Gear Garage Live Show

Whitewater Guidebook
  • 4.4 (8)
  • Wilderness
  • Updated Weekly

Zach rambles about all things whitewater with a focus on rafting

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Cobra Oar Locks & Undercut Rocks | Gear Garage Live Show

    Cobra Oar Locks & Undercut Rocks | Gear Garage Live Show This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage live show, where Zach covers whitewater rafting, river safety, gear, and answers viewer questions. In this episode, Zach discusses the dangers of undercut rocks and addresses a question about a 14-foot Star raft and calculating oar length. Episode Summary Zach begins the show by highlighting that this episode will focus on answering user questions and revisiting a video from Bedrock on the Grand Canyon. The main technical segment covers a question regarding undercut rocks and what happens when a swimmer encounters them. He notes that hazards like nasty ledge holes, weirs, trees, and sieves are also major concerns. To look at specific statistics, Zach pulls up the American Whitewater accident database to review trends regarding fatalities, highlighting that "flush drowning" represents about 19% of recorded fatalities. The second user question comes from a viewer who purchased a 14-foot PVC Star raft from NRS for $600 and wants to know if they wasted their money, alongside asking for the best oar length for a 66-inch wide boat. Zach reassures the viewer that $600 is an incredible price for a raft, making it a very smart financial choice even though PVC boats might not have the absolute best performance or last forever. Regarding oar length, Zach reiterates his standard formula: measure the exact distance between the oar locks and multiply by 1.63. Boaters can then add or subtract half a foot depending on personal preferences like tube size, height, or shoulder width. Key Questions and Discussion Points Topic: Undercut Rocks. What exactly happens when a person swims into an undercut rock, and can they get pinned like a boat? Topic: Boat Value. Is buying a $600 PVC Star raft directly from NRS a waste of money? Topic: Sizing Math. Does the overall width of a raft dictate your oar length, or does it strictly depend on the distance between the oar locks? Connect with Zach Instagram YouTube Zach Collier is the owner of Northwest Rafting Company and an International Rafting Federation Rafting Instructor. He has decades of river guiding and expedition experience across the American West and internationally, specializing in technical rowing and professional guide training.

    51 min

  2. May 20

    Elk River & Grand Canyon Footage | Gear Garage Live Show

    Elk River & Grand Canyon Footage | Gear Garage Live Show This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage live show, where Zach answers submitted questions and talks all things whitewater. In this episode, Zach recaps his recent experiences at Clackfest and shares advice for boaters exploring the technical coastal streams of Oregon. Episode Summary Zach kicks off the show with an enthusiastic review of the newly updated Clackfest, noting its recent shifts to a Friday start complete with product demos, educational classes, and a community gathering under a large event tent. Despite some heavy rain and unexpected weekend hailing, he highlights the exceptional participation across numerous multi-category river races. Zach expresses immense appreciation for the core team of volunteer planners, shuttle drivers, and gate judges who keep the historic whitewater festival running smoothly year after year. The main technical segment addresses a question from a boater who recently relocated to Port Orford. The viewer is looking to transition from a 14-foot Sotar down to a narrower 58-inch high-side paddle cataraft to navigate local coastal streams like the Elk River. Reviewing a blog post he wrote on the run, Zach confirms that a paddle cat is an exciting option, though he cautions boaters to watch out for meaty drops and unexpected river wood. He notes that the Elk River is completely rain-fed—meaning it is typically only runnable between November and April during select windows that might total around ten days a year. The episode wraps up with a look at historic Grand Canyon river footage, where Zach analyzes historical rowing techniques and compares modern high-performance setups with the traditional styles used in early western river running expeditions. Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode Events: Recapping the volunteer-run Clackfest updates and races. River Logistics: Reviewing the technical demands of Elk River kayaking and packrafting sections. Boat Choice: Discussing the agility of a paddle cataraft designs on narrow coastal creeks. Key Questions and Discussion Points Topic: Event Operations. What changes did the organizers implement to expand the festival schedule into Friday? Topic: Regional Boating. Is a 58-inch wide paddle cat suitable for handling the narrow gorges of the Elk River? Topic: Hydrology. How does the rain-fed nature of coastal streams limit the seasonal boating window in the Pacific Northwest? Connect with Zach Instagram YouTube Zach Collier is the owner of Northwest Rafting Company and an International Rafting Federation Rafting Instructor. He has decades of river guiding and expedition experience across the American West and internationally, specializing in technical rowing and professional guide training.

