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The Rating System is Flawed

07 Apr 2018 / Comments Off / in Chris Baer, Creeking, International, Kayaking, River Running, Trip Reports, Whitewater/by Ty Skoe

This (Northern Hemisphere) winter, I spent three months in Ecuador paddling a myriad of amazing whitewater rivers. The majority of these rivers were described as class IV, or maybe class IV+, or even IV++. Few seemed willing to put the grade V connotation on any of the sections. So what gives? Are we all sandbagging each other? Are we afraid to actually be class V kayakers? Maybe we are not wanting to sound arrogant? Were we just paddling those sections at much higher flows? Were all of these sections actually class IV… ish?

Baeza, everyday, loading the kayaks up with a new crew

Trying to rate every single piece of moving water from a meandering, flat creek to Palouse Falls and beyond on a I-V, or maybe a I-VI, scale just seems reckless. Heck, I even saw a New Zealand guide book talk about a class VII! (Which I certainly don’t believe in.) There are simply way too many variables. And where is the room for the next terrifying thing that gets run, where does that fit in?

Orion LeCroy, dropping into some class IV+??

So what is this scale? Where in the world did it come from? Who enforces it? And the even better question is: Who rates all the rivers? Upon doing a quick google search, I found American Whitewater claiming the I-VI scale as their own. Their current guideline is as follows:

International Scale of River Difficulty, created by American Whitewater, (…not very international in my opinion)

Class I: Easy

Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.

Class II: Novice

Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily avoided by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated Class II+.

Class III: Intermediate

Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated Class III- or Class III+ respectively.

Class IV: Advanced

Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require “must make” moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. For kayakers, a strong roll is highly recommended. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated Class IV- or Class IV+ respectively.

Class V: Expert

Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. Proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential.

Because of the large range of difficulty that exists beyond Class IV, Class V is an open-ended, multiple-level scale designated by class 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, etc. Each of these levels is an order of magnitude more difficult than the last. That is, going from Class 5.0 to Class 5.1 is a similar order of magnitude as increasing from Class IV to Class 5.0.

Class VI: Extreme and Exploratory Rapids

Runs of this classification are rarely attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. After a Class VI rapid has been run many times, its rating may be changed to an appropriate Class 5.x rating.

Water is Life

I have to admit after reading this version of the scale I was pretty happy with their rating explanations. Except for the fact that this is extremely subjective. How big is “big”? How fast is “fast”? How must make is “must make”? There is simply too much personal interpretation for me.

New friend in Tena

Personal Opinion

The fact is that no two people will give you the same definition of class I, let alone class V, or if there even is a class VI. How, as a community, especially an international community, are we supposed to talk about the rating system?

My suggestion would be to continue with the cumbersome I-V (or VI) scale. Then, I firmly suggest that people talk more about what really defines this I-V grading scale. The following are some of the factors that I consider when contemplating a river section.

Avery Potter heading into the fairly committing (class IV) Chaco Canyon

Regional Differences

It seems like every region that I go to, there is some kind of hazard that the locals are so accustomed to that they no longer realize that it’s an issue, or at best they have become blissfully complacent to the local hazard.

Colorado; you are going to pin on road or train debris.

California; poison everything, plants, more plants, snakes, aaand there is always a reservoir you have to paddle across at the take out.

Southeast; there is no water. You will skip off a damp rock and then land on a slightly damper rock.

Pacific Northwest; there are trees… everywhere.

Minnesota; ice undercuts lining the shores!

New Zealand: SIEVES! (Personal anecdote: coming up to a rapid I was told that there was a really sketchy piece of wood at the bottom of the rapid. Upon entering the rapid, half of the water quickly funneled into a sieve on the right. A bit further into the rapid, another quarter of the water disappeared into a sieve on the left. And at the very bottom of the rapid there was a small branch barely sticking out from the left shore).

Zambia; crocs, hippos, baboons, elephants, oh my!

Peru; Access. Cotahuasi Canyon is the deepest gorge in the world! Towering peaks reach 20,000 feet on both sides, hiking out isn’t even fathomable.

Every place has a local hazard. It doesn’t matter how accustomed to them you have become, it is imperative to know that these are true hazards. You need to be able to properly share these regional issues to paddlers that aren’t acquainted with the region.

Canoa, not a suggested river craft

Vessel

That 300 cfs creek run might be wide open in a kayak, but sure is technical, or next to impossible, in a raft. Our preferred craft for the descent will drastically change our personal opinions of the rating structure.

Flowers the size of your head

Aging

The years keep ticking by, and we don’t revisit section ratings. This is most apparent to me on the Gauley River in West Virginia. Iron Ring was considered a class VI rapid until not that long ago. Sweets (not a) Falls is still talked about as being class V (there is flat water above a ramp of water that splashes into a small non-retentive wave, backed up by a quarter mile pool). On the other end of the spectrum are the things that are being run for the first time… tomorrow. With new equipment ramping up the learning curve and a huge amount of whitewater media being produced on obscure rivers around the globe, the pace at which we are raising the bar has continued to escalate. We are now consistently paddling sections that were unimaginable mere years ago.

