Zach opens the show with a discussion on River Hardware, expressing his frustration with boaters who purchase substandard gear—often simply because they don't know better options exist. He explains that while high-quality gear may cost slightly more, it is significantly better in terms of performance and safety.

The conversation highlights several items Zach has personally vetted and imported for his store, including WWTC throw bags from Hungary and Maurice Equipment throw bags from Chile. Zach also dives into the technical superiority of Rock Exotica pulleys, noting that many other "swiftwater" pulleys fail to effectively mind prusiks, especially when used with standard throw bag ropes.

A major highlight of the episode is Zach’s advice on oar locks. He strongly advises against using NRS oar locks, arguing that their rigidity causes oars to snap. Instead, he recommends bronze oar locks from Sawyer, which provide enough "give" to allow an oar to pop out rather than break under extreme pressure.

Connect with Zach

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.

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage live show, where Zach answers submitted questions and discusses technical rafting setups. In this episode, Zach covers everything from oar tower spacing to the nuances of Wing raft fabrics, and shares a pointed "white-water vs. swift-water" perspective on rescue training.

Zach kicks off the show with a shout-out to GoRafting.com, highlighting their digital river maps that work through the Far Out app. He notes that while paper maps are traditional, the ability to have GPS-located camps, updated rapid descriptions, and photos directly on your phone is a game-changer for multi-day trips like the Grand Canyon or Middle Fork.

A significant portion of the Q&A focuses on oar frame setup. Zach addresses the distance between oar towers, advising that your hands should be positioned similarly to a push-up stance for maximum rowing efficiency. He also clarifies his stance on Search and Rescue (SAR) training, explaining the difference between his expertise in "whitewater rescue" (focused on river guiding and recreational boating) and the more specialized "swiftwater rescue" used by first responders.

The episode wraps up with a technical look at raft construction, specifically discussing the fabrics used by Wing. Zach answers questions about the durability and repairability of different materials, helping boaters understand what to look for when choosing a high-performance raft.

Connect with Zach

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.

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.

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.

Connect with Zach

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.

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where Zach talks shop on technical rafting setups and river safety. In this episode, Zach dives into the math behind oar length, the essential knots every boater must know, and a controversial "rant" about the dangers of rescue harnesses for most private boaters.

Zach starts the episode with a technical deep dive into oar length. He explains that choosing the right oar isn't just about the width of the boat, but about the "leverage ratio" between the inboard and outboard sections. He provides a specific formula to help boaters find their "sweet spot" to avoid fatigue and shoulder injury while maintaining power in heavy water.

The conversation shifts to essential skills, specifically knots. Zach identifies the few critical knots that solve 99% of river problems, emphasizing the Bowline, the Figure 8 series, and the Taut-line hitch. He argues that mastery of a few versatile knots is far superior to having a shallow understanding of many.

The episode concludes with a serious safety discussion regarding rescue harnesses (quick-release belts) on PFDs. Zach shares his concern that many boaters wear them without ever practicing "live bait" rescues, effectively carrying a "loaded gun" on their chest. He challenges the industry to reconsider if these tools belong in the hands of anyone without professional-level training and constant practice.

Connect with Zach

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.

Zach sits down with Louis-Jacob Campbell to ask him 10 questions on whitewater rescue.

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage show, where Zach sits down with Louis-Jacob Campbell, an experienced river guide and rescue instructor from Quebec currently working in New Zealand. In this episode, they dive deep into the philosophies of river safety, comparing the professional worlds of first responders and recreational boaters while discussing the essential skills every guide should master.

The conversation begins with Louis-Jacob explaining the unique co-op structure of his rafting business in Quebec, New Wave Expeditions (Expeditions Nouvelle Vague), which is owned by 28 staff members. The bulk of the interview focuses on his role as a rescue instructor for Raven Rescue (the Canadian provider for Rescue 3 International) and his approach to teaching different audiences.

A major theme is the distinction between "whitewater rescue" for recreational boaters and "swiftwater rescue" (SRT) for professional first responders. Louis-Jacob notes that while the techniques are similar, the approach differs: boaters usually have a better "river sense" but need quick, on-the-fly solutions, whereas first responders often have more resources and equipment but must be taught the fundamental power of the river from scratch. They also discuss the value of keeping rescue systems simple, especially for new guides who can easily be overwhelmed by complex mechanical advantage setups.

The discussion concludes with a deep dive into gear and knots. Louis-Jacob shares his "Big Five" essential knots and explains why he prefers specific equipment, like the Palm Nevis PFD, which acts as a mobile workstation for rescue professionals.

Connect with Zach

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.

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.

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.

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, Zach sits down with Greg McReynolds, the Executive Director of Idaho Rivers United (IRU), to discuss the future of the Lower Snake River and the hidden rapids currently buried under its reservoirs.

