I've been accepted to work on a river in Norway! But my boyfriend (also a raft guide) did not get accepted since he only has a USA Passport. I want to work with him but I also want to work in Norway and be close to my family there.... And so I've come up with a possible solution...

I'm thinking of rafting in Norway from June- September... and maybe I can raft somewhere else with my boyfriend before June/Norway, so I can still have a bit a of rafting season with him. The problem is, I'm just not sure where.

I want your suggestions! I'd preferably like a more adrenaline packed river with rapids I can master my skills in, but of course my priority is to find a place I can be with my boyfriend at. Him and my schedule is fairly flexible in the Spring, so we want to make it work.

Our experience:

• 3 summer seasons of commercial raft guiding
• Primarily Class III-IV Rapids
• Arkansas River (Bighorn/Royal Gorge)
• Primarily half & day trips
• Private boating experience: whitewater kayaking & packrafting

My criteria, more or less:

• NOT in Colorado
• Make descent money (for rafting)/ company has decent amount of business... I know this might be a stretch since it'll be the Spring
• Able to work with my boyfriend (accepts USA passports)
• Rapids III-IV+

Let me know your thoughts! Anything helps

Edit: Thank you all for the recommendations :^) Super helpful and I'm going to follow up on all of them

I have a a 14’ Maravia Wily Willy and live near the Payette. I’ve done some class 3 runs on it and some class 2 multi day trips on the John Day.

My wife and kids, 10 & 12 are planning the Lower Salmon this summer. We will be with an experience group.

I’d appreciate any advice you can offer about the ‘safest’ time/flow to go.

Thanks!

Planning to take my WEMT at NOC over the winter. Curious if anyone has done theirs there and what your experience was.

Hey has anyone paddled fb9 since Helene? Are there access points/can you get to the out in/takeouts? Have any of the rapids changed? Thanks

TL;DR: How do these two boats (no other models are available) compare in handling as paddle rafts in the upper range of paddler count? Historically I've been taking groups ranging from 4-10, but usually 7-10 (including me). How would these two boats handle at the upper end? I could pare down max group size if necessary, but is it possible to fit 10 people in a SDP on easy class 3 day trips? (1 ride the bull, 2 paddlers in front of each thwart with 2 behind the rear thwart +guide in back middle - or any other configuration, such as passengers in the middle of thwarts)

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Hey all,

Been up all night so far looking into the differences between these two boats, and it just occurred to me to ask on here in case anyone has any last-minute thoughts. I found out this evening about a local doorbuster sale for a price I can't pass up, and am attempting to decide between them (looking on their site, which is often not up-to-date since they're pretty much entirely local sales-driven, these are the only two models I would be interested in).

I currently have an old Saturn 14' raft that has a slow leak and a blown baffle. The leak isn't bad (not a concern on day trips, just had to be topped up a fair bit at the beginning each day of the multi-day trip I had it on with a borrowed stern-mount frame), and the boat has been allowing me to get groups on the water, but have been planning on upgrading whenever I stumble upon a deal that I can't pass up.

My Saturn is the only boat that I have paddle guided, so I do not have a point of comparison with any other rafts regarding maneouverability.

I'm primarily a hardshell kayaker, and I've got a couple of IKs, so if I'm going to be taking out friends fewer than 3 or 4, we're going to be in kayaks. My uses of my raft have been groups from 4-10 (my Saturn has foot loops for 8 paddlers + guide, and we sometimes have a dedicated "ride the bull" slot) on just the local class 3 run. I'm still fairly inexperienced with raft guiding, so the extra width/stability of the 143D sounds like it could be nice - however, I don't want to wish for a more maneouverable boat at a later date. I would like this boat to last me for many years to come.

So, for primary use as a paddle raft in the upper range of number of paddlers, how would these two boats compare in handling? Would the 143D be a better choice for the larger number of people due to higher carrying capacity? And conversely, if we were R4'ing a 143D, would we wish for more maneouverability? While the SDP sounds to be limited to 7 or 8 people, I am assuming that given the extra size the 143D would allow for hauling some additional people.

Thank you

Want a used boat for class 2-3 more for comfort.