Cuenca vista

Old meets new in Cuenca

Sunset in Cuenca

Avery Potter exploring the city

Paddling Partner

Another key consideration: who are you paddling with? It turns out Darin McQuoid and my girlfriend rate sections slightly differently. That is ok, but you need to understand what you’re in for. If the person you’re about to go paddling with usually runs really hard class V and they tell you it’s super mellow class III (of course class III is mellow for them), this might be exactly the time to start pestering them for more beta. On the other hand, when you meet the paddler at the put in that is gripped and sweating bullets, and tells you it’s “pretty gnarly class III+++”, again, it might be time to get more beta.

Otavalo market

For a Little Comedy:

International System for Rating Rapids

Class I, Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Swimming is pleasant, shore easily reached. A nice break from paddling. Almost all gear and equipment is recovered. Boat is just slightly scratched.

Class II, Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Swimming to eddies requires moderate effort. Climbing out of river may involve slippery rocks and shrub-induced lacerations. Paddle travels great distance downstream requiring lengthy walk. Something unimportant is missing. Boat hits submerged rock leaving visible dent on frame or new gash in plastic.

Class III, Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid. Water is swallowed. Legs are ground repeatedly against sharp, pointy rocks. Several eddies are missed while swimming. Difficult decision to stay with boat results in moment of terror when swimmer realizes they are downstream of boat. Paddle is recirculated in small hole way upstream. All personal possessions are removed from boat and floated in different directions. Paddling partners run along river bank shouting helpful instructions. Boat is munched against large boulder hard enough to leave series of deep gouges. Sunglasses fall off.

Class IV, Advanced. Water is generally lots colder than Class III. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise swimming in turbulent water. Swimming may require `must’ moves above dangerous hazards. Must moves are downgraded to `strongly recommended’ after they are missed. Sensation of disbelief experienced while about to swim large drops. Frantic swimming towards shore is alternated with frantic swimming away from shore to avoid strainers. Rocks are clung to with death grip. Paddle is completely forgotten. One shoe is removed. Hydraulic pressure permanently removes waterproof box with all the really important stuff. Paddle partners running along stream look genuinely concerned while lofting throw ropes 20 feet behind swimmer. Paddle partners stare slack-jawed and point in amazement at boat which is finally pinned by major feature. Climbing up river bank involves inverted tree. One of those spring loaded pins that attaches watch to wristband is missing. Contact lenses are moved to rear of eyeballs.

Class V, Expert. The water in this rapid is usually under 42 degrees F. Most gear is destroyed on rocks within minutes if not seconds. If the boat survives, it is need of about three days of repair. There is no swimming, only frantic movements to keep from becoming one with the rocks and to get a breath from time to time. Terror and panic set in as you realize your paddle partners don’t have a chance in heck of reaching you. You come to a true understanding of the terms maytagging and pinballing. That hole that looked like nothing when scouted, has a hydraulic that holds you under the water until your lungs are close to bursting. You come out only to realize you still have 75% of the rapid left to swim. Swim to the eddy? What #%^&*#* eddy!? This rapid usually lasts a mile or more. Hydraulic pressure within the first few seconds removes everything that can come off your body. This includes gloves, shoes, neoprene socks, sunglasses, hats, and clothing. The rocks take care of your fingers, toes, and ears. That $900.00 dry suit, well it might hold up to the rocks. Your paddle is trash. If there is a strainer, well, just hope it is old and rotten so it breaks. Paddle partners on shore are frantically trying to run and keep up with you. Their horror is reflected in their faces as they stare at how you are being tossed around! They are hoping to remember how to do CPR. They also really hope the cooler with the beer is still intact. They are going to need a cold one by the time you get out! Climbing out of this happens after the rapid is over. You will probably need the help of a backboard, cervical collar and Z-rig. Even though you have broken bones, lacerations, puncture wounds, missing digits & ears, and a concussion, you won’t feel much pain because you will have severe hypothermia. Enjoy your stay in the hospital: with the time you take recovering, you won’t get another vacation for 3 years.

Class VI, World Class. Not recommended for swimming.
© 2002 by David Petterson of Calgary Paddlers.

Or for even more comedy, check out what was possibly the original grading system, from AW at the link below. It contains tons of very applicable information in a very sexist, dated journal.
https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Journal/show-page/issue/3/page/28/year/1963/

Lower Misahualli, after portaging, maybe paddling it would have been easier?

The Hard Numbers

It’s time to give the I-V scale less importance, and place more emphasis on some hard figures.

Gradient. This seems pretty simple: how steep is the section? Depending on the region, this is given in FPM (Foot Per Mile) or for just about everywhere else in the globe, MPK (Meter Per Kilometer).

Volume. Again, this is not arbitrary. How much water is in the drainage? Measured by CFS (Cubic Foot per Second) or CMS (Cubic Meter per Second), and when stating these facts, give your interpretation of the flow (flood, high, medium, low). A quick side note here, the foot gauge or meter gauge or random graffiti or scribble on the bridge pylon or that specific “rock” is sometimes the only measure of volume available on more obscure sections. If this is so, do your best to relate this in at least an estimate of numerical volume so an outsider might be able to have a rough guess at what they’re getting themselves into.

