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

Topic: Pinned Kayak Rescues

A few days ago I was involved in my 2nd rescue of a person in pinned kayak. Both incidents were very similar. They happened at low water in relatively easy rapids (class III-), but created very dangerous situations. The kayakers could not safely wet exit because their kayak was perpendicular to the current and their head was upstream. Luckily their heads were above water, but this easily could have not been the case.

As a rafter, I did my best in handling these situations. I was the 1st on the scene and followed my training by first asking if they were stable so I could decide if we could take our time or if we needed to get them out ASAP. Both rescues were a success, but I am left wondering if there are some key fundamentals it would be good for both rafters and kayakers to understand here. The 2 swiftwater rescue courses I have taken focused too much on how to get empty boats unpinned and not enough on pinned kayaks with people in them.

This is probably too much to answer on the spot, but perhaps would make a good video after you thought about it some more.

Topic: Deflating Tubes for Stuck Boat

Love the show. I am a better/safer boater because of your show and your videos.

I was recently stuck hard (semi-submerged) on a relatively small rock. I needed to stay in the boat for safety… I deflated tubes as part of working the boat off the rock.

Is there an order to deflate in? IE - highside tube first? Or do you deflate them all a little and see what happens? Thanks.

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

Topic: Highwater Middle Fork of the Salmon

I'm invited on a MFS trip June 10. Super psyched! The trip leader wants to cap the trip at 5 feet, but I bet it will be higher. I'm pushing for a careful safe trip, even if higher than 5 feet. I feel up to the challenge 100%. The crew is solid. Any thoughts on flows and wisdom of going? I hate the idea of the permit being canceled. Thanks!

Topic: Guide Shoes

What about guides wearing Chacos... Do you have any thoughts about that?

Topic: Rope Selection

You've covered a lot on static line length and diameter on your previous videos, and I'm curious to hear more about material and buoyancy.

On whitewater gear you offer the sterling super static 2 rope, but I don't believe that's a high floating material, and is quite a bit heavier without being stronger than some other equivalent 3/8" ropes like ultra line.

Can you review a bit more on rope design/materials vs use in whitewater rescue applications? Sterling looks to be the standard in ropes, and their ultra line appears like the best overall option for weight/strength vs flotation. Only downside I can see is that ultra line is not available in sizes other than 1/4" and 3/8" if someone needs 11mm or larger.

Topic: 18' Raft Owyhee

What's your low flow cutoff for getting a medium to lightly loaded 18' raft down the Lower Owhyee? I'm able to make technical moves just not interested in getting high centered or squeezed all the time and having to get out to shove a whole bunch. Nuisance rapid for instance. Does an 18' even fit between boulders at flows less than 1K CFS? I'm 5 days out from launch and flows have been very slowly dropping, currently around 1300 CFS to 1400 CFS with no major precip in forecast.

Motoring out and my 18' has the registration. Have a smaller raft with fishing frame and registration but its not rigged to motor and would like to avoid that hassle of frame changeover and assembly if possible. Thanks for your insights!

Topic: IK Safety

Thanks for this channel; it is an excellent resource for people like me who are new to rafting. Two buddies and I took the NWRC Class III rowing school last year, which was awesome. The Lower Salmon was one of the rivers the instructors recommended as a good first private trip, so we are planning a multi-day trip with our families on the Lower Salmon in mid-July. We will have three rafts.

We have several high school kids in our group. I am considering bringing two or three inflatable kayaks for them to use if they want more excitement than riding in the rafts. Everyone will be in helmets and PFDs. The kids are strong swimmers and comfortable in the water. I have three questions:

In this episode of Safety First with Danger Tate, Tate sits down with Joe Daly, the co-founder of the groundbreaking rafting company, Echo River Trips. Founded in 1972, Echo rapidly expanded to run trips across 19 river stretches in five U.S. states and even Yugoslavia by 1981. Joe shares the story behind the creation of Echo, providing insight into the adventurous spirit and entrepreneurial drive that fueled the company’s early success.

Throughout their conversation, Joe reflects on his personal journey from river guide to business owner, and the lessons he learned along the way. He discusses his early decision to focus on rafting over kayaking, how his partnership with co-founder Dick Linford was formed, and the unique challenges and rewards of pioneering commercial river trips in the 1970s and 1980s. Joe also touches on the importance of community, resilience, and environmental stewardship within the river-running world.

Listeners will enjoy Joe's candid storytelling, from the practical aspects of building a river business to the philosophical lessons the river teaches. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or someone who appreciates a good adventure, Joe’s stories offer timeless wisdom on leadership, passion, and the unpredictable currents of life.

Joe has been editing a book called Stories of a Western Wildhood, full of short stories written by his business partner, Dick Linford. The book was just published and you can find it here.

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 (For a Specific Situation)

What’s the best oar length for running Class II rapids in a 15'6" long Stryker inflatable boat? The boat has a 60-inch span, a 6'2" wide beam, and a 160-pound outboard motor on the stern. I plan to use it occasionally as a drift boat. For longer, deeper, easy-going sections, I’ll use the motor to go back upstream and re-fish, or to get through slow, deep, unfishable water. Thanks!

Topic: IK for Extended Trips

I've been using an Aquaglide touring IK for Class III/IV trips—our last was on the Lower Salmon—and after spending days sitting in water, I know it’s time for an upgrade. I recently picked up a Star Outlaw II for my son, but so far it's only seen flatwater. We’ve got some whitewater trips planned for June and July, and I’d love some advice for my new IK. I’m super torn between a few options.

