Gear Garage Live Show | March 5th, 2024

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

Topics and links that Zach talked about this episode

• WWTC Throw Bags
• Upper Wind Whitewater Festival
• Middle Fork of the Salmon Snowpack and Flow

Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section of this episode

Topic: Play boats

I recently bought a Hyside Mini Max and it’s been a wild ride. I’ve flipped it a few times, been tossed out, surfed and generally humbled on runs that were pretty smooth in bigger boats.

I have a been running R2 and also have a frame, I find rowing it to be super fun.

I like a challenge and am ok getting a beat down on occasion but starting to wonder if a cat boat makes more sense for the harder stuff I want to be rowing like Wind, Hood, Illy etc. I don’t have much experience with cats and want to stay sharp in a raft for trips like Grand Canyon, MFS etc.

What are your thoughts on these little boats as someone who enjoys rowing challenging water?

Topic: dry suit vs semi dry suit

I saw some semi dry suits on craigslist and they seemed ok, but then someone said they are "unsafe". I assume neoprene neck and wrist are more permeable than rubber but is this "unsafe" for rafting? I am buying for my wife and teenage daughter for class II and III, so not planning on swimming and planning to recover swimmers fast in that water... I can't afford 2 new suits to be used 2-3 times a year...