Scouting Scout Rapid on the North Fork of the Smith River

River Safety: California Rowing Progression

By: Zach, October 17, 2023

Here's a whitewater rower's progression from gentle Class II to adrenaline-pumping Class V California rivers. These whitewater runs are at listed from easiest to hardest recognizing that the exact order...

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Flip practice in a whitewater rescue course

River Raft Guide Certifications: Rescue, First Aid, and IRF

By: K.M. Collins, June 3, 2023

Top commercial river companies want to hire top performing guides. And one of the best ways to demonstrate you are a top performer is whitewater credentials. On a side note,...

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Maytag-Tappan-Falls

Video Review: Getting Beat Down

By: Courtney Sweeney, April 5, 2023

Some boaters are drawn to big munching holes, others avoid them at all cost. Sometimes you make it through, other times you and maybe your boat go along for the...

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Running Granite Rapid on the Grand Canyon

Is Rafting the Grand Canyon Hard?

By: Emily Little, September 26, 2020

There are many different factors to determine if a rafting trip will be hard or not. Various factors make rafting the Grand Canyon hard such as river hazards, cost, rapids,...

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Kayaking on Washington's Wind River

How Do Rapids Form in a River?

By: Nick Wright, August 14, 2020

Whitewater rapids are an integral part of boating. Whether you are running day trips full of continuous whitewater or multi-day trips with lots of flat water, everyone agrees the most...

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Heading into Nozzle at low water

The Six Most Common River Hazards

By: Ellie Friedmann, May 22, 2020

Beyond basic water reading, paddlers must be able to recognize river hazards. These features add consequence but are an inescapable part of running rivers. That being said, the best way...

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My Stohlquist Descent PFD

The Five Different Types of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

By: Ellie Friedmann, May 5, 2020

A Personal Flotation Device, also called a PFD, helps you stay on the surface of the water. They can help keep you safe during a variety of recreational activities and...

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American River Rescue

South Fork of the American River Hypothermia Rescue Story

By: Kevin DeLano, January 4, 2018

My kayaking crew and I encountered a hypothermic kayaker on the class 3 Gorge run of the South Fork American (SFA) on a cold and sunny Sunday afternoon in December...

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Cataraft on the Wind River

River Safety: Northwest Cataraft Progression

By: Zach, October 4, 2016

The rainy season is about to come to the Northwest which means boating season is right around the corner. Whitewater runs like the Upper Clackamas and Wind Rivers become training...

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Water Knot Finish

Pro Tip: Three Key Safety Knots for Paddlers

By: Michael Hughes, April 1, 2016

In the world of knots, there are lots. In fact there are so many that it is hard to know and remember what ones to tie, and when to use...

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