River Talk Podcast

In this episode Zach and Aaron discuss topics that could be covered in basic river safety course.

Safety course on the Hood River in Oregon

News of the Week

Star Wars Episode 9

Pelican International buys Confluence Outdoor

Gear of the Week

American Whitewater Calendar (Zach)

Jacks Plastic Shopping Bag (Aaron)

In this episode we talk about tips and strategies for doing overnight rafting and kayaking trips in the winter.

Paddling in the winter can be cold

News of the Week

Nominate Oregon rivers for National Wild and Scenic designation by emailing [email protected] or via American Whitewater.

Consider a donation to Leap Adventures

Gear of the Week

Selway Fabrication Riverbank Toilets

Fatwood (YouTube Video)

This week Zach and Aaron have a friendly debate about whether the Middle Fork or the Selway is the best river trip.

Thinley and Chencho Kayaking in Bhutan

News of the Week

Senator Wyden organizing Wild and Scenic River forums in Portland and Bend this week.

Please consider supporting guide training for Bhutanese guides with a donation $5 (or more).

Gear of the Week

Zinc sunscreen (Aaron)

Miir coffee mugs (Aaron)

This week Aaron and Zach talk to Jeremiah from SOTAR about their new lightweight inflatable kayak.

SOTAR Stealth Prototype Kayak

News of the Week

America Outdoors Conference in Salt Lake City next week

River permit season is upon us

ARTA River Trips welcomes new CEO Marek Robinson

Gear of the Week

GoPro Hero 8 (Zach)

Tyvek Tape for boat repairs (Aaron)

This week Pete from Momentum River Expeditions joins us to talk about the removal of the Klamath River dams and how that affects paddling and river access.

If you’d like to make a comment, read Zach Urness’s article and then send an email to [email protected].

Caldera Rapid on the Upper Klamath River | Photo Courtesy Momentum River Expeditions

News of the Week

We rehashed the OSMB boater fees that will go into effect on August 20, 2020. These fees are well described by Zach Urness in the Statesman Journal.

Gear of the Week

Four legged ALPS “adventure” chair (Zach)

OONI Portable Pizza Oven (Pete)

New Polartech Fleece (Priscilla)

Goodr $25 Sunglasses (Erik)

In this episode we talk about some of the causes of mental issues for whitewater paddlers.

News of the Week

What is the South Kalmiopsis? (Zach)

PDX Kayaker Film Festival

Kayaking Josephine Creek in the South Kalmiopsis

Articles we Discussed

Scott Lindgren Article in Outside Magazine

Nouria Newman is Redefining Whitewater Kayakaing (REI Blog)

Organizations that Support River Guides

Whale Foundation

Redside Foundation

Gear of the Week

GoPro 8 (Zach)

PB Blaster (Priscilla)

Freefly Sun Hoody (Aaron)

In this week’s episode Erik and Zach discuss a recent article in Paddling Magazine about the most embarrassing whitewater crafts. They also talk about the difference between swiftwater rescue and swiftwater safety.

News of the Week

Send your questions and comments to our new email address [email protected].

Little Colorado threatened by dams again

400 people protest the Stibnite mine proposal on the South Fork of the Salmon River

Gear of the Weeek

Listen to the Waterbound Pocast, a relatively new podcast bout rafting in the Southeast. (Zach)

Wrapping oar locks (Erik)

In this episode we talk with Pete Rockwell from AIRE about the company history and some of their new boats.

News of the Week

– American Whitewater has identified Illinois River Tributaries, South Umpqua + Tributaries, North Umpqua Tributaries, Celestial Falls (White River), Williamson River, Blue River, Upper Rogue (MF, SF), Breitenbush River, Quartzville Creek, North Fork Smith Tributaries, South Fork Chetco River, Hunter Creek, and Pistol River as candidates for nomination as Wild and Scenic Rivers.

– Fishing has been shut down on the Clearwater River and Snake River below Asotin.

– Save the Salmon protest in McCall this weekend.

Rough and Ready Creek is an unprotected tributary of the Illinois River

Gear of the Week

– Alps Roll Table (Priscilla)

– Non Diminishing Tubed Rafts (Zach)

– OCLU Camera (Erik)

– Small AIRE Frodo Bag and New Kokatat Hustler PFD (Pete)

In this week’s episode Zach and Priscilla talk about Senator Wyden’s new Wild and Scenic River push as well as river festivals and river festival Culture.

The Tobin Bridges above the North Fork of the Feather River

Gear of the Week

– Electric Chain Saw (Priscilla)

– Makita Cordless Blower (Zach)

In this episode Zach talks with Aaron Cavagnolo and Aaron Babcock about creature crafts.

Gear of the Week

– Stohlquist Youth & Child PFDs (Aaron Cavagnolo)

– Grayl Water Filter (Zach)

– Creature Craft Sea Anchor (Aaron Babcock)