Drysuit Care, Maintenance, and Usage

Post last modified:April 23, 2023
Reading time:8 mins read

Below we've compiled a list of tips for maintaining and prolonging the lifespan of your drysuit. Cold weather and cold water boat becomes infinitely more fun when using a drysuit instead of a wetsuit particularly if you find yourself swimming a rapid. However, drysuits can quickly become ineffective if not properly cared for. Learn how to effectively put on and take off your lifejacket with minimal probability of blowing a gasket. Also read about best practices for maintenance of your drysuit. Take Care of your Booties Drysuit booties seem to be the most common place to spring pinhole leaks so it's crucial to take care of them…

Best Whitewater Rafting Shoes and Sandals

Post last modified:February 8, 2024
Reading time:22 mins read

Proper footwear can make or break your river rafting experience. Quality rafting shoes and sandals dry quickly, secure well to your foot and provide traction in a variety of conditions. Unfortunately the same footwear is not ideal for everyone and every white water trip. Some trips need footwear that is primarily suited for swimming, others need it to be better for walking on rocks. This article answers the question of what shoes to wear white water rafting by breaking down the advantages and disadvantages of the most common and best shoes and sandals for rafting. We also discuss which shoes/sandals are better for specific types of white…

Organizing a Private Rogue Rafting Trip

Post last modified:July 7, 2023
Reading time:17 mins read

Due to the popularity of rafting and camping on the Rogue, obtaining a permit can be a challenge, however, it also means an incredible support structure for shuttles, rafts and gear rentals. In this article we break down factors involved in organizing a private rafting trip on the Rogue River. This includes deciding when raft the Rogue, how to get a permit (including cancellations), where to rent gear, reserve shuttles, and information for making the most out of your time on the river. When to Raft the Rogue Ideal flows between 4,000 and 1,200 cfs typically exist after spring runoff (mid-June) through the fall. Spring rains and…

Best Sunscreens for Water Sports

Post last modified:February 8, 2024
Reading time:19 mins read

In this post we focus on the best zinc-based options for water-resistant sunscreens that are reef friendly. The research points towards these mineral based sunblocks being the safest options for humans and wildlife while also protecting skin from the sun when playing on rivers, lakes and the ocean. These sunscreens are all also ideal for kids and toddlers. Skip to recommended sunscreens. Read about making a DIY reef-friendly sunscreen. Do a little research and you will find the commercial sunscreen industry is full of dishonest claims. In the fall of 2021, an Environmental working group (EWG) peer-reviewed study of sunscreens concluded that most U.S. sunscreens provide inadequate…

High Water Rafting

Post last modified:April 23, 2023
Reading time:14 mins read

Rafting a river at high water can be an exhilarating adventure. However, high water trips can quickly get out of control. They are best approached with a focus on maximizing safety and minimizing exposure. In this article we discuss what we see as high water along with the best practices for team boating, PPE (personal protective equipment), and prepping crews. What is High Water Rafting High water rafting most commonly means rafting a river at a higher flow within the runnable range. The Tuolumne River in California is generally rafted between 1,000 cfs and 10,000 cfs. Most companies consider the river above 5000 cfs to be high…

How to Scout Whitewater Rapids

Post last modified:May 3, 2022
Reading time:11 mins read

Scouting Rapids might seem simple. Get out of your raft or kayak, walk downstream and look at the rapid. Then decide upon a planned route through the whitewater and finally run the rapid. However, there are steps and details within the scouting process that can greatly improve the probability of success while minimizing risk to you and your team. Before Launching Before launching on a trip have a guide meeting at put-in to discuss logistics for the day, boat order and any hazards of note. During the meeting decide which rapids to scout as well as where to pull over to scout. It is important to create…

Rafting the Grand Canyon in 1 Day

Post last modified:January 15, 2023
Reading time:9 mins read

Almost 6 million people visit the Grand Canyon each year. However less than 1% of those people see the bottom of the canyon. Spending a day rafting the Colorado River provides a much deeper Grand Canyon experience. The question to answer is which one day Grand Canyon rafting trip is best for you. The main rafting options in or near Grand Canyon are the Hualapai River Runners whitewater trip, the Glen Canyon flatwater tour and the Black Canyon smooth water trip. While only one of these trips is in the actual Grand Canyon, the other two options provide a similar experience with easier access and a lower…

Whitewater PFD (Life Jacket) Flotation

Post last modified:February 8, 2024
Reading time:17 mins read

The most important aspect of whitewater rafting life jackets is flotation. This article looks at how flotation impacts the amount of time swimmers spend under water as well as other advantages of high flotation PFDs. If you are not a big fan of reading check out this video discussing the importance of flotation with my friend Zach Collier. There are many reasons why people don't select a high float PFD: how it fits, how it looks, where the pockets are, what color it is, it's easier to move and swim in low float jackets. Yes, these are all considerations when selecting a whitewater PFD. However, flotation actually…

Whitewater Raft Materials and Designs

Post last modified:May 29, 2022
Reading time:16 mins read

There are variables to consider when purchasing a whitewater raft: design, size, cost, materials, and type of usage. People tend to focus on the size (particularly length). However, raft performance depends heavily on raft materials (scroll to materials) and design. In this post we are going to break down these variables along with what different manufactures offer to help you figure out the right inflatable raft for you. We also have a post on the different types of whitewater crafts. Variables of Raft Design Raft Length People tend to spend the most time considering length which is a good place to start. The length of a raft…

Whitewater Rafting Commands and Paddle Training

Post last modified:May 29, 2022
Reading time:13 mins read

A strong paddle talk combined with a thorough paddle training will get your crew performing at a high level making it much more fun to guide your raft down the river.

Sunscreens Mobile Table

Post last modified:June 21, 2022
Reading time:11 mins read

Cream and Lotion Sunscreens Badger Sunscreen Cream SPF 40 Minimal ingredients, reef friendly, water resistant 80 minutes, unscented. Note: Badger uses a "clear" zinc that is non-nanoIngredients: 22.5% Uncoated Zinc Oxide, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Beeswax, Sunflower Vitamin ECost: $15.29 for 2.9 ounces; $5.30/ounce Thinksport SPF 50 Budget friendly, reef friendly, water resistant 80 minutesMany chemicals, only 20% zincIngredients: 20% non-nano Zinc, caprylic triglyceride, polyglycery-4, isosterate, cetyl dimethicone, hexyl laurate, glycerin, hycrogenated methyl, pinewood resin, epsom salt, caprylhdroxamic acid, glyceryl caprylate, sorbitan sesquioleate, currant fruit, sunflower oil, jojoba seed oil, tocopherol, olive fruit oil, hyalurounic acid, grapefruitCost: $18 for 6 ounces; $3/ounce Reef Repair Sunscreen SPF 50…