Boat Smith 2025: High Water, Big Rapids, and Epic Times

By: Tate Tomlinson, February 20, 2025

What a year at Boat Smith! The water raged, the vibes soared, and the festivities kept the stoke high. This marked my first time at the event, and honestly, I...

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Made_In_Hood_River

Immersion Research: Made In Hood River

By: Michael Hughes, February 13, 2025

John and Kara Weld started Immersion Research in a basement in 1997 with a sewing machine and an idea: to create high-quality, surf-inspired kayak apparel. At the time, there were...

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Pro Tip: Meeting and Keeping Paddling Friends

By: Tate Tomlinson, February 6, 2025

Finding people to paddle with can feel overwhelming and stressful, especially if you’ve just moved to a new town. The good news? There are plenty of strategies for making and...

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Pro Tips: Whitewater Kayaking In A Large Group

By: Tate Tomlinson, January 30, 2025

Our friend Howard (AKA How Pow) has nine tips for kayaking in a large group. "Although larger groups can have their issues, with a few precautions they can be awesome....

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Pro Tips: Packing Smart on Multi-day Rafting Trips

By: Courtney Sweeney, January 16, 2025

Packing for a multi-day rafting trip takes a bit of planning, but with over a decade of guiding experience, I’ve learned a few things to make the process easier. From...

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Platypus GravityWorks

Pro Tips: Water Filters

By: Michael Hughes, December 5, 2024

Whether you are on a weeks long Grand Canyon trip, a quick over night on river close to home, or a trip to a foreign land, you are going to...

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Many sandal choices

Gear Reviews: River Sandals

By: Michael Hughes, November 14, 2024

There are a bunch of river footwear options out there. Closed-toe shoes offer the most protection and tend to have the best and stickiest soles for traction. However, when it's...

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Two bags fit great in the bottom of my cooler

Gear Reviews: Canyon Coolers Clean Ice Bag

By: Michael Hughes, October 31, 2024

Ice is a pretty important part of any river trip, car camping trip, or road trip. It is the way to keep your food and beverages cold while on the...

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Dolomites and included case

Gear Review: Ombraz Sunglasses

By: Michael Hughes, May 2, 2024

I am sure some of you have seen the Ombraz armless sunglasses at some point. In case you haven’t seen them, think sunglasses with Chums attached but no arms that...

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Send-O-Vision

Best New Gear For 2024

By: Michael Hughes, April 1, 2024

Are you ready to unload your tax refund on some of the hottest river gear for 2024? Send-O-Vision Sick of having the pick a line through the rapids? Well, toss...

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