The Whitewater Blog

Jun 05, 2023
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5 Alternative Whitewater Crafts to Master

Kayaking is one of the fastest growing sports around, and for good reason. It’s super fun! Kayaking can seem intimidating at first but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of ways to get into a kayak without immediately going down raging rapids. Local pools are a great place to start. Most pools have a kayak night where you can go and just float around a pool with a bunch of friends. This will give you a good feel for the boat and build your confidence each time you go. These groups will also teach you how to roll a kayak in a safe environment. Dialing in your kayak roll will definitely boost your confidence.

May 29, 2023
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Best Rivers to SUP in Colorado.

Make sure you are prepared. Make sure you know what to expect on the section of river you have chosen. Many river put-ins have signs to tell you the class of rapid to expect or if there are any dangers you need to be aware of. There are plenty of online resources to check the river flow level and read up on the local rapids. Take advantage of them and make sure you are comfortable with the sections you run and the current water level. Even if you are aiming to challenge your skill level, know what you are getting into.

River station gear whitewater safety cover photo for high water safety blog

May 09, 2023
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9 Tips for Running High Water

1. Rig to Flip, Dress to Swim

This mantra is similar to “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst,” and is never more true than at high water. Be ready for a worst-case scenario by dressing your boat and yourself correctly. For example, you might want to rig a flip line across the bottom of your raft for help getting on top of it.

Likewise, consider rigging OS (Oh! Safety) straps across your thwarts and bringing extra spare paddles. If running an oar frame, ensure all straps are tight and tidy. Clip everything in and lock every carabiner. (Ensure you have no non-locking carabiners anywhere in the boat.)

May 06, 2023
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Stand-Up Paddleboarding: From Flatwater to Waterfalls

Sam: Yeah, and it just so happens that's the biggest one that I've ever tried. It was a 20-foot waterfall…a really well-known, classic drop in the UK, and it's never been done on a paddle board before.

We sussed it out, had a look, made some decisions, and I remember saying it at the top, ‘This is actually going to be totally fine as long as my fins don't catch on that side,’ and I hopped on the board…

And the back of the board kicked out, the fins hit the exact [spot] I didn't want to hit, and then it just threw me over a 20-foot drop.

But, the water is so aerated and so pillowy that I literally didn't feel a thing…[In] the go-pro footage that was on my head, you can see me emerge, and then I say ‘Okay, let's do that again’

Apr 23, 2023
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Should You Keep a River Log?

Some states require river logs for commercial guides, including Colorado. But even in places that don’t, keeping a detailed log is a good idea. You never know when you might need to show a potential employer your river history. And a thorough guide log can save you from lawyers and State Park’s departments if, god forbid, something happens.

Dry bag blog post for whitewater rafting gear.

Apr 05, 2023
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7 Things To Keep in Your Rafting Dry Bag

What’s in Your Dry Bag?

River runners, guides, and private boaters alike should never go out without their waterproof dry bags. What you put in it is another thing entirely, although extra layers, snacks, and a first aid kit are a good place to start.

What’s the most random thing in your dry bag? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this with your river rat friends.

Whitewater rafting party for river station gear.

Apr 05, 2023
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You’re Invited to a River Costume Party

Riverside costume parties have a grip on the whitewater rafting community from the Gauley to the Rogue and everywhere in between. Something about combining silly clothes and the great outdoors that appeals to boaters. Whatever the reason, river trip costume parties are a time-honored tradition.

So, make sure you pack at least a couple of costumes. If you don’t know where to begin, you’re in the right place. Here are six all-time classic costume ideas for your next rafting trip.

Mar 26, 2023
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Inspecting and Protecting Your Whitewater Gear

There are some dangers of using throw bags and especially waist throw bags if used improperly or if a piece of gear fails because of wear. We will give you some tips on what to look for generally with products and a few specific things to check with River Station Gear products. Generally with throw bags you want to make sure the top buckle and cinch cord are in good shape and working properly. You don’t want your rope to unknowingly come out and get into a moving river. Another thing to check is the tie-in knot. Make sure it is still a nice looking, well dressed knot. Lastly, make sure your rope itself is in good shape.

Mar 25, 2023
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7 Tips for Throw Bagging

It is always a good idea to find the correct place to throw a throw bag. Most of the time you will set safety in advance. Having one person walk down the bottom of a rapid and wait with a throw bag is a smart move. This way, if there are swimmers, you have a person in position to help. When you get to the bottom of the rapid, find a good place to stand. Flat, level and dry ground is your best bet. If you are balancing on a slippery pointy rock and bag someone, odds are you are going to be joining them in the river. Another tip is to look at the river's obstacles and features. If there is a downed tree or strainer, that may not be a good place to throw a rope. Look for a place with open, slower moving water. If you bag someone in very fast moving water, they may pull you in when the rope is weighted. Also worth mentioning, is you should never throw a bag from a moving raft. This is an uncontrolled environment and can cause quite a lot more danger.

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