    46 min

  3. May 18

    Oar Length & Snowpack Update | Gear Garage Live Show

    Episode Summary Zach kicks off the episode by highlighting Clackfest, the Northwest's premier annual whitewater gathering. He notes that the festival has expanded its schedule with vendor booths, gear demos, and live music kicking off early, followed by a full schedule of multi-category river races on Saturday. The core technical discussion addresses a viewer planning a trip down Hell's Canyon who is expanding their setup with a 16-foot AIRE raft. The viewer asks about stretching an NRS Bighorn frame out to a 69-inch width, creating a 78-inch gap between the oar locks. Zach uses his standard sizing formula to calculate that this configuration requires a 10.5-foot oar. He strongly advises against mounting oar towers to the inner frame rails as a shortcut to use shorter oars, recommending instead that the viewer use temporary oar extensions on their existing 9.5-foot oars until they can purchase dedicated 10.5-foot oars. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the ultimate boats for tackling big, technical class V whitewater like the North Fork Payette. Zach names the 12.5-foot Sotar Legend as his absolute top choice due to its perfected design, placing the AIRE Wave Destroyer as a close second, while warning that models with excessive rocker tend to feel too twitchy in heavy water. Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode Events: Clackfest Whitewater Festival. Frame Gear: Configuring an NRS Bighorn frame for wide beam rafts. Oar Customization: Sizing formulas and using Sawyer MXG extensions. Cataraft Equipment: Heavy whitewater tubes from Sotar and AIRE. Key Questions and Discussion Points Topic: Event Schedule. How has the layout and timeline for Clackfest changed this year? Topic: Frame Geometry. Is it safe or effective to mount oar towers on an inner rail to use shorter shafts? Topic: Oar Modifications. What are the primary drawbacks of using mechanical oar extensions in high-consequence rapids? Topic: Technical Boats. Why does Zach prefer the Sotar Legend over highly-rockered alternatives for big drops? Connect with Zach Instagram YouTube Zach Collier is the owner of Northwest Rafting Company and an International Rafting Federation Rafting Instructor. He has decades of river guiding and expedition experience across the American West and internationally, specializing in technical rowing and professional guide training.

    22 min

  4. May 6

    Middle Fork of the Salmon Camps | Gear Garage Live Show

    This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage live show, where Zach answers submitted questions and talks shop on technical rafting. In this episode, Zach dives into the logistics of camp selection on the Middle Fork, discusses PFD innovations, and shares technical tips for raft maintenance. Episode Summary Zach starts the episode by highlighting the 40th anniversary of Clackamas River Festival and encouraging boaters to participate in the community races. The main technical discussion focuses on the Middle Fork of the Salmon, specifically how to navigate the camp lottery system and choose sites that accommodate larger groups and diverse frame setups. The conversation shifts to safety gear, where Zach reviews the new NRS Vector PFD. He provides an honest critique of its flotation profile and comfort for rowers. He also answers a detailed question about raft repair, specifically how to deal with delaminating floors and when it's time to retire a vintage boat versus performing a major patch job. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the value of subscribers for gear testing, explaining how a larger community allows him to get his hands on the newest equipment—like the NRS Vector—to provide unbiased reviews for the rafting public. Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode River Logistics: Planning for Middle Fork Salmon camps. Gear Reviews: The NRS Vector PFD and its design features. Maintenance: Using Stabond adhesive for structural raft repairs. Community: Participating in local whitewater festivals. Key Questions and Discussion Points Topic: Trip Planning. "How do I choose the best camps on the Middle Fork for a 12-person group?" Topic: PFD Design. "Is the NRS Vector a suitable replacement for the Zen or the Green Jacket?" Topic: Repair. "What is the best way to fix a 12-inch floor delamination on an old Hypalon boat?" Topic: Channel Growth. "How do gear companies decide which influencers get to test new equipment?" Connect with Zach Instagram YouTube Zach Collier is the owner of Northwest Rafting Company and an International Rafting Federation Rafting Instructor. He has decades of river guiding and expedition experience across the American West and internationally, specializing in technical rowing and professional guide training.

