Tips for Rowing a Heavy Raft

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[@Matkatamiba]

Rowing the Grand Canyon was really what cemented tracking in my mind. Usually I do 45-90 downstream (stern downstream) using laterals to move me around, rather than fully 90 sideways. The amount a well angled wave can push a heavy boat around is crazy compared to anything someone can put out, no matter how strong they are.

[@gumwap1]

The Grand Canyon is definitely a hard lesson in what Zach is talking about here.

[@Zachandersson]

Somebody's been reading the Buzz...Solid advice here .

[@TypeIIAdventures]

I’ll often pull above a move to just dump my momentum so that the water will help with my move if there is a good current or pillow of water around an obstacle.

[@damamae950]

This is a good strategy if you're a small person even if not heavily loaded

[@damamae950]

Cool. Thanks for a nice trip

[@acfab101]

Tracking, the same physics that allow a sweep boat to point and shoot. As long as the boat is moving faster than the water you can drive it wherever you point. Once you slow down the boat will start to ferry with angles. 👍

[@brandigibson3310]

I have a 13’7 RMR with 9 foot MXS and dynelite blades. Tower is higher than most boats. Feeling like 9 1/2 or 10 oars would be more efficient. How to determine what’s best. New to rafting but 20 years exp. Rowing drift boats. Current water is 3’s and below but often 4 people in boat. Thanks for the help. Love the videos

[@GearGarageTV]

If you look around on TH-cam you'll find a video I did about oar length

[@ericforsman4348]

Newbie question: What do you mean by "tracking"? Context: I'm a canoe guy who rowed for the first time this summer (Lees to Pearce), and I honestly can't figure out what you mean by tracking, because I didn't experience anything whatsoever of what I understand by "tracking."

[@GearGarageTV]

Search for the previous video we did on tracking

[@luminousbrilliance1711]

Sideways into rock is always bad. A heavy gear boat: Maybe Setup track so that forwards and backwards you're OK- Im no guide. You guys tell me.

[@charlesmcdonald5465]

Haha! It’s harder than a little cat lol! Tracking and momentum are fun till ..,, Ahh….giant hole! Smash lol