With these two stats, most seasoned paddlers can start to build a mental picture of what they are signing themselves up for.

A couple of extreme examples of this in practice:

Yule Creek, CO, 640 FPM 300 CFS, Flood, Class V… ish!
Grand Canyon of the Colorado, AZ, 8FPM 12,000 CFS, Medium, Class IV… ish.

Trip Kinney, making class 4 fun again

The Solution

In reality, there is no universal “fix” to the current rating system. It’s deeply entrenched in our sport, and getting away from it isn’t feasible. Compounding the issue, every time paddling has been picked up in a new region, the scale has been bastardized by the locals. The best option for us now is to truly be aware of the shortcomings of the I-V scale and to supplement this with more tangible beta.

So when you’re looking for info on your next class IVish river, ask another question or two, will ya?

Words by 4CRS team Member Chris Baer. Check out his personal blog whereisbaer.com for more!

Lake Nighthorse opens this weekend!

30 Mar 2018 / Comments Off / in Durango / 4Corners Area, Events, Featured, Fishing, Kayaking, SUP / Paddleboarding, Touring / Recreational/by Matt Gerhardt

Get ready, Lake Nighthorse finally opens to the public this weekend! The lake is less than 3 miles from our shop and has been full, but off limits to the public for 7 years. What does that mean? HUGE FISH!

Lake Nighthorse will be open for non-motorized use only on weekends from 4/1/18 thru 5/15/18. After that, motorized use will be allowed, and operations will go to 7 days a week. Come enjoy the quiet of the non-motorized period on a kayak, canoe or SUP!

To celebrate, we’ll be offering 25% off any of our fishing or recreational kayaks, canoes or stand up paddle boards thru April 15th! We have a fully stocked rental inventory from brands like Hobie, Jackson, Mad River, Wilderness Systems, Perception, Native, Boardworks, SOL and Hala! View more details on our rental page here: https://www.riversports.com/rentals/

Come get out and explore the newly opened Lake Nighthorse! Give us a call to reserve a boat or SUP at 970-259-3893!

Lake Nighthorse Boat Rentals – Kayak, Canoe, SUP, Sail

28 Feb 2018 / Comments Off / in Durango / 4Corners Area, Events, Fishing, Kayaking, SUP / Paddleboarding, Touring / Recreational/by Matt Gerhardt

With the highly anticipated opening of Lake Nighthorse in Durango, CO, less than 3 miles from 4CRS, we are beefing up our rental fleet substantially this season! 4CRS will be your premiere rental source for fishing kayaks, canoes, touring kayaks, stand up paddle boards (SUPs), sail boats, and all the equipment you need to get out an enjoy a day on the water!

Rent your boat and equipment from 4CRS and take it to any local area lake or river such as Lake Nighthorse, Vallecito, McPhee, Navajo, the Animas or San Juan Rivers, or just about anywhere you can float a boat!

Check out all of our rates and available rental boats, boards and equipment on our Boat & Equipment Rental Page

Lake Nighthorse is slated to be opened to the public in April 2018, but an exact date has yet to be set. Keep an eye out on our blog and social media for more up to date info.

Why buy an AIRE Raft?

28 Feb 2018 / Comments Off / in Rafting, Reviews, River Running, Whitewater/by Matt Gerhardt

In our 35+ years in business, we’ve seen a lot of raft designs and brands in pretty intimate detail. We’ve also done repairs on a lot of rafts. All of this experience has led us to what we think are the best boats in the industry in AIRE Rafts, Catarafts & IKs. Here’s why:

10 Year No Fault Warranty

Hands down, AIRE has the best warranty in the business. 10 years, transferrable, No-Fault Warranty. Seriously. We deal with AIRE on a daily basis, and out of all the companies we deal with, they are one of (if not the) best to deal with in terms of warranties. Here’s the exact warranty from AIRE’s website (which can also be found here):

What this Warranty Covers: The Ten (10) year no fault warranty covers retail purchases on all AIRE branded rafts, catarafts and kayaks against defects in materials, workmanship and user damage. This warranty covers the tubes, fabric, D-ring patches, AIREcells, valves and zippers to be functional and water worthy with the following stipulations: This warranty can be void if the boat is structurally altered, used commercially or is subject to stress beyond the physical limits of the fabric and/or accessories. This warranty does not cover cosmetic wear, abrasion, excessive UV damage, abnormal abuse, neglect and/or inappropriate storage.

The Period of Coverage: The boat is covered from the original purchase date for a period of ten years. When original proof of purchase is not available or if a warranty registration was never submitted, the date of manufacturing will be used.

Dana running Black Rock on the Salt River, AZ in the AIRE Wave Destroyer 12

AIRECell System

At the heart of what makes AIREs so special, warranty aside, is the AIRECell construction. Think of it like a bike tube inside of a bike tire. While all other PVC raft manufacturers are using just a single layer of heavy-duty PVC fabric, AIRE is taking that same fabric, welding it together just like everyone else, but then putting a urethane bladder inside as the actual air holding membrane.

