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 Gear Garage Live Show, Zach shares why he’s all-in on boater-focused rescue courses, breaks down low-water Middle Fork and Main Salmon decisions, and digs into the science of oar length and boat setup. Along the way he talks about gear minimalism, clean water systems, and choosing the right raft for Northwest rivers and overnight trips.

This episode starts with an update on Zach’s new rescue courses designed specifically for whitewater rafters and kayakers, from private boater classes on the Clackamas to professional guide trainings on the Hood River. He reviews the film “Just Get a Kayak,” then answers detailed questions on deadheading the Middle Fork Salmon at low water, IKs on the upper miles, and how to balance group comfort with light boats. Zach also covers pushing vs pulling heavy rigs, choosing raft sizes for runs like the Clackamas, White Salmon, and Wind, and explains his go-to oar length formula so boaters can avoid expensive guesswork.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Gear Garage Live Show. Whether you’re eyeing a Middle Fork Salmon low-water trip, rethinking your gear load, or trying to finally solve the oar length puzzle, Zach hopes this helps you make smarter, safer choices on the river.

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

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

Topic: Secure Backrest

Help! I can get my backrest setup properly on a 4-bay oar frame on a 16er. We have Watershed Colorado Bags. The front bay has a table across it with the paco pads on top. No matter what I try they don’t stay in place. They tend to slide back, interfering with the rower.

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

Topic: Safety Coverage

Canyon section of the South Fork Payette at 4900cfs (Summer). Commercial trip with one raft (2 guides, 5 customers) and one safety kayak. No other boats on the river.

Is that an adequate safety setup?

Topic: Tiny Rafts

This may be a random question, but I have been watching your videos for quite some time now and love the magnetic small rafts you use in your videos. I have been looking all over for them and have come up short. Did you make them / have them 3d printed? Or did you purchase them somewhere?

Thank you for all you do for the whitewater community.

Topic: Rowing School Prep

Been down the Lower Rogue many times over the last 20 years, but mostly in IKs or on the front of someone else's boat. I've had a 14ft Sotar for a few years know and have rowed on the Upper and the Owyhee, but not the lower. I've enrolled for the Class III Rowing School starting Aug 26th, but my buddies asked if I would be the 2nd boat on a raft supported hike trip Aug 3-7. My original plan was to row with y'all before putting that burden on any other boater. However, my skills are getting there (oar shipping, reading water, downstream ferrying) and I wonder if I should help these guys out, plus it'll give me some prep before Rowing School. Should I hit Galice to Graves a bunch to practice technical lines in Argo, or what would you advise?

Topic: Stern Mount Frame Specs

Hi Zach! Josh from Chattooga here. I came across Gear Garage episode 155 on stern mount frames. I like the last frame you demonstrated, the slant board design that can be mounted center or stern.

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

Topic: Boat Spacing

What is considered good boat spacing in low water runs when giving space for crux moves.

Is it the same in high-water crux moves?

Topic: September MF

Hey Zach, big fan of the channel!

My friend has a permit for the Middle Fork of the Salmon on September 3rd, and I’m wondering—what do you think the river will be like around then? Would love to hear your thoughts.

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

Topic: Rope!

Say I'd like to put together something I hope I never need. I have some gear, but I'm wondering what kind of rope you would recommend for a Pin kit. I know you guys are swamped this time of year, so no worries if you don't respond.

Topic: Blower Adaptor

Any beta on if the Makita or Milwaukee adaptor fits the cheap K. I. M. O leaf blower? I’m bleeding money on raft gear, Trying to save where I can.

Topic: Two Rowing Questions

I’m a complete newbie, trying to understand some of the major dos and don’ts as I gain entry-level experience rowing a raft. I’ve heard two things from multiple people, and I’d love to get your take:

“Never exceed 45 degrees to the current”

Flipping at eddy lines

Thanks for your time — I know that’s a lot to unpack!

Topic: Used Rafts?

I did a trip with you a couple years ago down the Rogue River and loved it. I live up in Roseburg and am trying to find a used raft and oar rig setup. I’d like to do your Class III training trip next summer.

I’m curious if you have any rafts that you’re looking to get rid of? I live on the Umpqua River and would like to start rafting it and learning.

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

Ask a question for next episode

Topic:River Advocacy

While it’s not Jimmy Carter on the Middle Fork rafting in jeans, it’s a U.S. senator doing some on site work about the conditions at the take out of Cataract Canyon.

Check out This Article.

This is a reminder that boaters at any level of skill/experience can make mistakes and get stuck. It also is a reminder that there are members of congress who will actually look into some matters as it pertains to rivers and river access. If these places matter to us, we need to let our representatives know each year and support organizations that will lobby on behalf of the rivers.

