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...

Read More
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...

Read More
Poison Oak

Pro Tip: Poison Oak

By: Zach, October 13, 2017

For many mountain bikers, rafters, and kayakers poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is one of the scariest things found in the woods. This nasty bush is commonly found in California, Oregon,...

Read More
Velvet Falls on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River at 6.5 feet

High-Water Safety: Guidelines for Rafting Swollen Rivers

By: Bill McGinnis, April 25, 2017

Big winters create big runoff. Whitewater rafters are looking at epically high water! Because increased flows dramatically change rivers and require a redoubling of our ongoing efforts to keep our...

Read More
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...

Read More
Winter Boating on the South Fork of Rough and Ready Creek

Pro Tip: Winter Boating

By: Michael Hughes, February 9, 2016

It is that time of year, short days, cold nights, and extra layers under the drysuit. Just because it is winter doesn't mean you have to put your paddling gear...

Read More
Running the sweep boat on the Middle Fork at low water

Pro-Tip: Low Water Advice for the Middle Fork

By: Zach, June 29, 2014

I regularly get phone calls and emails from rafters looking for advice on running the Middle Fork of the Salmon at low water. July and August are considered "low water"...

Read More
A young rattlesnake - notice how difficult it is to identify it's rattle

River Safety: Rattlesnakes

By: Molly, May 28, 2014

Rattlesnakes are some of the most foreboding creatures in the wilderness. However, like most of the fauna you encounter out there, they just want to be left alone. The chance...

Read More
« Newer Posts

Supported By

Sawyer

Cascade River Gear

Maravia Rafts

River Hardware

NWRC Whitewater Education & Safety Training