What advantages does this give? It makes them extremely easy to repair. Blow a baffle? Simply unzip the heavy-duty dual zipper and replace the bladder. Got a giant gash from running over something sharp? Replace the bladder, patch the shell and its effectively as good as new in regards to air holding capabilities! Need to do a small, simple riverside patch? Get to the bladder and tape it up with TearAid or AIRE’s repair tape, zip it back up, inflate and go! No waiting for glue to dry! Its a very versatile system from a repair standpoint.

Another advantage is the ballast floor. By design, the AIRE Cell system allows the floor to take on river water between the shell and the bladder to act as ballast for the boat. This aids in tracking and stability when things get rough by allowing the boat to “stick” to the water. It also helps on windy flat water days by allowing to boat to catch more of the sub-surface current and keep momentum. We often see AIRE’s passing other rafts on windy days.

The (very slight) disadvantages to this system are the minimal maintenance of the zippers, the occasional need to clean the floor out after lots of silty desert trips (still nothing compared to other manufacturers drop stitch floor designs…), and having to let the floor drain for a few minutes before loading it on a trailer. All that considered, we still think the gains far outweigh the setbacks of the AIRECell system.

Find out more about the AIRECell system here: http://www.aire.com/content/aire-floor-system.asp

Made in the USA

AIRE Rafts, IKs and Catarafts are 100% constructed in the USA in AIRE’s factory in Meridian, Idaho. AIRE also sources as many products as possible from US sources.

Check out some of our favorite AIRE Products like the 136DD raft, Super Puma fishing raft, the Lynx IK, or the Sabertooth Paddle Cat.

Fishing the Animas River in the AIRE Super Puma

Tributary

Looking for a boat with the AIRECell system but without the price? Check out AIRE’s Tributary line! Tributary boats use the same AIRECell design, using Vinyl instead of Urethane. Tribs are also made over seas, come with a 1 to 5 year manufacturers warranty depending on the boat, and come in one color choice. We’ve been using these boats in our rental fleet for years, and while not quite as quality as a full AIRE brand boat, they work and hold up pretty darned well. Definitely a great choice for the boater on a budget! Some of our favorites are the Tomcat and Strike IKs, Trib 14′ raft and the little Trib 9.5′ paddle raft.

Jackson Karma Traverse Review

05 Feb 2018 / Comments Off / in Durango / 4Corners Area, Kayaking, Reviews, River Running, Trip Reports, Whitewater/by Ty Skoe

Words by 4CRS customer Paul Ramseth

Luke Hanson running Lava at 40,000 CFS in the Jackson Traverse 10

If you’re in the market for a whitewater capable crossover / self-support boat the Jackson Kayak Karma Traverse 10 is an excellent choice! I was able to put this boat to the test this January in the depths of the Grand Canyon.

Whitewater Performance

This boat performs incredibly well in big, pushy whitewater. The high-rocker bow helps it to ride up and over features, even with the boat fully loaded. The Traverse is extremely stable and easy to roll, even when weighted down. With having that much mass above the water when upside down, the Traverse almost feels like it could right itself. Even with overnight gear in the stern this boat is easily maneuvered and is very confidence inspiring. The Traverse surfs waves and laterals with ease thanks to the planning hull, and stays on top of river features with the high-rocker bow.

Speed

While not quite as fast as most 12 foot kayaks, such as the Dagger Green Boat or LiquidLogic Stinger, the Traverse 10 was able to keep up through the flatwater no problem. The retractable skeg is an excellent feature that keeps the boat tracking in a straight line, which is especially important when paddling through boils and funky currents. Getting spun out because of pushy boils and currents slows a paddler down significantly. Avoiding this can give you the edge that keeps you in the front of the pack.

Ben Bellah boofing a fully loaded Karma Traverse 10 on the Dolores River

Hatch/Storage for Overnighters

The hatch of the Traverse is a huge bonus for those looking to do easy multi day trips like the Salt, Grand Canyon, or Middle Fork. It makes easy work of packing the boat each day. The boat I used was outfitted with the Jackson Hard Hatch cover, which is a bit stouter than the rubber hatch cover that comes standard. The Hard Hat is a great addition to the boat and keeps the rear storage area totally dry. Not that it is recommended, but I did not keep anything in dry bags and it all stayed completely dry. The deck of the boat has plenty of places to tie down other items on top of the kayak, including a spot to secure your groover (required on most regulated overnighters). The removable bulkhead foot pegs make for easy packing in the bow of the boat. There is also a spot right behind the seat for a couple of medium sized dry bags. I had 10 days worth of food and gear in the boat and could have doubled that had I packed lighter.

Seen here with Jackson’s Hard Hat Hatch cover ($79.99), the Karma Traverse is the ultimate Grand Canyon self support boat. The hatch features integrated straps allowing paddlers to keep their groover on the outside of the boat and save space in the rear storage area for other essentials.

The Jackson Karma Traverse is a great design for those looking to paddle on lakes, whitewater or crush multi days. At just over 10 feet in length the boat has the ability to crush miles of flatwater while still providing superb handling and maneuverability in whitewater. It is easy to pack with overnight gear and is very fun to paddle.

