Overnight Raft Set-Up & Blower Adaptors | 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 discusses new one-day safety clinics, dives into the "horrible" customer service at River Hardware, and analyzes whether a 13'9" raft is suitable for multi-day trips.

Episode Summary

Zach starts the show by introducing a new concept: "a la carte" rescue instruction through Northwest Rafting Company. These one-day clinics allow boaters to focus on specific skills, like throw bags and mechanical advantage, without the time commitment of a full three-day course. He explains that building skills incrementally every year is often more effective than trying to cram everything into one long session.

A significant portion of the show is dedicated to a very honest look at his side project, River Hardware. Zach explains that because he is so busy running his main outfitting business, River Hardware offers no customer service. He addresses a viewer's frustration regarding blower adapters for Craftsman tools, explaining the challenges of designing custom parts for every brand and suggesting that those who want traditional support should shop at larger retailers like NRS.

The technical discussion shifts to raft design when a viewer asks about using a 13'9" Wing Raft for overnight trips. Zach, who has designed many boats for Wing, explains that while he loves rowing the boat for light trips, its high rocker and smaller tube size make it a poor choice for heavy multi-day loads. He offers advice on better alternatives for those looking to carry a kitchen, groover, and multiple passengers.

Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode

• Training: One-day Safety Clinics at Northwest Rafting Company.
• Gear: Blower adapters for DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita tools.
• Raft Design: Wing rafts.

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

• Topic: Blower Adapters. "Does the DeWalt adapter work on a Craftsman blower?"
• Topic: Boat Selection. "Is a thirteen foot nine raft big enough for a multi-day trip with passengers and gear?"
• Topic: Customer Service. "Why is there no contact link for River Hardware?"