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 of the Gear Garage Live Show, Zach digs into the growing focus on whitewater rescue training for rafters, breaks down a viewer’s Cherry Creek catboat run, and answers questions about beaver boards, dance floors, and GoPro mounting. Along the way, he explains why different boating communities need different rescue curricula and shares practical tips for setting up a gear-friendly frame system.

Zach opens with a deep dive into the difference between traditional “swiftwater rescue” for first responders and the type of whitewater rescue that rafters, guides, and private boaters actually need. He explains how NWRC is separating guide-focused Rescue 3 courses from private-boater Class III Safety & Rescue Clinics to deliver better outcomes. The episode then shifts into a catboat video review from California’s Cherry Creek—highlighting oar shipping, downstream hazards, and why catboats can be both forgiving and deceptive. Additional questions touch on beaver board construction, marine-grade plywood, handling sketchy rescue situations, and Rivtech-style experimental raft designs.

Thanks for tuning in! Whether you’re curious about rescue training, working on your frame setup, or studying lines on Cherry Creek, this episode offers practical insight to help you stay safer and sharper 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.