Mar 27

Mar 27 Soul Rafter - Boat Smith

The BoatSmith Festival

The first annual BoatSmith Whitewater Festival brought boaters from all over Oregon, California, the Northwest, and all over to Gasquet, California. The normally crystal clear waters of the Smith River were raging due to high water winter storms, but that didn’t stop boaters from getting out there after the 2018 BoatSmith party at the Patrick Creek Lodge. Fourth episode of Soul Rafter's 19 rivers in 2019 campaign where Rafting Magazine Ambassador Nick Prete attempts to paddle 19 new rivers in 2019.

Big thanks to some of our sponsors/promotors keeping Soul Rafter on the water:

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In our latest article (link in bio) we're talking about that strange popcorny smell that seems to spring up right when it gets warm. Fungus and bacteria take a huge toll on your body and your gear. So when your buddy be like, bro you stink, take that seriously because it can quickly lead to some equipment and medical issues.

In today's quick lesson, we're talking about how to achieve a little more power out of your strokes when you're hitting a big wave. Giving the thwart a little kick when you're pushing through a wave can give you a bit of an edge in your paddling. To do this effectively, you want to make sure you are really biting into the water with your blade and planting a good forward stroke. Remember, it is about moving the boat, not the paddle or the water. If you have a well coordinated team, you can do this in any paddle configuration to gain a little more of a push over short distances. If you want to learn more, check out our beginner and intermediate rafting series at the link in our bio.

In today's quick lesson, we're talking about layered safety. This is where we engage in safety practices with redundant backups in place. This can be as simple as 2 people in different places with throw bags, or a little more complex with shore based safety and a raft in an eddy below the shore based safety to help pick up swimmers. It's especially important coming out of winter when you may have boaters who haven't paddled in a while to just make sure we're watching each other's backs super well. Stay safe out there, friends!

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Mar 27 Soul Rafter - Boat Smith

The BoatSmith Festival

Apr 2 Soul Rafter - Chamberlain Falls

Mar 19 The Gear Shed - CRKT Bear Claw