PFD Buyers & Fit Guide

12 Dec 2017 / Comments Off / in Buyers Guides, Fishing, Kayaking, Rafting, SUP / Paddleboarding, Touring / Recreational, Whitewater/by Matt Gerhardt

Finding the right PFD for you

A personal floatation device, or PFD, is arguably the most important piece of gear for any paddler. Choosing gear of the utmost importance can be challenging when faced with the myriad of options offered by different manufacturers and models. This guide is designed to assist the paddler, regardless of paddling sport, in finding a PFD, that will not only be of optimal performance for the intended use, but also fit comfortably.

USCG Type

Safety first- always. The first thing to consider when shopping for a PFD is the USCG buoyancy rating for the intended activity. For recreational paddling on lakes, oceans, and rivers, it is required in many areas to have a USCG Type III, a minimum 15.5lbs of floatation for adults or 11lbs for kids, or USCG Type V, which denotes a “special use” vest and includes rescue specific, high floatation, inflatable PFD, and commercial customer PFDs. Type V’s can have between 15.5-22lbs floatation for adults and 11-15.5 for kids. As the USCG is in the process of moving away from PFD “type” categorization and towards “intended use” categorization, further elaboration on the types is not necessary. For now, all that is necessary for the inquiring paddler to know is she/he needs a type III, unless he/she requires additional floatation or a specialty vest, such as a rescue specific PFD, in which case a type V will be needed. Type I and II vests are not recommended for moving water use. Type IV devices are throwable type devices and may be required as backup flotation on permitted river trips for boats 16 feet or longer.

Fit and Sizing

Adult

Adult PFDs are sized by chest measurement and can vary by manufacturer and model. Each manufacturer has a size chart listed on their website.

One of the most important criteria for finding the right PFD is comfort- a PFD is only useful if it is worn at the time of need, and people are more likely to wear her/his vest if it fits comfortably. Of course, everybody is different and certain models will fit certain body types better than other, thus the best way to find the perfect size and fit for the individual is to physically try on each prospective vest.

When trying on a PFD, loosen all of the straps to their limit, then adjust all of the straps (starting with the lowest and moving up to the highest) so that the vest sits in the desired position as well as fits snugly. The vest should be comfortably snug. If the straps are tightened to maximum capacity and is still does not fit snugly, then it is too large. Obviously, if your vest is loosened to its maximum capacity and fits snugly, or there is no room to adjust for potential layering gear, then the vest is too small. The perfect fit will leave ample room for layering gear as well as being able to wear the vest with minimal clothing. To ensure the vest fits properly, one should fix her/his thumbs under the shoulder straps and push upward- if the vest rides up significantly, then it is too loose. If it remains in place, it fits correctly.

The Astral Layla is a popular choice for female paddlers

A women’s specific PFD has shorter panels (as women tend to be shorter through the torso than men), offer more room through the chest, and typically come in more feminine colors and designs. Female paddlers do not necessarily need to limit their selection to a women’s specific vest, and often times find that the unisex vests fit well, however, women’s specific vest tend to fit better and offer more comfort for a curvy, feminine figure. The Astral Layla is an excellent women’s specific vest offering the optimum comfort for the curvy lady paddler.

Kids

Kids PFDs are sized by weight and are categorized as:

Infant: < 30 lbs.
Child: 30-50 lbs.
Youth: 50-90lbs.

Beyond weight, it is very important to ensure the vest is a snug fit on your child and will not slip off while in the water. To do you, pull on the shoulder straps while the PFD is on the child. As with adult fitting, it should remain in place and not ride up or slide off over the head. For kids in the “infant” and “child” category, it is highly advisable that the PFD have a leg strap to ensure that the vest will not slide off over the head, as well as head supporting collars. The Stohlquist Nemo is a great example of such a vest.

PFDs by Activity

After the determination of the USCG type necessary to be on the water, the next step is to find a design that will maximize utility for the intended activity.

Whitewater Kayak / Raft / SUP

The Astral Blue Jacket fits like a glove and has more storage room than any other Type III vest

Whether paddling a kayak or SUP, rowing a raft, ect., these activities require freedom of mobility through the shoulders. To accommodate this freedom of motion, whitewater paddlers should look for a vest with an unrestrictive cut and a low-profile. Other things to consider are: multiple straps for adjustment to ensure a great fit, attachment points for securing knives, watches, and other objects, and a pocket for storing items that should be quickly and easily accessible. The Stohlquist Rocker and the Astral Blue Jacket are great examples of such vests.

Low-profile vests for freestyle kayaking or SUP river surfing should be mentioned. Paddlers in this category typically prefer vests that are as low-profile and lightweight as possible. To accommodate these desires, one can forego extra features and look for a stripped-down minimalist vest. The Astral YTV and the NRS Ninja are superb options for this category.

Low profile designs like the NRS Ninja provide ample range of motion.

A paddler might prefer a high-floatation PFD if she/he desires a faster resurface time than that of a regular type III vest. These vests are great for paddling big water or for paddlers with high muscle density and are equipped with approximately 20-22lbs of floatation, whereas, a regular type III generally has about 16.5lbs floatation. High-float vests have larger panels and tend to be more bulky, thus many paddlers opt out of the high floatation for the sake of comfort and range of motion. The NRS Big Water Guide and the Stohlquist Kahuna are great high-float options.

