Growing up, my family vacations centered around the outdoors. The highlight of my summers was always going on week long backpacking or rafting trip. My brothers and I were often...

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...

River water does not flow in a straight line but must meander, fall, swirl, and collect according to its environment. We call these movements currents. As whitewater boaters, we must...

Whitewater rafting is one of the more exhilarating family outdoor activities and requires some planning to bring the right gear for your trip. Preparing well will set you and your...

On multi day rafting trips, it is a huge bummer to have your shoes fall apart or to rip your mesh gear bag. Unfortunately, these “heavy duty” materials are too...

The western United States is filled with spectacular multi-day river trips. People travel from all across the country (or even all across the world!) to run these rivers. The mix...

Properly sized oars can make all the difference when seeking a comfortable rowing experience and good lines. Below is a guide for determining the right oar size given a variety...

A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is a necessary piece of safety equipment for any paddler or passenger. While nearly all PFDs have a similar general design, each boater looks for...

A Personal Flotation Device, also called a PFD, helps you stay on the surface of the water. However, there are so many questions, so lets dive in. What is the...

Getting into whitewater kayaking can be overwhelming. There is a lot of gear to purchase and many options. A big, and very important piece of gear is your first whitewater...

The short answer is: it depends on the river. If you are kayaking all year round, and the winter months are cold and snowy, you are going to want a...

Hand washing has always been important. It is especially important on extended wilderness trips to prevent passing the "stomach bug" to your fellow adventurers. So remember, wash your hands often,...