BoatSmith is a beloved whitewater festival and race held happens annually on the Smith River near Gasquet, CA. As a mid-February season opener to whitewater races, it’s a home-town throwdown...

Whitewater is a pretty small niche in the sports world. There aren't huge areas hosting events for the masses. Accessing whitewater for many begins with long hours driving just to...

Southern Oregon local and decade deep river guide Nicole Smedegaard has launched a new business Nature Nicole Whitewater (NNWW) LLC which serves in educating the river community (both private boaters...

The short winter days are gone, its starting to rain, and snow is melting. Spring is here! This past weekend folks from all corners of the paddling world gathered at...

I spend a lot of my time recreating and working on the river. I have been on trips with people that have more experience than I may ever gain and...

Something everyone uses on river trips is a toilet, affectionately known as “the groover”. Back in the day, rafters had to attempt to sit or hover over a metal box...

Properly sized oars can make all the difference when seeking a comfortable rowing experience and good lines. Below is a guide for determining the right oar size given a variety...

When I first learned to row I came from a soccer background with arms the size of angel hair pasta. A few years later I was playing a lot less...

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...

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...