Rescue PFDs like the Descent are specialized for use in swiftwater rescue and high-end whitewater.

As a paddler advances into high-class whitewater, a rescue specific Type V vest should be taken into consideration. 4CRS highly recommends taking a swiftwater rescue course prior to purchasing to learn how to properly use a rescue vest. Type V’s are equipped with tow tethers, quick release belts, tie-ins, and with webbing and sewing that meets climbing grade standards for belays and live-bait rescues. To name a few, the Stohlquist Descent and the Astral Green Jacket are excellent options for the swiftwater rescue technician or advanced level paddlers.

Recreation and Fishing Kayak / SUP / Canoeing

Rec & Fishing vests like the Astral Ronny Fisher provide ample storage and low profile backs for comfort.

Recreational/fishing kayak paddlers in this category should look for a vest with large armholes to accommodate the shoulder range of motion when paddling. A mesh backing (such as the Stohlquist Fisherman), or diminished back panels (featured on the Astral Linda or Ronny) are to be desired, not only to keep the vest from interfering with a seat back, but also to orient the paddler in a face-up position in the water in case of an unconscious swim. Pockets in a variety of shapes and sizes are a necessity for the angler, and a vest such as the Astral Ronny Fisher or the aforementioned Stohlquist Fisherman offer spacious storage space. If the paddler finds her/himself in a lake with motorized traffic, bright colors and reflective tape on a vest helps with visibility.

Flatwater recreational stand up paddleboarding requires a low-profile vest as to not interfere with paddle movements with spacious armholes for full range of shoulder movement. A few great options are the Astral YTV, the NRS Ninja, and the Astral Norge or Abba. If preferred the SUPer is planning on paddling on lakes with motorized traffic, brightly colored vests and reflective tapes aides with visibility. In cases where the SUPer does not wish to wear a vest (whether it be the SUP yogi or those concerned about comfort or vanity) an inflatable PFD, such as the Astral Airbelt or the NRS Zephyr, is a viable option.

Summary

Finding the right PFD for you is paramount for your own safety. Find a PFD of the correct type that fits comfortably enough to wear properly and snug for extended periods of time is the most important aspect of purchasing a vest. Beyond type and fit, look for something that is designed with the kind of use you have in mind, with the features you want (like pockets, thin backs, low-cut or rescue hardware) and in the colors and price point that are attractive to you.

WRSI Trident Helmet Review

30 Nov 2017 / Comments Off / in Buyers Guides, Kayaking, Reviews, Whitewater/by Ty Skoe

Functioning attire and personal style are two of the strongest forces driving the development of new products for the river sports industry. As this avenue of self expression becomes more and more popular, the average consumer is no longer looking for pure function; but something that is going to do its job and help them stand out from the crowd. Something that catches the eye and creates conversation; “did you see that kayaker with the… blah blah blah” or “Man, that rafter’s blah blah blah was sweet!” When it comes to creating your own style on the river, nothing does you justice like a shiny, new dome piece (that thing you wear on your head). Function is a highly desired quality, especially now that protecting your head is cool again and quickly becoming a legal requirement most everywhere. Because of this, companies that specialize in protective headwear for outdoor sports are seeing a surge in sales. Thus the market, and your options are growing. Whether your craft of choice is a kayak, raft, IK, or SUP, I believe the WRSI Trident is one of the best helmets to accomplish both function, and style.

First, let’s talk function. The WRSI (Whitewater Research Safety Institute) Trident sports a carbon composite shell with three layer impact absorption. An EVA foam liner and a polyurethane sub-shell to boot, you’re getting the best impact protection the market has to offer. WRSI also includes it’s Interconnect retention system, a self adjusting unit, which holds the helmet in place during periods of intense hydraulic pressure (your a** in a hole). This along with the O-Brace Harness which rests against the back of your neck, resisting forward pressure, you’re guaranteed a helmet that will stay where it’s suppose to.

Now, on to comfort. Updated this year, the Trident sports a new breathable vented internal liner, making it one of the most comfortable helmets out there for river sports. The new liner, while breathable, also acts as a great source of insulation on those colder days. Comfort is one of the most important qualities of a helmet for many customers. Ensuring a helmet will be comfy after hours of paddling in addition to providing top notch protection is key when purchasing a new helmet.

On the looks side of things, the Trident is a winner. It’s got just enough of a brim to keep the sun off your face, but not enough to create a bucketing affect when in a hole or strong current. The outside edge serpentines back and forth giving you adequate temple protection as for your Cranio-cervical junction (where the skull meets the spine).

Words by Aaron Formby

Going back to the Youghiogheny with Chris Baer

14 Nov 2017 / Comments Off / in Chris Baer, Creeking, Kayaking, Playboating, River Running, Trip Reports, Whitewater/by Ty Skoe

Sixteen years ago I hopped into a convertible with a few other raft guides for a day trip to a river a few hours north of the Gauley. The location was the magical Upper Youghiogheny. The slots were plentiful and tight, and while playing follow the leader we rounded countless blind corners interspaced with a myriad of fun ledges. Years later, I now refer to this section as a staple class 4 kayak run… that has drawn me back year after year.

