Boats for Chetco & How Zach started NWRC

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 kicks off the show with a look at a new throw bag from Sockdolager, modified with 5/16" Sterling rope for a better grip—available now at River Hardware. He then tackles a deep dive into river safety, specifically why running rivers during the "first big flood" of the season is a recipe for disaster due to debris and taxed search-and-rescue resources. The episode takes a personal turn as Zach explains his unique career path from teaching engineering to owning Northwest Rafting Company, followed by an extensive technical clinic on boat selection. He compares the Wing Jumbo to the Air Outfitter 2 for the Chetco River and breaks down why an 11-foot Sotar Legend is the "sports car" of catarafts for day trips in the Pacific Northwest.

Highlights

• The "First Flood" Danger: Zach explains why he avoids first-of-the-year flood runs—new strainers, floating debris (like entire decks!), and the ethical responsibility of not taxing emergency services during active flood events.
• Engineering to Outfitting: A behind-the-scenes look at how Zach transitioned from teaching community college engineering to buying a rafting company, with a candid take on the "not-so-glamorous" side of business like accounting and permitting.
• Upper Chetco Boat Beta: Why tube diameter and boat length matter for the Chetco. Zach recommends big-tube stability (like the Wing Jumbo) over low-sitting packrafts for navigating rocky, technical drops.
• Cataract Sizing Clinic: Is a 12.6-foot cat the most versatile? Zach argues yes for multi-days, but champions the 11-foot cat for pure performance and ease of transport on PNW day runs like the Wind or White Salmon.
• Manufacturer Breakdown: A candid review of cataraft brands—why Sotar and Air lead the pack in design, while brands like Maravia still struggle with cataraft rocker and "twitchy" performance.
• R2 Class Interest: Zach discusses the possibility of bringing R2 (two-person paddling) training to Hood River and asks for listener feedback to gauge interest for a spring session.

Gear Mentioned

• River Hardware Sockdolager Throw Bag A modified version with 5/16" static Sterling rope, designed for a better "hand" than standard thin packrafting lines.
• Wing Jumbo Kayak: A square-bow inflatable kayak designed specifically for technical stability on the Chetco.
• AIRE Outfitter 2: A longer inflatable kayak compared to the Jumbo, discussed for its suitability on technical multi-days.
• SOTAR Legend Zach’s top pick for high-performance catarafts, specifically the 11-foot version. Ask for the "Creeker Version"
• AIRE Wave Destoryer: A high-performance cataraft alternative with aggressive rocker.

Related Resources

• Whitewater Guidebook – The go-to spot for submitting show questions and finding detailed river maps.
• River Hardware – Where to find the Soft Lodge throw bags and other curated rafting gear.
• Northwest Rafting Company – Information on rowing schools and guided trips.

Wrap-Up

Thanks for joining this episode of the Gear Garage Live Show. Whether you’re debating between a cataraft or a raft for your next purchase, or wondering if you should head out on that flood-stage run, Zach’s advice remains: prioritize stability, trusted partners, and the right tool for the job.