I’m 6’2”, around 300 lbs (currently cutting weight), and I need an IK that can support me on a 5-night trip. Also curious about the NRS Riffle—it looks durable and capable.

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

Topic: Raft Pressure

I’d love to hear your thoughts on air pressure for rafts. How do you know when it’s right?

What do you think about those digital air pressure caps, like the TRiB brand ones NRS sells? I know you should let some air out when driving over mountain passes or when the boat's sitting in the sun to prevent blowouts.

But other than that, how important is it to get the air pressure just right on the water? Thanks, and keep up the good work!

Topic: Tech Support

Hi Zach! Love the show, great content!

I’m filming our Main Salmon trip this year with a GoPro. What do you use—or what have you heard of—to merge and edit GoPro clips into one seamless video with text and music?

I need something old-guy friendly, since I’m not super tech-savvy.

Got any tips or tricks you’ve learned from your own experience? Thanks!

Topic: Dish Bucket Water

Love the show, thank you for keeping this up. I always look forward to the Tuesday show and any other reviews, testing or other topics you cover.

For getting rid of dish water, different rivers have different rules. My understanding is that for high-volume rivers, it's better to dispose of strained dishwater into the river. For smaller rivers (Smith, MFS), you're supposed to disperse the water above the high water line and away from camp. For low use camps, I guess this could make sense, that eventually the rain will do it's thing and it'll soak into the ground. For desert trips or popular camps, this just seems like a recipe for attracting pests. Even if you could strain every bit of food, there's still going to be oils and dissolved sugars which will get tossed on the ground.

Maybe my concept of how much oil/sugar/small stuff gets left behind is wrong. I'm assuming these rules have science/research behind them. Any thoughts or ideas on this?

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

Today's Show!

Topic: River Hazards

I can’t really immediately see a sieve on the river or most of the time from river side either or on videos really. I get it when it’s pointed out. Same with undercuts . I see them when it’s pointed out and understand but it’s not always obvious to me even after the fact. Makes me nervous . Don’t want to be overly paranoid but need to know for safety sake. What’s your process of identifying these kinds of hazards when you’re scouting? Happy boating and stay safe out there.

Topic: PFD knife storage

Can a sheath knife be fitted Inside the exterior knife pocket on a pfd? (eg the Palm Nevis, Astral Indus)

As to my mind this is the optimal kayak set up. Instant deployment, no snag hazard.

Topic: Permits and Bots

With as difficult as it to obtain coveted river permits, I struggle with what’s fair or not fair with regards to obtaining a permit with the help of a bot. Do you have any thoughts or feedback on using bots to secure river permits?

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 on the next live show

Topic: 40k Rogue

Hi, Zach. Hope things are well How was the Wind Race?

Some AW staff and Board and families were planning to paddle the Rogue April 6-8 after the Board meeting.

But it looks like the flow forecast shows 40k. Thoughts on the Rogue at high flows?

Topic: High Float PFD

Hope you are well. Not sure you remember me, I have done a Rogue rowing school and a regular Rogue trip with NWRC (though it was some time ago). You have also been kind enough to answer a couple of questions for me and I think my son, Nathan, has been in touch with you once or twice.

I have another question, if I may. Many years ago you answered my question on a recommendation for a PFD, you recommended the Kokatat Maximus. I have had two of them and since I am typing this email they have both done their job perfectly! Sadly both the second Maximus and I are getting long in the tooth. I think it may be time to up my flotation.

Doing a bit of looking, there seem to be two out there that have 22 lbs of floatation, NRS big Water Guide and the Astral Indus. I vaguely recall you were not a big fan of NRS PDF's (I could be 100% wrong on that and please feel free to correct me if I am) and I do seem to prefer the Astral. Though the rescue harness is a little unnecessary for me to have since I could not imagine any situation being improved by me being live bait.

If you have any thoughts on these two or any others it would be greatly appreciated.

Topic: Mustang Dry Suit

I saw your video on dry suits and I’m curious what you think about Mustang’s newish neoprene necked drysuit?

They seem to claim that it’s dry, I have issues with tight neck gaskets and am considering giving it a shot. Curious if you have tried it or have any thoughts.

Topic: River Trip Roster

One idea for a future YouTube segment: How to assemble the right crew for your next private river trip. Personalities, skills, chores, kids/no kids, shared goals, etc. I've been fortunate to be on some great Grand Canyon and Salmon trips and it's been thanks to strong vision and leadership from permit holders / trip leaders.

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

Topic: Rowing “Lesson”

I’m a seasoned paddler and have many years on the sticks. Comfortable in IV.

My question is do you offer an option to boat with, or lead a fella down a new section of water? - Call it a private lesson?

Thanks!

Get ready for an exciting episode of Safety First with Danger Tate! This time, Tate sits down with whitewater legend Mark Singleton. With 18 years as the executive director of American Whitewater and a lifetime of outdoor adventure, Mark has seen it all—especially when it comes to Gauley Fest.

Whether you're a festival veteran or dreaming of your first Gauley Fest experience, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and plenty of river stoke!

American Whitewater – Dedicated to protecting and restoring America’s whitewater rivers. Learn more and support their mission by following the link.

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

Topic: SUPing John Day

I found you through a web search that lead to an article about a John Day trip, so wanted to see if you do any SUP trips on the John Day or other rivers in the Pacific Northwest? Also, do you do any private or group whitewater SUP training? I'm novice at it, but was once a raft guide and currently do a lot of flatwater SUP.

Please let me know, and if not, any referral to someone who does would be most appreciated!