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Similar to the grab loops, I use a length of accessory cord in a figure 8 through the floor ropes on my aire raft. It's super low profile and the knots are a bit easier to work with to adjust and get it the perfect length than with webbing. The current setup has been on the boat for two years. No mildew, no visible wear on the rope or boat, and never caught it on anything.

Great video. I wonder if he would change anything in the years since this video came out.

That’s the Lower Wind River, NOT the White Salmon!

Solid. Allentown PA getting schooled up for big multi day trip. Thx bro

Is that a 16' or 18'?

What ever happened to your gerber ez review and comments on weight and size for the assist that was a con on your last review of this knife?

Big fan of the set up that baker and the team use at ace rafting in WV raft handles on the bottom of the boat is a game changer for me

Hey Zach, I’m going the middle fork on July 13th 2024 have a 14ft Sotar and a family of 4 and a dog,I’m estimating the flow to be around 1,5 ft, so what I was wondering is it isn’t going to be an issue with the rocks and the amount of weight on the boat.

If you're being tumbled in a hole while attached to a rope... Ur buddys should probably pull

I use 2’ straps and 8” sections of heavy rubber hose to make handles that run through my drain holes.

Great video!

I’m brand spank’n new to rafting. I’ve only been out once on my new NRS Outlaw 130. In my repair kit (in addition to what you have)I have a Sharpie pen, a small piece of 150 grit sandpaper to scuff up a new patch surface, an old credit card to pull air bubbles on a patch, a pair of disposable gloves, a couple of alcohol wipes to clean patch area, a tiny paint brush to distribute patch glue, a popsicle stick to stir glue, and an old 2” round lid to trace a pattern and hold glue to stir and smooth. In my first aid kit, I’ve added a few capsules of Benedryl for anaphylactic shock (bee stings or a food reaction). In my tool kit, I’ve added a half dozen zip ties, an extra 1/2” socket in case first socket goes in the drink, and a very small retractable tape measure for frame/oar adjustment. Your channel is beyond helpful

Do you have any reviews of mesh thwart bags for rafts? Thanks!

I had commented on your first video on this subject. I had watched these 3 (beginner, intermediate,advanced) before my first rafting trip on Monday. None of it made sense. lol. After 12 hours on the water Monday, so much of this makes sense. You are an outstanding teacher. I learn visually, so the whiteboard and your explanation style is beyond helpful to me…..especially the video clips of what this all looks like. Thanks again

Getting ready to install the grab loops under my otter this week, actually.

I love using a belly strap on big water. Added advantage is you can use it to flip the boat back over, I find it easier than a flip line or paddle.

Those loops are a killer idea. Don't know why I haven't thought of it before-thanks!

Adding those webbing handles under my Aire 146DD was an absolute game changer. I can quickly pull myself back up with one arm, in current. I flipped on Lochsa falls a few weeks ago, and was back up on my boat in 2 seconds... Getting it back over was a different story 😬(ask @PrivateWhitewater).

Let's trade packages dude =)

Hi Zack, love your videos! I wonder what people's thoughts are on using 1/2 inch webbing, or "hoopie". What I like about it is that I can make it any length I like, unlike the pre-made ones from blue water. I also like that I can make it long enough to make a webbing harness with. It's also very affordable, and packs in my PFD well. There's also a couple things I don't like with the 1/2 inch vs the 1 inch. I wonder if the 2,000 lbs breaking strength is okay for an anchor. However, it's no biggie to double it up. I also wonder about the quality of the webbing harness I could make with it, I worry that it will be too tight on my thighs and constrict blood flow, while the 1 inch makes a more comfortable harness. it looks like the line from Blue Water is also 1/2 inch, so I wonder what you think about that. I also like to make a coil of my flip line and clip with with a carabiner around the inner piece of my Green jacket. out of the way, hidden, not adding bulk to the PFD or clutter to the pockets. Let me know what you think!

This is becoming one of my favorite channels. Thanks for the fine details. I’m brand new to rafting. Excellent advice and information

cheers to the self bailg days...

helped me ....

This video popped up because I'm looking for a knife for kayak fishing (obviously not whitewater) and was close to ordering the updated Pilot. I think I'll keep on looking. Thanks again for the straight forward review. (agreed about the bottle opener, seemed like an odd choice by the designer)

What raft were you using?

I'm 250 with a lot of it in my gut. Most whitewater pfd's ride up on me when I end up in the water. So I wear the nrs big water. It keeps me up really good. The down side is I don't have pockets and it's kind of bulky.

Iam glad I seen this iam getting some . I remember doing the north Umpqua I hit a rapid popped my oars out the old school clips style 😂. I felt like a deer on ice . I got really lucky that day 😮 I like the fact you get the oars in permanently positioned when shit gets wild it’s not like you got time to check your oars one good stoke could save your butt

What was the fail point? Bar tack I'd assume. How many kn?

Thanks for posting this!

I prefer Water Bricks. Easier to stack and rig

You are the funniest - a chair that accepts you for who you are :). Love it!!

That eagle was SICK

that water is hard for me to read!

Wonderful practice session here. Great way to understand how a boat behaves in a hole and an opportunity to learn and feel the high side. On another note, I am curious that you sometimes row locks and at others, the prescriptive and limiting pins and clips.

Stuck

And as the legend goes, he is still surfing that very hole today...

Came through there about 3 weeks ago. A little over 5’ I think. It was probably the toughest rapid to execute. Most of us were pushed right of this islands/snags. All came out okay, but it was a toughy.

3 years later! How's it holding up, I've been looking for a river knife

Velvet Smalls.

It always looks easy when a pro does something but it looks runnable

They’ve change the design of those knives. What is your opinion about NRS new product ( Pilot and Co-Pilot)?

Augh, don't speed it up. The entire experience is worthy of regular motion

Wow. Unrecognizable. And trees are so denuded...

Love this boat. I feel like it ticks more boxes all around than any other boat I've ever paddled. Also, LOL does that dude have an RC boat???

Thank you for posting this. Can you scout from the eddy on river left or were you just regrouping there?

Appreciate you putting these videos together. It would be interesting to see how your 4:1 Pig Rig with Webbing and Carabiners from Ep. 156 would be

P A S T Seems like the no brainer acronym.

How does rower height factor in? You’re a tall dude, but what about someone who is short? Would it actually make sense to elevate with a seat on the box?

Zach:Are the wheels of the two Rock Exotica pulleys actually different diameters? On screen, it looks like the chassis is the only difference

You made your case...