Counter-Weighted Oars, Packing a Trailer & 16' Serg | Gear Garage Live Show

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where Zach answers submitted questions and talks all things whitewater. In this episode, Zach dives into the mechanics of counter-weighted oars, trailer organization for long trips, and provides a detailed review of the 16-foot Sotar Serge.

Episode Summary

Zach opens the show discussing counter-weighted oars, explaining how adding weight to the handle side can significantly reduce rower fatigue on long multi-day trips. He breaks down the balance point physics and why a slightly "blade-heavy" setup is often preferred over a perfectly neutral one to ensure the blades stay in the water during powerful strokes.

The conversation shifts to logistics with a segment on packing a gear trailer. Zach shares his "Tetris" philosophy for organizing rafts, frames, and dry boxes to prevent shifting during long mountain drives. He emphasizes the importance of weight distribution—keeping the heaviest items over the axle—and using high-quality cam straps instead of ratchets to protect fragile raft tubes.

Finally, Zach reviews the WING Serge, a 16-foot raft known for its aggressive tracking and stability. He compares it to other "big water" boats, noting its unique diminishing tube design which allows it to punch through holes while maintaining the flotation needed for heavy gear hauls on rivers like the Main Salmon or the Grand Canyon.

Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode

• Gear Setup: Counter-weighted oar handles and balance points.
• Logistics: Trailer packing tips for multi-day river expeditions.
• Raft Review: The 16' WING Serge and its performance characteristics.
• Safety: Using cam straps vs. ratchet straps for trailer transport.

Some of the Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section

• Topic: Oar Balance. "Should I add lead shot to my oar handles if they feel too heavy in the blades?"
• Topic: Boat Comparison. "How does the Sotar Serge compare to a standard 16-foot AIRE raft?"
• Topic: Transport. "What is the best way to stack multiple rafts on a flatbed trailer?"
• Topic: Rowing Technique. "Do counter-weights make it harder to 'feel' the water during technical moves?"

Connect with Zach

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Zach Collier is the owner of Northwest Rafting Company and an International Rafting Federation Rafting Instructor. He has decades of river guiding and expedition experience across the American West and internationally, specializing in technical rowing and professional guide training.