SOTAR Classic ST Rafts: A Buyer's Guide to Every Size From 10' to 18'
SOTAR's legendary self-bailer in eight sizes. Specs, prices, what each size is for, and the options that matter.
Merlin vs. Rogue: What Size SOTAR Raft for R1 and R2?
Short answer: 11 feet is the sweet spot for paddling both solo and two-up. Here's how SOTAR's Merlin and Rogue rafts compare.
Sawyer Guide Styk vs. Guide Styk PRO: Which Raft Paddle Should You Buy?
Same blade, same lengths, same grip. The $30 difference is a carbon overwrap. Here's who needs it and who doesn't.
Sawyer MXS Oars: Blades, Add-Ons and Options Explained
DuraMax or DyneLite XD, breakdown or one-piece, counterbalance, extensions, oarlocks and Oar Snubbers. How to build the right MXS setup.
Oar Snubber: What It Is, Why to Run One, and Which Fits Your Sawyer Oar
An oar stop, a snub and a leash in one piece of gear. Here's what it does and how to pick the MXS, MXS-G or MXL-G.
Buying a Used Raft From an Authorized Dealer: Pros, Cons and My Demo Lance
Why a used demo boat from an authorized dealer can be the smartest raft you buy, and what to weigh before you do.
Sawyer DIY Repair Kits: Fix and Refresh Your Paddles and Oars
Epoxy, varnish, Pro-Tips, rope wrap, Tite-Set buttons, blade swaps and oarlock shims. What each kit does and which one you need.
Best Packrafts for Backpacking and Class I–III Rivers
Want to hike in and paddle out? My picks from the Go North lineup, with weights, load capacity and what each one's good at.
Picking Your Boat: Raft, Cataraft, IK or Packraft?
There's no single right answer. The basics of each craft, with SOTAR Merlin and Go North packraft examples.
How to Order a Custom SOTAR Raft (and Get Help Designing It)
Three ways to get a SOTAR through SOLWYRX, the best picks for solo and two-person trips, and one-on-one help designing a boat for creeks or big water.
Made-to-Order Sawyer Paddles: How Long the Wait Really Is
Most made-to-order Sawyer raft paddles ship in 2–4 weeks. Why they're built to order, what each one takes, and how to get the right length.
Pak Pocket Knives and Waterproof First Aid Kit: The Small Gear That Comes on Every Trip
Four Pak knife options starting at $30 and a $25 waterproof first aid kit. What each one's good for and why they ride in my bag.
Getting Into Whitewater: Immerse Before You Invest
No gear yet? The best first step costs nothing. How to look, learn, train and try before you spend.
R1, R2, C1: What the Terms Mean
Raft and canoe shorthand, canoe-style vs. raft-style strokes, and deadsticking.
Gear Care 101: Making Your Boat and Oars Last
Cleaning, drying, storage and repairs for boats, oars and paddles.
Don't Flinch: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
The most common mistake I see on the water, and why attacking whitewater beats reacting to it.
From God, for God: the SOLWYRX story
Why it's pronounced "Soulworks," growing up a third-generation boater, and how a YouTube hobby turned into a paddle shop.
Spencer's Hole: The Morning I Saw It Coming
Big water on the North Santiam, a family carnage day, a runaway cat with a puppy aboard, and a moment I'll never forget.
The Leaning Tower of Raft: Our 12-Boat Stack
Twelve boats, one stack, four miles of the North Santiam, and a lot of very perplexed people.
R1 Fest: Community R1 Day on the Upper Clackamas
Saturday, November 14, 2026. Meet at Moore Creek Boat Ramp at 10 a.m.