Michael Hughes
Recent Posts from Michael
New Gear Coming in 2021
Well 2020 is coming to an end. So that means new year and new gear! Here is just a quick look at some of the news gear you will see on the river is the coming year. Immersion Research Shittens If you were to combine a palm less sun glove and a cold weather poggie you get Immersion Research's new Shitten. This is an excellent, less bulky, and pretty warm option...
Pro Tips: Types of Whitewater Rafts
There are a handful of different types of whitewater rafts around the world. Some have been around for decades while others are the latest and greatest. Paddle Boats This is what most people imagine when they think about whitewater rafting. A paddle boat often has 4-8 people paddling while a guide steers and calls out commands. Most paddle rafts are in the 14' - 16' range. They are great for class...
Pro Tip: Fixing A Broken Paddle Blade
I have used the same Werner paddle since I started kayaking about 7 years ago. My beloved Werner Player has been with me all over the west, been lost once, and continues to get me on great surf waves. Last week I got a little aggressive backing out of my driveway and found one of the blades under the front tire. While being devastated it presented an opportunity for this blog....
Dutch Oven Lasagna Recipe
Dutch oven cooking impresses pretty much anyone. Present a perfectly baked lasagna to a group and you increase your chances of being invited back. Shopping List This shopping list is for a lasagna that will feed about 5 people. 2 - Boxes lasagna noodles - I like the no-boil noodles 4 - 15oz jars tomato Sauce 1 - 6oz jar Tomato Paste 1 - Onion 1 - Pepper 1 - Box...
Voltaic Systems 10W Solar Charger
River trips area great time to get away from your busy day to day life, get away from screens, and enjoy the outdoors. However, it sure is nice to be able to keep your camera, headlamp, camp lights, or even small speaker charged to enhance you outdoor experience. Solar chargers have become a cost affective way to keep some of your electronic needs going. There are a handful of different companies...
Pro Tip: Hatch Covers
I have thought about the perfect raft set up for many years. While it has been a slow process I am nearing the end to piecing together my perfect build. I have a 4-bay frame by Down River Equipment on a 15' SOTAR. The front two bays have drop bags from Wet Dream River Supply. This is where most of the gear (roll table, chairs, rocket boxes, et cetera) goes with...
Pro Trip: Urethane Repair
Many people often ask how long a raft will last. That is a pretty complex question with many variables. However, not matter the material, a raft that is taken care of will last a long time. Urethane rafts are often looked at as the most durable choice, but can be difficult to repair. Wear from frames, straps, and ropes can leave thing spots in the material that can become big problems....
Pro Tip: Homemade Hand Wash Station
Hand washing has always been important. It is especially important on extended wilderness trips to prevent passing the "stomach bug" to your fellow adventurers. So remember, wash your hands often, for 20 seconds, and when it doubt, wash 'em again. What You Need: Braided PVC tubbing - 1/4 inner diameter, about 9' High out-put primer bulb Small hose clamp - 2 1" spring clamp Buckets: three and five gallon Copper tubing...
Pro Tip: Wooden Oar Maintenance pt. 1
Wood has been used to makes oars for about 7,500 years. Through the decades material choice has shifted a bit more to composite materials. However, a nice set of wooden oars will give you loads of style points on the river while lasting a long time. While they are not maintenance free a little love and attention will keep your oars in great shape. Tools Metal scraper Sander Sandpaper - 60,...
Pro Tip: Wooden Oar Maintenance pt. 2
This is the second part of my adventure into refinishing a couple of oars. If you didn't see the first part, check it out here. These oars have a fiberglass finish on the blades but they were showing. Some of the fiberglass had cracked causing the wood underneath to deteriorate. So I decided to patch the holes and add an additional fiberglass layer. Please keep in mind I am not a...
