PFD Discussion & Grand Canyon Carnage | Gear Garage Live Show
This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater.
Episode Summary
Zach starts with a deep dive into GoRafting.com and the Far Out app—how the Whitewater Classics bundle gives detailed mile-by-mile guides, GPS-based camp distances, and photos for rivers like the Grand Canyon, Hell’s Canyon, the Illinois, and the Middle Fork of the Salmon. He then walks through new AI-generated show notes and timestamps now live for each episode on the Whitewater Guidebook site. From there it’s a big-guy PFD clinic (Stolquist Kahuna vs NRS Big Water Guide vs Astral Indus vs Maximus Centurion vs Kokatat Rescue Ops), a myth-busting chat about high-float v. low-float PFDs and “keeper holes,” a critique of bedrock-rapid carnage and whistle use, South Fork Salmon beta, and nuanced etiquette for running mixed kayak–raft crews.
Highlights
- Why Zach thinks GoRafting.com plus the Far Out app is “the future” of river guides, with GPS position, camp photos, and constantly updatable beta for classic multi-day runs.
- Behind the scenes on new AI-powered show notes: every Gear Garage episode now has its own page, searchable descriptions, and timestamps on Whitewater Guidebook and in the YouTube description.
- Big-paddler PFD talk: how Zach compares the Stolquist Kahuna, NRS Big Water Guide, Astral Indus, Maximus Centurion, and Kokatat Rescue Ops, and why he keeps coming back to “flotation trumps all” for heavier boaters.
- Debunking the “too much flotation traps you in a keeper hole” myth, plus a simple way to read holes—smiley vs frowny and how blocked-off banks can turn a feature into a true keeper.
- Bedrock carnage breakdown: downstream ferry angles, when to square up and pull to shore, and why Zach thinks people lean on whistles too much instead of just going to the rescue.
- South Fork Salmon Q&A: recommended flows at the Krassel gauge, raft vs cataraft vs kayak, and whether bringing a “passenger princess” makes sense depending on your team’s safety game.
- Kayak–raft etiquette on crowded class IV runs: why 14 kayaks in one pod is a lot, how not to be “the dumbass rafter,” and why kayaks are usually a safety asset while rafts can be a liability if they’re slow or sloppy.
Gear Mentioned
- GoRafting.com digital river guides and the Far Out Whitewater Classics bundle (Grand Canyon, Hell’s Canyon, Illinois, Middle Fork Salmon, and more).
- Stolquist Kahuna PFD (discontinued, but a reference point for big paddlers).
- NRS Big Water Guide, Astral Indus, and Astral Maximus Centurion high-float and mid-float PFDs for big boaters.
- Kokatat Rescue Ops high-float rescue PFD.
- Waist-belt throw bags with flip-line pocket and small “Batman-style” storage from Zach’s gear shop at River Hardware.
- Pins-and-clips oar system hardware and 3D-printed blower nozzles for inflating boats.
Related Resources
- Rogue River Guide
- Whitewater Guidebook – episode pages, AI-powered show notes, and river guides for runs like the Illinois and Middle Fork of the Salmon.
- NWRC Trips – guided rafting adventures and training.
- GoRafting.com – free online river descriptions plus Far Out app downloads.
Wrap-Up
Thanks for hanging out for this Thanksgiving week episode of the Gear Garage Live Show. If you’ve tried the vertical version on your phone, or have opinions about high-float PFDs, South Fork of the Salmon levels, or mixed kayak–raft crews, Zach wants to hear from you. And don’t forget to check out the new searchable show notes and timestamps now live on Whitewater Guidebook.
Connect with Us
Catch every new episode of the Gear Garage Live Show by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform. For rafting trips, guide training, and expert resources, visit Northwest Rafting Company and the Whitewater Guidebook.
Hosted by Zach Collier | Produced by Northwest Rafting Company