    50 min

  5. Apr 30

    Illinois River Flows & Avon Raft | Gear Garage Live Show

    This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage live show, where Zach answers submitted questions and talks all things whitewater. In this episode, Zach shares his excitement for the upcoming Clackfest and provides expert advice on identifying and maintaining vintage Avon rafts. Episode Summary Zach kicks off the show with an enthusiastic look at Clackfest, his favorite event of the year. This festival, now in its 40th year, is centered around the whitewater community and features twelve different types of races—ranging from R-II and R-IV rafting to SUP, kayak, and packraft events. Zach emphasizes that the Clackamas River Festival is more about community and fun than being "gnarly," making it a must-attend for boaters of all levels. The technical heart of the episode addresses a viewer's question about identifying an older Avon raft that is missing its serial number. Zach uses his extensive guiding experience to narrow down the model and age based on physical features. He identifies a 14-foot gray self-baler with two thwarts as likely being the Avon Adventure model. He also provides a guide for dating these Hypalon rafts by their color: darker gray typically indicates the 1980s to early 90s, while lighter gray suggests the mid-to-late 90s and 2000s. The episode concludes with practical maintenance advice for older rafts, specifically how to safely remove glued-on foot cups using solvents like toluene or mechanical means, and a brief mention of Zach's recent "rope breaking" tests to understand gear limits. Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode Events: Clackfest. Gear: Identifying vintage Avon Professional series rafts. Maintenance: Removing glued-on accessories from raft floors. Key Questions and Discussion Points Topic: Event Highlights. What makes Clackfest unique compared to other whitewater festivals? Topic: Boat Identification. How can you estimate the age of an Avon raft serial number without the tag? Topic: Raft Models. What are the primary differences between the Avon Adventure, Pro, and Super Pro models? Topic: Maintenance. What is the best way to remove old foot cups from a raft floor? Connect with Zach Instagram YouTube Zach Collier is the owner of Northwest Rafting Company and an International Rafting Federation Rafting Instructor. He has decades of river guiding and expedition experience across the American West and internationally, specializing in technical rowing and professional guide training.

    35 min

  6. Apr 23

    Counter-Weighted Oars, Packing a Trailer & 16' Serg | Gear Garage Live Show

    This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where Zach answers submitted questions and talks all things whitewater. In this episode, Zach dives into the mechanics of counter-weighted oars, trailer organization for long trips, and provides a detailed review of the 16-foot Sotar Serge. Episode Summary Zach opens the show discussing counter-weighted oars, explaining how adding weight to the handle side can significantly reduce rower fatigue on long multi-day trips. He breaks down the balance point physics and why a slightly "blade-heavy" setup is often preferred over a perfectly neutral one to ensure the blades stay in the water during powerful strokes. The conversation shifts to logistics with a segment on packing a gear trailer. Zach shares his "Tetris" philosophy for organizing rafts, frames, and dry boxes to prevent shifting during long mountain drives. He emphasizes the importance of weight distribution—keeping the heaviest items over the axle—and using high-quality cam straps instead of ratchets to protect fragile raft tubes. Finally, Zach reviews the WING Serge, a 16-foot raft known for its aggressive tracking and stability. He compares it to other "big water" boats, noting its unique diminishing tube design which allows it to punch through holes while maintaining the flotation needed for heavy gear hauls on rivers like the Main Salmon or the Grand Canyon. Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode Gear Setup: Counter-weighted oar handles and balance points. Logistics: Trailer packing tips for multi-day river expeditions. Raft Review: The 16' WING Serge and its performance characteristics. Safety: Using cam straps vs. ratchet straps for trailer transport. Some of the Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section Topic: Oar Balance. "Should I add lead shot to my oar handles if they feel too heavy in the blades?" Topic: Boat Comparison. "How does the Sotar Serge compare to a standard 16-foot AIRE raft?" Topic: Transport. "What is the best way to stack multiple rafts on a flatbed trailer?" Topic: Rowing Technique. "Do counter-weights make it harder to 'feel' the water during technical moves?" Connect with Zach Instagram YouTube Zach Collier is the owner of Northwest Rafting Company and an International Rafting Federation Rafting Instructor. He has decades of river guiding and expedition experience across the American West and internationally, specializing in technical rowing and professional guide training.

