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…

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…

Best Practices for Swimming Whitewater Rapids

Post last modified:April 23, 2023
Reading time:18 mins read

Numerous people stop rafting rivers after a bad swim. Most bad swims can be prevented by training of crews to keep everyone in the raft, wearing more flotation and using best practices once in a rapid. A key component is training with whitewater skills regularly to be comfortable using the swimming techniques and one's PPE (personal protective equipment). Active Swimming: Self-rescue This is the preferred technique and should be used during most whitewater swims. Be an active part of your rescue rather than lying on your back waiting for someone to come rescue you. The most common use of active swimming is to swim back to the…

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…

Blossom Bar Wrap

Wrapped Rafts

Post last modified:May 29, 2022
Reading time:11 mins read

When I started guiding in the early 1990's we were still using bucket boats. Once those rafts wrapped (and they did so much more often than self-bailers), they were extremely challenging to remove from a rock. Luckily the stiffer hypalon and polyurethane self-bailing rafts don't wrap nearly as often (they flip more!) as the old hypalon bucket rafts. However many people still treat wraps like their rafts are bucket boats. In this article we will review some basics about preventing wraps and simple ways of getting your self-bailing raft off a rock. How to Prevent a Wrap The best way to unwrap a raft is to not…

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…