Gear Garage Live Show

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where Zach answers submitted questions and talks all things whitewater. In this episode, Zach dives deep into river safety "rants," analyzes rescue videos, and discusses the importance of professional training for both private boaters and aspiring guides.

Zach begins the show by announcing new one-day rescue clinics offered by Northwest Rafting Company. These clinics are designed as a "palatable" way for private boaters to gain experience in specific areas like mechanical advantage and throw bags without committing to a full three-day course. He also shares...

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, Zach covers the latest digital river mapping tools for permit winners, shares critical advice for aspiring rafting outfitters, and dives into the challenges of search and rescue in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness.

Episode Summary

The show kicks off with a sobering update on a missing boater in the Illinois River area. Zach discusses the immense challenges of search and rescue in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, highlighting how the rugged terrain, overgrown brush...

Whether you’re a seasoned river guide or a recreational boater, the conversation around whitewater safety is constantly evolving. In this featured interview, Zach Collier sits down with safety expert Jim Coffey to discuss the modern state of whitewater rescue, breaking down everything from technical gear debates to the fundamental ways we approach rescue education.

Here is a summary of the key takeaways from their deep dive into the world of river safety.

Whitewater vs. Swiftwater: What’s in a Name?

One of the first topics Zach and Jim tackled was the terminology we u...

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

Episode Summary

First out of the gate, Zach highlights a game-changer for river navigation: the digital river maps from GoRafting.com. These maps integrate with the Far Out app, allowing boaters to track their exact location on the river in real-time. Zach specifically recommends the "Whitewater Classics" bundle, noting that the ability to see photos of upcoming campsites and track distance to the take-out is well worth the investment.

The discussion...

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 answers live questions covering groover systems, raft patching and field repairs, and an impressive run of the Illinois river in a sweep boat.

Episode Summary

First out of the gate, Zach promotes Northwest Rafting Company's one-day rescue clinics. These day-long clinics have a rotating schedule of what is taught, so you can cherry-pick what you would like to learn/get practice...

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, Zach takes a deep dive into Personal Rescue Equipment (PRE), specifically focusing on the flip line. While it seems like a simple piece of webbing, there is a lot of debate around the length, the type of webbing used, and whether or not to use locking carabiners. Zach also answers viewer questions about the mechanics of righting a flipped raft and how to stay safe while doing it.

Flip Lines...

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

Episode Summary

In this end-of-year edition, Zach tackles the nitty-gritty of personal rescue equipment (PRE), specifically nerding out on the materials and dimensions of flip lines. The show moves into a masterclass on cataraft frame setup and a high-stakes discussion on the realities of recovering heavy gear boats in swift water—a scenario Zach describes as "a marathon, not a sprint." To wrap things up, Zach clarifies the often-confused vocabulary between Personal Protective Eq...

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

Episode Summary

Zach kicks off the show with a look at a new throw bag from Sockdolager, modified with 5/16" Sterling rope for a better grip—available now at River Hardware. He then tackles a deep dive into river safety, specifically why running rivers during the "first big flood" of the season is a recipe for disaster due to debris and taxed search-and-rescue resources. The episode takes a personal turn as Zach explains his un...

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

On this Friday night Gear Garage Live, Zach digs into a full batch of viewer questions about gear, boats, and how much stuff you really need to drag down the river. From minimalist multi-day setups to the realities of owning a dory, this one is all about making smarter, simpler choices on and off the water.

He also shares some honest opinions on helmets, packrafts, and winter runs in Oregon and Washington, plus...

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

Intro

In this episode of the Gear Garage Live Show, Zach checks in from Bangkok on his way to Bhutan and dives into winter rafting on the Rogue River, dialing in oar length for wide boats, and how to think about whitewater rescue courses. He also shares thoughts on oar tethers and how they can help keep you in the boat when things get spicy.

Episode Summary

Zach starts...