    54 min

  7. Apr 15

    Oars, Oars, Oars | Gear Garage Live Show

    Episode Summary Zach opens the show with a discussion on River Hardware, expressing his frustration with boaters who purchase substandard gear—often simply because they don't know better options exist. He explains that while high-quality gear may cost slightly more, it is significantly better in terms of performance and safety. The conversation highlights several items Zach has personally vetted and imported for his store, including WWTC throw bags from Hungary and Maurice Equipment throw bags from Chile. Zach also dives into the technical superiority of Rock Exotica pulleys, noting that many other "swiftwater" pulleys fail to effectively mind prusiks, especially when used with standard throw bag ropes. A major highlight of the episode is Zach’s advice on oar locks. He strongly advises against using NRS oar locks, arguing that their rigidity causes oars to snap. Instead, he recommends bronze oar locks from Sawyer, which provide enough "give" to allow an oar to pop out rather than break under extreme pressure. Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode Gear Spotlight: Rock Exotica pulleys and their technical advantages. Rescue Equipment: WWTC and Maurice Equipment throw bags. Technical Setup: Why Sawyer bronze oar locks are superior for protecting your oars. Key Questions and Discussion Points Topic: Gear Quality. Why is so much "standard" river gear considered substandard by professionals? Topic: Pulleys. What makes a pulley truly "prusik-minding" for river rescue? Topic: Oar Maintenance. Should you cut down oar shafts that are too long for your frame? Topic: PFD Accessories. The pros and cons of externally mounted knives vs. pocket folders. Connect with Zach Instagram YouTube Zach Collier is the owner of Northwest Rafting Company and an International Rafting Federation Rafting Instructor. He has decades of river guiding and expedition experience across the American West and internationally, specializing in technical rowing and professional guide training.

    34 min

  8. Apr 6

    Swiftwater Training, Oar Distance & WING Fabric | Gear Garage Live Show

    This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage live show, where Zach answers submitted questions and discusses technical rafting setups. In this episode, Zach covers everything from oar tower spacing to the nuances of Wing raft fabrics, and shares a pointed "white-water vs. swift-water" perspective on rescue training. Episode Summary Zach kicks off the show with a shout-out to GoRafting.com, highlighting their digital river maps that work through the Far Out app. He notes that while paper maps are traditional, the ability to have GPS-located camps, updated rapid descriptions, and photos directly on your phone is a game-changer for multi-day trips like the Grand Canyon or Middle Fork. A significant portion of the Q&A focuses on oar frame setup. Zach addresses the distance between oar towers, advising that your hands should be positioned similarly to a push-up stance for maximum rowing efficiency. He also clarifies his stance on Search and Rescue (SAR) training, explaining the difference between his expertise in "whitewater rescue" (focused on river guiding and recreational boating) and the more specialized "swiftwater rescue" used by first responders. The episode wraps up with a technical look at raft construction, specifically discussing the fabrics used by Wing. Zach answers questions about the durability and repairability of different materials, helping boaters understand what to look for when choosing a high-performance raft. Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode Sponsor: GoRafting.com digital river guides. Training: Northwest Rafting Company's online rowing and rescue schools. Technical Gear: Oar tower spacing and leverage ratios. Raft Brands: Wing Rafts and fabric specifications. Key Questions from the Episode Topic: Training. "What curriculum should a Search and Rescue unit focus on for basic swiftwater awareness?" Topic: Digital Maps. "Do digital maps like GoRafting have information that traditional paper guides miss?" Topic: Oar Setup. "How far apart should my oar towers be for effective rowing?" Topic: Raft Fabric. "What makes Wing fabrics different from other manufacturers?" Connect with Zach Instagram YouTube Zach Collier is the owner of Northwest Rafting Company and an International Rafting Federation Rafting Instructor. He has decades of river guiding and expedition experience across the American West and internationally, specializing in technical rowing and professional guide training.