Not really a question, but a good topic and a cool video of the rescue. The gear retrieval seemed like it was quite a project too, according to the article.

Topic: Middle Fork

Hey we are headed out on the Middle Fork on the 29th.

The level will probably be about 2.5 or so if the forecast holds.

In particular can we still go left at velvet? I’ve seen video at low water of right side runs.

Anything you can add will be appreciated.

We plan to scout Pistol and maybe Lake Creek (thoughts).

The Professional River Guide Series is a video series featuring conversations with seasoned river professionals, aimed at continuing education for professional working river guides. From whitewater safety and rigging tips to leadership, river history, and guiding philosophy, we dive into the knowledge that makes great guides even better. Whether you're gearing up for your first season or have decades on the water, these talks will keep your skills sharp and your stoke high.

With Chris Davis MD

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

Topic: New Middle Fork

My husband Harry is organizing a Middle Fork trip that puts in July 11. He has some questions about how the rapids in the upper section have changed since he last ran it in 2021. He was looking at your write-up on Whitewater Guidebook from 2023: Can you provide more info about the current situation?

Topic: Dynamic rescue situations and rash decisions

On a recent trip (all rafts w/ gear) we had a rower flip in the last wave of a rapid. There was a very short stretch of slack water before the next rapid. The next boat through was running tight and yelled out for the swimmer to swim to them. They very quickly got to her and pulled her from the water. The rower of the second boat then jumped out of his boat leaving the rescued swimmer to take his oars. He climbed onto the upside down boat, flipped it back over and climbed back on. It took him precious time to get the oars situated and be able to row through the next rapid, but literally came within seconds of going sideways over a nasty pour over at the very top of the rapid.

Topic: Reducing Strainer Hazards on Flooding Rivers

I live along a small continuous class II/III river in SW Colorado.

We generally approach strainers of different types on a case-by-case basis. Normally we cut manageable chunks of wood out and remove them from the river as well as the branches. We let the unsafe and unmanageable pieces go and hope it floats away (four-foot pieces).

Topic: R2 on the North Yuba

We ran two r2 boats on North Fork Yuba from Goodyear bar on the Maytag run on June 3rd, 2025. The lead boat got surfed, and we were a bit close. We pursued the swimmer. I had a question about whether we should attempt to bump our friend out of the hydraulic or try to miss him. We hit his boat, but it didn't help him much, and we almost lost our line. I thought you would have some idea about this. Usually, we would grab an Eddie and try to get a line, but a swimmer was running downstream, and we decided we better pursue him first.

Love your show and enjoy the weekly work you do to promote safety in white water rafting,

Topic: Main Salmon River

Hello Zach, I have been a big fan of your video trip reports for a long time now and I have noticed you have not made any videos on the Main Salmon River from Corn Creek to Carey Creek.

Is there a certain reason for this ? I would love to know thanks

Topic: Places to Raft

What are the top 5 states to go rafting in the U.S. and also top places in South America, Europe and Asia?

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

Topic: Oar Length

I used your 1.63 oar formula and determined I should be running 9' oars, not my current 8.5 oars. I'm not sure how I ended up at 8.5 - I've had them for 5+ years and used some long-lost formula to arrive at that length, but trust your method more. The boat is a Hyside Pro 13.5, but as your video states, length and tube size don't really matter - it's the width between the oarlocks.

I see you're doing "row-your-owns" on the MF, I may have to consider that as permits remain elusive and I'm not getting any younger.

Topic: Middle Fork of the Salmon - Camps

What camp do you think is the best at high water for a small group?

Topic: 15'-16' Raft

I was curious if you were still recommending the wing and hyside or if you have other boats or brands that you recommend. I’m looking for a 15 or 16 foot boat for myself, wife and three kids. Also wondering if you guys happen to have any boats for sale?

Topic: Renting V. Buying

One other question I’m considering is renting vs buying a used setup as a beginner and trying to figure out all the things to consider when making the decision.

Topic: Beginner Rowing Instruction

I live in Portland and am a beginner looking to get into rowing whitewater.

I’m hoping to get some instruction soon so I can be out on the river this summer. Are there any businesses you’d recommend for learning to row?

In this episode of Safety First with Danger Tate, we dive into a conversation with Elisha McArthur, co-founder of Canyon River Instruction and Worldwide Women of Whitewater. Elisha shares how she’s helping to reshape the river scene through education, empowerment, and connection as well as the story behind creating a global community for women in whitewater sports.

This is an inspiring listen for private and commercial boaters, instructors, outdoor enthusiasts, advocates for equity in sport, or anyone curious about the power of community in wild spaces.

Elisha stars in a new short film called River Mamma that can be found here. It is a "tribute to motherhood—honoring the strength it takes to nurture others while staying true to your own passions."