Episode Summary

Zach kicks off the episode by introducing a brand-new prototype throw bag from Sockdolager Equipment, designed specifically with thoughtful modifications for packrafters and rafters alike. He highlights how active community involvement and viewer subscriptions help him collaborate with gear manufacturers to test and refine specialized safety equipment before it hits the open market.

The core discussion centers around a detailed question from a viewer planning a multi-day raft setup for themselves, their spouse, and two dogs. The viewer asks for a critique of a custom 15-foot Sotar ST raft featuring 22-inch oversized tubes. Zach breaks down the geometric tradeoffs of this configuration, explaining that while larger tubes significantly increase stability and reduce wrap or flip risks, they sacrifice critical interior cargo space. He ultimately advises the viewer to look at the 16-foot Wing Surge or a standard 16-foot Sotar design, sharing his long-held belief that 16-foot boats are the ideal sweet spot for private multi-day boaters to prevent getting hung up in low-water rock gardens.

The episode wraps up with a robust safety segment handling swiftwater rescue protocols. Zach discusses how to prepare first-time rafters for high-consequence river environments by analyzing proper safety talks, managing PFD flotation, and remembering structural rescue frameworks like the LUDA and SLUDA acronyms (Leadership, Stabilize, Upstream safety, Downstream safety, After/Assessment). He also outlines practical field techniques for getting un-pinned or out of a sticky hole, such as utilizing a 5-gallon bucket on a downstream rope to create hydraulic leverage.

Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode

• Safety Gear: Reviewing the new prototype throw bags from Sockdolager Equipment.
• Custom Hull Design: Sizing recommendations for multi-day Sotar and Wing Inflatables models.
• Swiftwater Rescue: Understanding structural acronyms like SLUDA for river incident management.

Key Questions and Discussion Points

• Topic: Custom Boats. "Is a 15-foot Sotar with 22-inch tubes a good multi-day choice for two people and two dogs?"
• Topic: Low-Water Strategy. Why do smaller rafts often sit deeper in the water column and flip or stick more frequently than 16-to-18-foot alternatives?
• Topic: Group Management. What is the best way to deliver an effective safety talk to first-time passengers on a demanding river trip?
• Topic: Hydraulic Leverage. How can a standard 5-gallon utility bucket be deployed downstream to assist a surfed or pinned raft?

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.

Episode Summary

Zach kicks off the episode by introducing a brand-new prototype throw bag from Sockdolager Equipment, designed specifically with thoughtful modifications for packrafters and rafters alike. He highlights how active community involvement and viewer subscriptions help him collaborate with gear manufacturers to test and refine specialized safety equipment before it hits the open market.

The core discussion centers around a detailed question from a viewer planning a multi-day raft setup for themselves, their spouse, and two dogs. The viewer asks for a critique of a custom 15-foot Sotar ST raft featuring 22-inch oversized tubes. Zach breaks down the geometric tradeoffs of this configuration, explaining that while larger tubes significantly increase stability and reduce wrap or flip risks, they sacrifice critical interior cargo space. He ultimately advises the viewer to look at the 16-foot Wing Surge or a standard 16-foot Sotar design, sharing his long-held belief that 16-foot boats are the ideal sweet spot for private multi-day boaters to prevent getting hung up in low-water rock gardens.

The episode wraps up with a robust safety segment handling swiftwater rescue protocols. Zach discusses how to prepare first-time rafters for high-consequence river environments by analyzing proper safety talks, managing PFD flotation, and remembering structural rescue frameworks like the LUDA and SLUDA acronyms (Leadership, Stabilize, Upstream safety, Downstream safety, After/Assessment). He also outlines practical field techniques for getting un-pinned or out of a sticky hole, such as utilizing a 5-gallon bucket on a downstream rope to create hydraulic leverage.

Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode

• Safety Gear: Reviewing the new prototype throw bags from Sockdolager Equipment.
• Custom Hull Design: Sizing recommendations for multi-day Sotar and Wing Inflatables models.
• Swiftwater Rescue: Understanding structural acronyms like SLUDA for river incident management.

Key Questions and Discussion Points

• Topic: Custom Boats. "Is a 15-foot Sotar with 22-inch tubes a good multi-day choice for two people and two dogs?"
• Topic: Low-Water Strategy. Why do smaller rafts often sit deeper in the water column and flip or stick more frequently than 16-to-18-foot alternatives?
• Topic: Group Management. What is the best way to deliver an effective safety talk to first-time passengers on a demanding river trip?
• Topic: Hydraulic Leverage. How can a standard 5-gallon utility bucket be deployed downstream to assist a surfed or pinned raft?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.