    27 min

  9. Mar 24

    Rescue PFD & Spring Rivers | Gear Garage Live Show

    This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where Zach answers submitted questions and talks all things whitewater. In this episode, Zach addresses the necessity of rescue harnesses on PFDs for rafters and highlights new online training opportunities for rowing and rescue skills. Episode Summary Zach begins the show by highlighting his online rowing and rescue schools. These courses are designed to provide foundational knowledge that can be difficult to find in a structured format elsewhere. While video training can never replace real time on the oars, these lessons—ranging from basic rowing to advanced class IV and V skills—offer a comprehensive and organized resource for boaters at all levels. The main topic of the episode centers on rescue harnesses (quick-release belts) on PFDs. Following up on a previous discussion, Zach shares a viewer's comment about why many boaters wear rescue PFDs despite having little use for the actual harness. The consensus is that the highest quality materials, most durable fabrics, and most functional pockets are often only found on "rescue" models like the Astral Green Jacket. Zach compares these to non-rescue versions, such as the Astral Bowen (formerly the Blue Jacket), noting that the latter often features thinner, less durable mesh fabrics. Zach advocates for manufacturers to offer high-quality, "pro-level" PFDs that include the best pockets and materials without the added weight and complexity of a rescue harness, which he feels can sometimes be a negative for dedicated rafters. Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode Training: Online Rowing School and Foundations of Whitewater Rescue. Gear: Comparing the Astral Green Jacket and the Astral Bowen. Safety: The debate over rescue harnesses for private rafters. Key Discussion Points from this Episode Topic: Training. Why should boaters consider online rescue and rowing courses? Topic: PFD Design. Why are the best pockets and materials restricted to rescue PFDs? Topic: Rescue Harnesses. Is the added weight and complexity of a rescue belt worth it for a rafter? Topic: Gear Comparisons. What are the primary differences between "pro" and "standard" PFD models? Connect with Zach Instagram YouTube Zach Collier is the owner of Northwest Rafting Company and an International Rafting Federation Rafting Instructor. He has decades of river guiding and expedition experience across the American West and internationally, specializing in technical rowing and professional guide training.

    25 min

  10. Mar 17

    Knots, Gear & Oar Length | Gear Garage Live Show

    This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where Zach talks shop on technical rafting setups and river safety. In this episode, Zach dives into the math behind oar length, the essential knots every boater must know, and a controversial "rant" about the dangers of rescue harnesses for most private boaters. Episode Summary Zach starts the episode with a technical deep dive into oar length. He explains that choosing the right oar isn't just about the width of the boat, but about the "leverage ratio" between the inboard and outboard sections. He provides a specific formula to help boaters find their "sweet spot" to avoid fatigue and shoulder injury while maintaining power in heavy water. The conversation shifts to essential skills, specifically knots. Zach identifies the few critical knots that solve 99% of river problems, emphasizing the Bowline, the Figure 8 series, and the Taut-line hitch. He argues that mastery of a few versatile knots is far superior to having a shallow understanding of many. The episode concludes with a serious safety discussion regarding rescue harnesses (quick-release belts) on PFDs. Zach shares his concern that many boaters wear them without ever practicing "live bait" rescues, effectively carrying a "loaded gun" on their chest. He challenges the industry to reconsider if these tools belong in the hands of anyone without professional-level training and constant practice. Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode Technical Skills: Essential knots for rafting and rowing. Gear Setup: Calculating oar length leverage ratios. Safety Controversy: The pros and cons of PFD rescue harnesses. Some of the Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section Topic: Oar Length. "How do I know if my oars are too long or too short for my frame width?" Topic: Knots. "What is the best knot for tying a raft to a trailer or a tree?" Topic: PFD Features. "Should I buy a rescue vest even if I haven't taken a swiftwater course?" Topic: Frame Setup. "Does oar tower height affect the leverage of my rowing stroke?" Zach’s Key Takeaways The 1:2 Leverage Rule: Aim for a leverage ratio where your inboard length is roughly half of your outboard length to maximize efficiency. Practice the Release: If you wear a rescue harness, you must practice pulling the toggle under tension; otherwise, it’s a liability, not a safety tool. Knot Mastery: If you can't tie a Bowline behind your back or in the dark, you don't know it well enough yet for a high-stress river rescue. Connect with Zach Instagram YouTube Zach Collier is the owner of Northwest Rafting Company and an International Rafting Federation Rafting Instructor. He has decades of river guiding and expedition experience across the American West and internationally, specializing in technical rowing and professional guide training.

    51 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Zach rambles about all things whitewater with a focus on rafting

Information

  • Creator
    Whitewater Guidebook
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Whitewater Guidebook
  • Show Website
    Gear Garage Live Show

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