Gear Garage Live Show | August 26th, 2025

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater.

In this Gear Garage Live Show, Zach shares why he’s all-in on boater-focused rescue courses, breaks down low-water Middle Fork and Main Salmon decisions, and digs into the science of oar length and boat setup. Along the way he talks about gear minimalism, clean water systems, and choosing the right raft for Northwest rivers and overnight trips.

Episode Summary

This episode starts with an update on Zach’s new rescue courses designed specifically for whitewater rafters and kayakers, from private boater classes on the Clackamas to professional guide trainings on the Hood River. He reviews the film “Just Get a Kayak,” then answers detailed questions on deadheading the Middle Fork Salmon at low water, IKs on the upper miles, and how to balance group comfort with light boats. Zach also covers pushing vs pulling heavy rigs, choosing raft sizes for runs like the Clackamas, White Salmon, and Wind, and explains his go-to oar length formula so boaters can avoid expensive guesswork.

Highlights

• Why Zach built separate rescue curriculums for private boaters and professional guides, and what those courses look like on the Clackamas and Hood River.
• Thoughts on the “Just Get a Kayak” film and why authentic river storytelling beats self-promo edits.
• Middle Fork Salmon low-water strategy: deadheading, respecting the trip leader, and packing light for the top miles.
• When to push vs pull in shallow technical rapids, how tracking changes with heavy gear boats, and why it’s so situational.
• Balancing creature comforts vs work: why Zach leaves chairs and extra shoes at home to keep boats light and camp simple.
• Oar length made simple: distance between oarlocks × 1.63 (± 0.5 ft), plus frame width, tower height, and seat position mistakes to avoid.

Gear Mentioned

• Rescue gear for boaters (throw bags, swim practice, flip drills, foot entrapment scenarios).
• Rafts for Northwest classics: ~14–15 ft rafts from brands like Wing, SOTAR, Avon, and NRS for rivers such as the Clackamas, White Salmon, and Wind.
• Oars and frames: 9–10 ft oars for 13–14 ft boats, double-rail frames, proper oar tower height (8–9") and avoiding oversized captain’s chairs.
• Clean water systems: traditional water jugs treated with Aqua Mira versus newer pressurized filters like the LifeStraw 5-gallon system.
• Sleeping systems: Therm-a-Rest style pads vs bulkier paco pads and why going light keeps trips easier.

Related Resources

• Rogue River – Classic multi-day trip for refining rescue and rowing skills.
• Rogue River Guide – Rapid descriptions, permits, and trip planning info.
• Northwest Rafting Company Trips – Commercial trips and instructional courses with NWRC.
• Whitewater Guidebook – River beta and resources for private boaters.

Wrap-Up

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Gear Garage Live Show. Whether you’re eyeing a Middle Fork Salmon low-water trip, rethinking your gear load, or trying to finally solve the oar length puzzle, Zach hopes this helps you make smarter, safer choices on the river.

Connect with Us

Catch every new episode of the Gear Garage Live Show by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform. For rafting trips, guide training, and expert resources, visit Northwest Rafting Company and the Whitewater Guidebook.

Hosted by Zach Collier | Produced by Northwest Rafting Company