic: Middle Fork
I was wondering if you are planning on getting some video of the problem areas on the Middle Fork? Our group launches June 16 and we are trying to make the decision to fly in or do the top section. I know the river well…but not this year because of all the changes. I appreciate any info.
Topic: Rogue Flows
What are the rapids on the Rogue like at 3,000 CFS? We have a trip launching this Thursday and would love to know what you all are seeing out there.

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 this episode

Astral Sale

Some of the Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section of this episode
Topic: Boating Partners
I really enjoy your videos and learn a lot. I am 74 years old and just getting into whitewater. how do I find others to run rivers with?
I am not 20 or 30 something, and that seems who most of the whitewater people are. Should I just accept that I am too old and forget about it?
How do I find others who are interested in running whitewater? I live an hour north of San Francisco in California.
Topic: Raft Width
What's the noticeable pros and cons of a 6'6" wide 14' raft vs. a 7' wide 14' raft? both with 20" tubes.
I've read the narrower boat is more nimble and the wider boat is more stable.
Aside from cargo room, are the differences in performance really that significant?
Topic: Bhutan Private Trip
A quick Google of “whitewater Bhutan” brings me to your website I see you’ve run trips there in the past.
Some friends and I are planning a private packrafting trip to the country and hope to combine a multiday hike with multiple days on a river with some tourism either side.
I’m wondering if you’d be able to offer any advice on getting through the heavy tourism regulations in the country to get such a trip off the ground.
Hope you can help
Topic: Micro Prusik
I've been talking to some friends about how to solve for the prusik slips when using thin ropes in mountaineering and when building them off throw bag lines.
This small company in Seattle got recommended to me. I haven't given it a go yet, but I thought you might be interested in it. I'm hoping it solves for the diameter issue and avoid the slip.

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 this episode

New Fliplines
Palm PFD
Throwbags Restocked

Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section of this episode
Topic: Z-Drag Attachments
As a novice boater I've been doing a lot of homework on z-drag techniques. Then, pulling on a boat with a z-drag, there is a lot of emphasis on dispersing the tension across multiple d-rings to not pop one off. No one mentions attaching the ropes directly to the raft frame. Why would this be a bad idea, or is it?
Topic: Amazon Seat Update?
Zach, you mentioned you bought the Amazon tractor seat as a potential NRS replacement. Have you used it and do you have any feedback on it?
Topic: Transportation Hitch
The transportation hitch then pulling a vector creates far more mechanical advantage than a z-drag, and much simpler.

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 this episode

Astral Indus

Some of the Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section of this episode
Topic: Oar Length
My NRS Bighorn frame is 68" wide. What length should I have my oars at?
Answer: Measure the distance between your oar locks, and multiply by 1.63, and that's a great starting point.
Topic: Underside Handles
I have heard you describe and discuss the use of handles or straps on the under side of boats to aid in getting on an upturned raft.
What do you think is the best way of doing this? Glued handles? Straps that run around the floor?

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 this episode

Non-Locking Carabiners
GoRafting.com
Astral Indus
Subscribe to Private Whitewater

Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section of this episode
Topic: Sotar Rogue Series
What are the benefits of having a Sotar Rogue vs a paddle cat kind of boat. Also do you think it would be comparable to the Aire Mammoth?.
Topic: SUP Beta
I read your article on doing the John Day on a SUP. I have a self-supported SUP trip planned for May 7-11 there but from Thirtymile to Cottonwood. Do you recall the CFS flow when you did it? I am looking at the Service Creek gauge at 6700 currently.
Let me know any intel or thoughts. Thanks much!