So the question is, why? After paddling all over the globe and tons of extremely difficult sections, why do I, and why should you, continue to flock to the Upper Youghiogheny?

Let’s start with the location. Our take out is in Friendsville, Maryland, almost reason enough right there. Friendsville is home to pizza rolls, Maui sweet onion potato chips, and fancy Yuengling beer. It used to be home to one of my favorite restaurants anywhere, The Riverside Hotel. Agnes, the proprietor of the Riverside Hotel and Restaurant, concocted the best vegetarian food I could conceive. It was simple, they only served vegetarian soup and salad (Casey Tango had to twist my arm to try this place the first time (I was complaining,“But there’s no meat!”)). After the first bite I was a believer. Hearty soups, hot-from-the-oven blue corn muffins, edible flowers on the salad (that were picked out of the backyard garden while you were paddling on the river), Tandy Cake with home-churned ice cream for dessert. (Please Agnes come back and make us delicious food again! (the Riverside Hotel changed ownership in 2015, and again in 2017. No food now, almost a reason not to go…)).

Camping is free-ish and only ten minutes from the put-in. The dense forest of the campground reminds me of the woods from the Blair Witch movie. Over the years there have been some pretty epic parties that have occurred in these Blair Witch woods. Huge bonfires, tons of fireworks, friends from all over the world. Heck, there was the one year when some riggers showed up and constructed a 100 foot rope swing attached to the tippy tops of the surrounding trees.

During my first years to the Youghiogheny there always seemed to be a rumor in the air. The reservoir was too high, it was too low, the release was late, the flows were going to be HIGH, not enough water, were we in front of, or behind, the bubble? National Falls is on fire?! I don’t know why but the rumors always made me laugh and we almost always were perfectly on the bubble with an average flow.

On water the river seems to be very reciprocal. If you’re willing to put the effort in you can run some truly hard lines. It’s like the river almost wants you to play. There are hanging eddies everywhere, slots that shouldn’t go (Sid’s Squiggle, Time Warp, left left at Tommy’s), and a couple of communal stops to enjoy some bag wine with the river community (Wait Rock and National Falls).

So, what brings you back to the Yough year after year after year… and if you haven’t checked this place out, why not??

Words by Chris Baer

Dagger Nomad Medium versus Large – Which size is right for you?

19 Sep 2017 / Comments Off / in Creeking, Durango / 4Corners Area, Kayaking, River Running, Whitewater/by Ty Skoe

I’m constantly looking at kayak evolution and paddle a lot of different boats. Although I did not spend much time in the original Nomad 8.5, it always felt just a bit too small, so I was very stoked to get in the new Dagger Nomad Large.

My first impression was this: boat speed was amazing and the hull glides on the water like nothing else I’ve paddled. The outfitting is very comfortable but you definitely pay for it in weight. The cockpit combing has no discharge so there is always some water on the deck. This was done because the discharge channels on the rear of the cockpit weaken the kayak so it could be considered a necessary evil. I worked my way around Dagger’s reputation for wet boats by using a new Snapdragon skirt. My head and shoulders fit in the boat well for the longer head carry put-ins and takeouts.

The author with a nice water boof.

At 96 gallons and 51 pounds, this is a lot of boat, but I really wanted to love it. I spent a few days paddling some local class III and IV then I stepped it up a bit and started running some familiar class V creeks. The edges on the hull are well engineered and they slid well over rocks. I’m not as strong for my weight as I would like to be and did have a hard time keeping the large on line. I got stuck in a couple of holes, but thanks to the edge I managed to work my way out.

On bigger water the boat tends to get pushed around and spin out. I did find for my size that it did not roll like a 8.6 Mamba or any high 80 gallon creek boat for that matter. If you are over 200 pounds and strong I think you will excel in the large Nomad.

The extra volume in the Nomad Large makes for a boat that can be stable, but playful in the right environment.

With all that being said, I did have a different experience in the medium Nomad. this hull felt like the better choice for my size it tracks good stays on line’ easy to work your way out of sticky holes (safer on your shoulders) still fast. It turns and boofs great and is easer to manage the volume of the boat verses the volume of the boat managing you.
Primary and secondary stability are excellent .

Reviewer Details –

Years paddling: 37 years as white water kayak instructor and guide

Rivers paddled: Arkansas river- pine creek, numbers, Rio Grande- upper box and lower, Rio Embudo, Rio Azul and the Rio Futaleufu, Chile.
Full time boats. Mamba 8.6, Diesel 80, Karma M, Villan L, Stomper 90
Stats: 5’11 ” 190 pounds

Click here to shop now!

Words by Aren Sven Rane

Customer Review: Pyranha Machno

11 Aug 2017 / Comments Off / in Creeking, Durango / 4Corners Area, Featured, Kayaking, River Running, Trip Reports, Whitewater/by Ty Skoe

Words by Shawn “The Professor” Fullmer

As usual, since I first started kayaking in 1983, I got a new creek boat for the 2017 season. However, what is unusual about this year is the outstanding quality of the the creek boat I purchased—the medium Pyranha Machno.