The conversation begins with the "permit apocalypse," as Greg and Zach share the common disappointment of being denied for major river lotteries like the Gates of Lodore. This frustration leads naturally into a discussion about unpermitted river opportunities and the massive potential of the Lower Snake River. Greg explains that IRU is heavily invested in the removal of the lower four Snake River dams to recover salmon populations in Idaho, which remains the "last best place" for salmon in the lower 48 states.

A fascinating part of the episode explores what lies beneath the current reservoirs between Lewiston and Pasco. Underneath 140 miles of stagnant water are 66 named rapids that have been submerged for half a century. Greg describes a future where those dams come down, transforming the river into a premier multi-day destination where boaters could potentially paddle from the Middle Fork of the Salmon all the way home to the Columbia River.

The episode also touches on the technical and political realities of dam removal. Greg clarifies that these dams were built with a 50-year lifespan that is now expiring, and their economic value—particularly in electricity generation—is diminishing. Unlike many other dams, these four were authorized by Congress, meaning their removal requires congressional action and a plan to replace services like barge shipping for grain with expanded rail and road infrastructure.

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 dives deep into river safety "rants," analyzes rescue videos, and discusses the importance of professional training for both private boaters and aspiring guides.

Zach begins the show by announcing new one-day rescue clinics offered by Northwest Rafting Company. These clinics are designed as a "palatable" way for private boaters to gain experience in specific areas like mechanical advantage and throw bags without committing to a full three-day course. He also shares a personal "safety rant," emphasizing that while some may call him a "safety squirrel," his access to non-public incident reports drives his passion for teaching rescue techniques.

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to video analysis. Zach reviews footage of a "pushing move" gone wrong, explaining why aggressive maneuvers can leave boaters exposed and sideways to obstacles. He suggests that many situations are better handled by pulling or using a "ferry" to maintain control. He also reviews a rescue scenario in flat water, cautioning against the reflexive use of throw ropes which can create dangerous tangles in the water.

The discussion also touches on gear essentials, particularly PFD selection. Zach notes that while many kayakers prefer low-profile vests for agility, rafters—especially larger individuals—benefit from higher flotation models like the Astral Indus or specific NRS rescue vests. He concludes with a reminder that professional growth in the industry requires "time on the water," recommending programs like the Class III Rowing School for those looking to build a solid foundation.

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, Zach covers the latest digital river mapping tools for permit winners, shares critical advice for aspiring rafting outfitters, and dives into the challenges of search and rescue in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness.

The show kicks off with a sobering update on a missing boater in the Illinois River area. Zach discusses the immense challenges of search and rescue in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, highlighting how the rugged terrain, overgrown brush, and poison oak make travel incredibly difficult even for experienced hikers. He also highlights a successful boat recovery by Nature Nicole, who utilized a flip line after completing a rescue instructor course with Zach.

For those who recently scored a Middle Fork of the Salmon permit, Zach advocates for the digital river maps available through GoRafting.com. Used via the Far Out app, these maps allow boaters to see their exact mileage, upcoming camps, and real-time rapid updates—a significant advantage over traditional paper maps that can't be updated on the fly.

The core of the episode focuses on the business of guiding. Zach shares a key lesson from his mentor, Dick Linford of Echo River Trips: in outfitting, sales and marketing are everything. He explains that while many enter the industry to be on the river, owning a company is more about being a salesperson, cleaning groovers, and managing logistics than it is about daily guiding.

Connect with Zach

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.

Whether you’re a seasoned river guide or a recreational boater, the conversation around whitewater safety is constantly evolving. In this featured interview, Zach Collier sits down with safety expert Jim Coffey to discuss the modern state of whitewater rescue, breaking down everything from technical gear debates to the fundamental ways we approach rescue education.

Here is a summary of the key takeaways from their deep dive into the world of river safety.

One of the first topics Zach and Jim tackled was the terminology we use. While the terms are often used interchangeably, Jim notes that the industry has developed a functional split:

Jim emphasizes that organizations like Rescue 3 have formalized this by designing specific technician courses tailored to each group’s unique environment and gear.

A major theme of the interview was the methodology of rescue instruction. Jim argues that many practitioners try to jump into complex scenarios before mastering the basics. He breaks rescue education into three distinct phases:

The conversation didn't shy away from technical debates regarding personal protective equipment (PPE):

When deciding what to teach (and what to practice), Jim uses a quadrant system to measure importance:

Ultimately, the goal of these conversations isn't necessarily to reach a single "correct" answer. Instead, it’s about fostering civil, educated discourse. By sharing different perspectives—from European "clean line" theories to various mechanical advantage systems—the entire whitewater community becomes more versatile and, ultimately, safer.