Running Granite Rapid on the Grand Canyon

Is Rafting the Grand Canyon Hard?

By: Emily Little, September 26, 2020

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,...

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Heading into Nozzle at low water

The Six Most Common River Hazards

By: Ellie Friedmann, May 22, 2020

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...

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Surfing a big wave.

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...

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Day Trip Rafting

What Should I Wear Rafting? - Pro Tips for Day Trips

By: Ellie Friedmann, May 20, 2020

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...

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PFD_Rowing_1200x800

The Best PFD for Boating

By: Ellie Friedmann, May 13, 2020

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...

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My Stohlquist Descent PFD

The Five Different Types of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

By: Ellie Friedmann, May 5, 2020

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...

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American River Rescue

South Fork of the American River Hypothermia Rescue Story

By: Kevin DeLano, January 4, 2018

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...

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Poison Oak

Pro Tip: Poison Oak

By: Zach, October 13, 2017

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,...

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Velvet Falls on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River at 6.5 feet

High-Water Safety: Guidelines for Rafting Swollen Rivers

By: Bill McGinnis, April 25, 2017

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...

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Water Knot Finish

Pro Tip: Three Key Safety Knots for Paddlers

By: Michael Hughes, April 1, 2016

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...

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