Is Rafting the Grand Canyon Hard?
There are many different factors to determine if a rafting trip will be hard or not. Various factors make rafting the Grand Canyon hard such as river hazards, cost, rapids,...
The Six Most Common River Hazards
Beyond basic water reading, paddlers must be able to recognize river hazards. These features add consequence but are an inescapable part of running rivers. That being said, the best way...
What are the Different Types of River Currents?
River water does not flow in a straight line but must meander, fall, swirl, and collect according to its environment. We call these movements currents. As whitewater boaters, we must...
What Should I Wear Rafting? - Pro Tips for Day Trips
Whitewater rafting is one of the more exhilarating family outdoor activities and requires some planning to bring the right gear for your trip. Preparing well will set you and your...
The Best PFD for Boating
A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is a necessary piece of safety equipment for any paddler or passenger. While nearly all PFDs have a similar general design, each boater looks for...
The Five Different Types of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
A Personal Flotation Device, also called a PFD, helps you stay on the surface of the water. They can help keep you safe during a variety of recreational activities and...
South Fork of the American River Hypothermia Rescue Story
My kayaking crew and I encountered a hypothermic kayaker on the class 3 Gorge run of the South Fork American (SFA) on a cold and sunny Sunday afternoon in December...
Pro Tip: Poison Oak
For many mountain bikers, rafters, and kayakers poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is one of the scariest things found in the woods. This nasty bush is commonly found in California, Oregon,...
High-Water Safety: Guidelines for Rafting Swollen Rivers
Big winters create big runoff. Whitewater rafters are looking at epically high water! Because increased flows dramatically change rivers and require a redoubling of our ongoing efforts to keep our...
Pro Tip: Three Key Safety Knots for Paddlers
In the world of knots, there are lots. In fact there are so many that it is hard to know and remember what ones to tie, and when to use...