Ratchet strap ate a hole in my new boat and my patch kit is a different color than the raft and all the websites I find selling stuff is weird sketchy or out of stock. TIA

Just completed a 15 week intro to WW course and now I’m putting those skills to the test. I’ve already scored a Dagger GTX, Neoprene skull cap & skirt, helmet, & dry shirt all for $300…bargain. Now I’m looking for a paddle and I’m weighing some options. Because I got all the gear for a steal, I’ve got some extra to spend on a paddle. I’ve been going back and forth between the Werner Side Kick or the NRS PTK paddle. If it helps, I’m 6’1” and I’ve been using the 197cm Werner with a 45° offset for a few months. I’m hoping to find a solid paddle to last me a long time, any recommendations would be nice! Thanks!

I’ve been using an NRS PTK paddle as I moved from beginner to intermediate.

I recently bought a Werner Surge in the same length at the suggestion of a coach I work with. But after about five times on the water, I just don’t like the Werner and I find I usually end up with a sore right shoulder or both shoulders after using it.

The NRS paddle has 632 square inches of blade face, while the Surge has 725. I kind of feel like it’s just too much paddle for me.

I’m inclined to sell the Weber and just eat whatever money I lose and go back to the paddle I prefer.

I’m not inclined to try another Werner paddle at this point.

Any suggestions?

Hey there!

So my partner just got into whitewater kayaking (with myself soon to follow) and really likes the idea of having some sort of wearable towel for drying off at the take out. I thought this might make a great Christmas present for her and was curious if any of you have any suggestions on which brand(s) to go with? I've done some googling and it looks like there's a lot of options but I'm sure some are better for whitewater than others (material, sizing, durability, etc.) so I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Thanks in advance for the help! Cheers!

EDIT: Forgot to mention, I live in New Zealand so any brands that ship there would be appreciated ☺️

Hey y’all, I’m looking to get into guiding next summer. In terms of experience, I have a swiftwater rescue cert, 1 longer trip (11 days) on an oar rig/ kayaks, and a number of days as a client on a paddle raft (more than 5 less than 10) under my belt. I am also an EMT if that counts for anything.

I’m looking into guide school, and wondering if anyone has experience with OARS guide school or working for OARS? They seem well established, but I would love to get some input from people who are more familiar with the industry.

I believe they offer a paddle raft guide school and an oar rig guide school. Is paddle vs oar a matter of personal preference? Or is it typical for everyone to start by paddling. I really loved my experience on an oar rig, but I am wondering if that is an atypical route to take or something I might regret. I know I’d also make a lot less money, if any going that route, which isn’t ideal.

Mostly posting this to get some general feedback and thoughts on my situation. Any other companies or guide schools that people recommend would be super appreciated.

Thanks y’all

My Kokatat GMER (GoreTex Meridian) is going on 11 years old and has been a fantastic drysuit. It's not completely dry anymore, but that should expected given the age. It's been so reliable that I've sworn that I'd buy another one when the time comes. It'll get me through this upcoming winter but it's time to start thinking about a replacement. And IR is having a mega black Friday sale. The temptation to jump on this deal for their Devils Club suit is very, very tempting.

Other posts in this forum suggest that Kokatat suits aren't what they used to be. And that their service is worse. I kinda experienced that when I sent my GMER in for new gaskets and a water test. They weren't easy to communicate with and the suit only had a few patches on it when I got it back. I remember my friends getting back there suits with dozens of round patches. It wasn't completely dry but it is an old suit with quite a bit of wear.

Other posts suggest that IR has really advanced their suits over the years. And that their service is great. That was my experience when I had an issue with my Royal Flush skirt that they quickly repaired at no cost.

My main criteria in a new suit is durability and longevity. Everyone on here knows how expensive dry suits are (and they probably should be: expensive materials and hard to construct). So I'm looking for a long term investment. Being pretty damn dry (especially new) and mostly hassle free is second. But I do understand that they need maintenance. I'm ok if they get a little less dry over the years because that should be expected. But I dont want something thats going to have substantial leaks after a few years. I also want to be able to send it in for new gaskets and water testing every few years.

Thoughts? Experience? Has anyone had IR drywear for a good minute, like over 5 years? Longer would be even better. I'd love to get a decade plus out of my next suit. How well has it held up?

Thanks!

I want to upgrade my paddle. I’m currently running a powerhouse that I got for a steal but it is slightly too long. I think I want to get a Werner shogun. Do these paddles ever go on sale? They are not on sale now which makes me believe they never will be. I’m ok to bite the bullet on the price if it is what it is, but I’d like to know if I can get it cheaper. Thanks.

