Winter Rogue Trips, Bhutan Boating & Oar Length Calculations | 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.

Intro

In this episode of the Gear Garage Live Show, Zach checks in from Bangkok on his way to Bhutan and dives into winter rafting on the Rogue River, dialing in oar length for wide boats, and how to think about whitewater rescue courses. He also shares thoughts on oar tethers and how they can help keep you in the boat when things get spicy.

Episode Summary

Zach starts with a behind-the-scenes look at NWRC’s Bhutan cultural and paddling trips, then answers questions about late-fall and winter rafting on the Rogue River. He walks through his oar length equation (distance between oarlocks × 1.63) using a Highside Pro-XT and Sawyer MX-LG oars as a real-world example, and explains why frame width and seat height matter as much as the math. The conversation wraps with custom oar tethers, the Oar Snubber concept, and why “whitewater rescue” for boaters is different from traditional “swiftwater rescue” for first responders.

Highlights

• Bhutan trips overview: nine-day hotel-based itineraries, three efficient half-day rafting runs, and a more expedition-style option with a three-day overnight through a national park.
• Why the Rogue is such a great late-November and winter river, and why Zach often suggests Grave Creek to Foster Bar for shorter, colder days.
• Winter rafting essentials: drysuit vs wetsuit, layering for comfort, and campsite systems with solid tents, tarps, and legal campfires.
• Deep dive on oar length: how Zach derived the 1.63 oar length multiplier, why many frames push people toward oars that are too short, and why 12' oars are rarely practical.
• Frame design critique for wide boats like the Highside Pro-XT—high captain’s chairs, wide towers, and how they affect rowing geometry and leverage.
• Custom oar tether solutions, including Larry’s strap-based system and the Oar Snubber bungee idea to keep oars engaged and rowers in the boat.
• Whitewater vs swiftwater rescue: why boaters benefit more from river-running focused “whitewater rescue” courses taught by experienced guides and private boaters.

Gear Mentioned

• Highside Pro-XT 16' raft and recommended frames.
• Sawyer MX-LG oars (11'–12' discussion and limitations).
• Dry suits, wetsuits, fleece layers, and cold-weather river footwear.
• Three-season tents, tarps, and fire setups for wet, cold camps.
• RMR Fat Cat with oar frame and custom oar tethers.
• Oar Snubber-style bungee tether concepts for keeping oars in play.

Related Resources

• Rogue River – NWRC’s overview of the Rogue and trip options.
• Rogue River Guide – rapid descriptions, logistics, and flows.

Wrap-Up

Thanks for hanging out for another Gear Garage Live session. If you’re dreaming about winter on the Rogue, dialing in your oar length, or maybe heading to Bhutan, this episode will help you think through safety, comfort, and boat setup so you can enjoy the river season all year long.

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