I had major shoulder surgery on my rotator cuff September 15, 2016, so I’ve been easing into creek boating this season. Four hours under the knife, eight incisions, 12 screws, and 100s of hours in the gym resulted in a serviceable shoulder. Never-the-less, even with the operation and the rehabilitation, I’ve been able to run some spectacular water this spring and summer in the Machno.

For this review, I’ll discuss the Machno’s performance on smaller creeks, such as 3rd gorge of Lime (a medium flow) and Vallecito (a dozen runs from 2.0 to 2.4 (about 400 to 500 cfs). I’ll also note its performance on larger volume rivers, such as the South Fork of the Salmon at 6.0-6.5 feet (about 10,000 cfs) (as Isaac Levinson noted at the take out, this is THE TEETH LEVEL), Marsh Creek and the Middle Fork of the Salmon at 6.0 and 8.0 feet (about 6,000 to 8,000 cfs), and the Murtaugh section of the Snake at 15,000 cfs.

As soon as I saw the lines of the medium Machno, I knew it would fit me well. I’m 5’10”, 170 pounds, and wear a size 10 boot. The medium Machno is listed on the Pyranha website as weighing 47.4 pounds, having a volume of 81.4 gallons, and measuring 8’8” feet in length. According to my measuring tape, the 8’8” is correct; however, my scale, which is accurate, shows my Machno weighing 55 pounds. But the contour of the thigh and hip pads, and the ergonomically designed phalanges and carpal shaped center pillar, make carrying the Machno feel lighter.

The Machno can handle anything thrown its way, from Idaho big water to low-volume Colorado creeking. Photo by Shawn Fullmer

In terms of the volume, I thought the medium Machno felt larger on the river than 81.4 gallons. This observation is based on having paddled a Prijon Cali, listed at 90 gallons, last year, and a Wavesport Recon 93 a few years ago. In between these two boats I paddled a Liquid Logic Remix 79 and a medium Jackson Karma (86 gallons). The Machno moves, resurfaces, and paddles like a kayak with 88 to 90 gallons of volume. However, the larger feeling is a feature I definitely appreciate. Even with this larger feel, the Machno is agile on waves and in holes, and quick to turn and accelerate. I paddled a regular-sized 9R on the run out for Baker’s Box and thought the two kayaks were similar in speed.

On smaller creeks, such as Lime and Vallecito, the Machno is stable and forgiving. The banana-like bow rocker makes boofing pour overs and waterfalls as smooth as Cool-Whip. This rocker, combined with chines running from just behind the bow to the stern, provides good edge control when needed to snap into eddies or move across waves and currents. This became satisfyingly evident to me on Vallecito on the right to left move over the hole midway through Paddle B*tch. The Machno kept me on line and my hair dry 12 out of 12 times.

On higher volume water, the Machno was also stable and predictable. Even when loaded down with gear for a four-day self-support trip on Marsh Creek/the Middle Fork of the Salmon, the Machno maintained its buoyancy, nimbleness, and speed. And in the last rapid of the South Fork of the Salmon, Falls Creek, which has numerous gigantic, stout holes, and many, many enormous 20-25 foot waves, the Machno rode over the waves gracefully, and punched through or surfed over the holes resolutely.

Boofing the picturesque 20 footer on Oh be Joyful. Photo by Kiki Hooton

Living in Durango, I do a lot of hiking to go boating on the local runs, such as Baker’s Box, Vallecito, and the 3rd gorge of Lime. The Machno is comfortable to shoulder carry, and even more comfortable to carry on one’s head or in a backpack. I have a Salamander backpack, an NRS backpack, and a Pyranha backpack. I attached all three to the Machno, and each type fit the kayak well, with the Pyranha working the best. The step out pillar of the Machno invites snug compatibility with the top strap of the Pyranha backpack.

I found the Machno easy to pack for multi-day trips. I paddled it on a couple of two-day trips—one on Marsh Creek/the Middle Fork of the Salmon and another on the South Fork of the Salmon. I also took it on a four-day trip on Marsh Creek/the Middle Fork of the Salmon. On each of these trips I had plenty of room for food and gear.

Self-supporting out of the Machno in Idaho. Photo by Shawn Fullmer

The Machno’s bulkhead is held in place by four easy to remove plastic wing-nuts. In front of the bulkhead, I stored my cook kit, stove, water filter, camp chair, and some food. This provided a fine balance to the sleeping bag, NeoAir, bivy sack, clothes, and food stored in the stern. However, stuffing a Watershed Futa bag into the stern storage was onerous. Getting the Futa bag past the initial entrance to the stern took some wrestling, wrangling, and leg pressing, but once the buckles were past the first six inches of the stern, there was plenty of room.

Overall, the Machno is one of the best creek/river running boats I’ve paddled in my 34 years of kayaking. It’s comfortable, safe, stable, and maneuverable. If you are looking for a reliable and predictable kayak, then I highly recommend the Machno.

Pros:

Simple, comfortable outfitting.
Easy to pack for overnighters.
Tough plastic.
Fast and agile on small creeks and big water.
Rastafarian colors fit well with Coloradan life styling.

Cons:

The bulkhead could be stouter, particularly the metal rails.
The ratchets for the backband often bind, neither moving forward nor releasing.