Hi, we just ordered small rewind for ms. silly-swimmer and I was wondering what size flotation bags fit inside stern? Two 20l or 25l? Does anyone maybe know the length of the stern? I know I can wait for few days and measure it but we need to dip that thingy into the water asap so would like to be "battle" ready :D

I like palm heavy duty float bags, they come in these sizes

• 92 x 48 cm • 30 L volume  
• 112 x 39 cm • 25 L volume  
• 92 x 38 cm • 20 L volume  
• 67 x 42 cm • 15 L volume 

What about bow? She is rather tall for s, paddled rewind m this summer, but fits in small with rails on second to last hole, will there be any space in bow for some float bag there?

Hey y'all, I just picked up this sweet Dagger Kingpin Icon 6.2 for a deal and it didn't come with footblocks. Thinking about buying minicell foam blocks to put in but not sure what size and how many I should get.

Trying to save money so not really going for the Jackson Happy Feet. I did see someone talk about spraying foam in a plastic bag on an older thread which seemed cool. Not sure what's best for my situation though.

https://preview.redd.it/e2lmw4pe8b3e1.png?width=988&format=png&auto=webp&s=13c08f42a026514dedc5a3a5a09d4da5571cd768

Anyone have any advise on the best companies to work for in BC, Canada? Noteworthy rivers, their areas, towns nearby, the vibe of the company, training, etc.

Real niche question: I have a Necky Chronic that I adore, but I dread the day it becomes too worn to paddle. I would love to have the option of getting a composite version made (I mean I would love a plastic version but short of finding the mold and figuring out how to fund a production run... that ain't happening.)

I am thinking I would get it 3D scanned and then save the file until the day I decide to get it made. Would that be the correct way to go about this?

I know Soul will do custom boats, but other than that, what options do I have?

I plan to do some cold weather kayaking this year because the rivers were dry all summer. All I have is a semi-dry suit and lots of fleece layers for underneath it. Temps range from 50-65 in the day and 35-40 at night. Is my semi-dry suit with layers of fleece underneath going to be enough to keep me warm if I have to take a swim? I will be on class 2/3 rivers only. I tried using just a thick wetsuit but that wasn’t enough. Thx in advance.

Ive been looking for a drysuit to use for class IV - V- Whitewater and Winter Playboating for some time now.

Recently, the Kayak Suit Extreme 4L red by Sandiline has really met my eye in being reasonably priced and looking pretty solid.

Does anyone have experiences with it?

Would you reccomend it to me? / If not, what alternatives would you reccomend?

Looking forward to your answers!

Is a k100 enough?

I have an electric pump, 4” barrel pump for top off at the car, but I want something to bring with me on overnights. Plus I want to fill a rmr 48” tube for the people who want to send it into a wave train. My raft is only 9.5’

Thoughts?

Edit. Awesome blossom thanks everyone

Dear paddle-people, I need some help: I want to gift my boyfriend a whitewater course/lesson for Christmas. Budget is around 150€. He has a lot of experience canoeing but as far as I know has only ever done one course on whitewater kayaking. We live in the baltics, so there’s not really any suitable rivers for whitewater here. Which means we’ll have to travel. It would therefore be good, if we could reach the spot with plane & public transport.

This is where I need your help: from stalking this subreddit I have figured out some spots that would be good for whitewater (soca river, alps or Norway) but I have such a difficult time deciding where would be best to go! I want it to be a high quality thing where he actually learns something (not just a „tourist trip“) but also I unfortunately do have a budget that I don’t wanna explode too much. And I am thinking more of a weekend trip than a whole holiday, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to reach.

So: do you have any recommendations for schools or courses? Any particular experiences that you yourself had and liked a lot?

thank you so much!!

I finally bought my first raft and now I need a trailer to haul it so I figured I’d ask ya’lls advice. What are your thoughts on a flat or utility trailer? Besides the obvious benefit of being able to pull up to the river fully rigged and de-rigging at home are there other benefits of a flat trailer? Thanks in advance.

I have an old Mr. Clean sitting in the garage and I need to get the foot situation figured out. I'm thinking I'll have to shape some foam but it's my first time doing it. I know there's at least one Alex Barham video on it, but I'm wondering if anyone else has any tips on how to approach it.

Thinking about moving to Missoula next spring, I am having trouble finding anything online as far as shops that sell kayaks/gear. Anyone know of anything in the area? Id prefer to not have a days drive just to get a new paddle/boat. Also any must hit runs in Western Mt eastern Idaho, thanks

I’m looking at a job in Nevada City. How’s the whitewater scene?