Safety Clinics, Hard-to-Find Gear & Building Your Rowing Community | Gear Garage Live Show

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

In this episode of the Gear Garage Live Show, Zach dives into rescue education for both guides and private boaters, explores the world of hard-to-find pins and clips, and answers questions about rowing progression when you don’t live near a river. He also shares thoughts on Rally Crew, community-building, and how to keep learning after a Class III rowing school.

Episode Summary

Zach opens with a look at NWRC’s expanded rescue curriculum, including the Rescue 3 Whitewater Rescue Technician course for guides and the Class III Safety & Rescue Clinics designed specifically for private boaters. From there, the show slides into a deep gear rabbit hole—comparing old-school Klaviy-style pins and clips, discussing DIY stirrup options, and talking through why certain sleeves just don’t cut it. The episode wraps with progression advice for boaters in gear-limited states, plus new ways to connect with paddlers through Rally Crew and regional instructors.

Highlights

• The difference between guide-focused WRT courses and private-boater rescue clinics—and why prevention is at the core of whitewater rescue.
• One-day “à la carte” rescue workshops covering mechanical advantage, entrapments, throwbag skills, and swim practice.
• What to know about pins and clips, why Zach prefers ball-style tops, and why floppy stirrups are a liability.
• DIY stirrup options (cutting from old kayaks, 3D-printed end caps) and why a well-sized hard stirrup matters.
• Progression advice when you don’t have a local river: boat ownership, travel, repeat courses, and finding community.
• Where to find instruction outside the West Coast—including Canyon River Instruction and Daniel Stillman's new Wolf Creek Whitewater program.

Gear Mentioned

• Pins & clips (ball-top and rubber-cap styles), stirrups, PVC sleeves, and Oar Snubber.
• NRS oar towers, sleeves, and why Zach often avoids stock plastic options.
• Boat choices for progression: 13' rafts for day trips or 16' boats for full overnight setups.

Related Resources

• Whitewater Guidebook – Ask a question, river beta, and rescue articles.
• NWRC Rescue Courses – Guide WRT Pro and Class III Safety & Rescue Clinics.
• NWRC – Rowing School details and upcoming workshops.

Wrap-Up

Thanks for tuning in! Whether you’re hunting for rare pins and clips, exploring new rescue education, or figuring out how to keep progressing without a local river, this episode offers practical next steps for safer, more confident boating.

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