Rescue PFD & Spring Rivers | 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 addresses the necessity of rescue harnesses on PFDs for rafters and highlights new online training opportunities for rowing and rescue skills.

Episode Summary

Zach begins the show by highlighting his online rowing and rescue schools. These courses are designed to provide foundational knowledge that can be difficult to find in a structured format elsewhere. While video training can never replace real time on the oars, these lessons—ranging from basic rowing to advanced class IV and V skills—offer a comprehensive and organized resource for boaters at all levels.

The main topic of the episode centers on rescue harnesses (quick-release belts) on PFDs. Following up on a previous discussion, Zach shares a viewer's comment about why many boaters wear rescue PFDs despite having little use for the actual harness. The consensus is that the highest quality materials, most durable fabrics, and most functional pockets are often only found on "rescue" models like the Astral Green Jacket. Zach compares these to non-rescue versions, such as the Astral Bowen (formerly the Blue Jacket), noting that the latter often features thinner, less durable mesh fabrics.

Zach advocates for manufacturers to offer high-quality, "pro-level" PFDs that include the best pockets and materials without the added weight and complexity of a rescue harness, which he feels can sometimes be a negative for dedicated rafters.

Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode

• Training: Online Rowing School and Foundations of Whitewater Rescue.
• Gear: Comparing the Astral Green Jacket and the Astral Bowen.
• Safety: The debate over rescue harnesses for private rafters.

Key Discussion Points from this Episode

• Topic: Training. Why should boaters consider online rescue and rowing courses?
• Topic: PFD Design. Why are the best pockets and materials restricted to rescue PFDs?
• Topic: Rescue Harnesses. Is the added weight and complexity of a rescue belt worth it for a rafter?
• Topic: Gear Comparisons. What are the primary differences between "pro" and "standard" PFD models?

Connect with Zach

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Zach Collier is the owner of Northwest Rafting Company and an International Rafting Federation Rafting Instructor. He has decades of river guiding and expedition experience across the American West and internationally, specializing in technical rowing and professional guide training.