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All kids should go rafting. It’s not only a great way to “unplug” from the daily consumption of electronic devices that we are all so accustomed to but it’s also a great way to explore the outdoors and have fun. Here is some advice for your next adventure on the river.

Pick the right river

A river company will help you make this decision based on 2 important factors: Age/Experience. Short is sweet for many young kids. If it’s your first time rafting, it’s crucial that your first experience is a good one. This sets the foundation for the success of future trips.

 Take Risk

The river can bring out the best in all of us. Taking kids out of their comfort zone will allow them to discover new things about themselves and will give them confidence on and off the water. Your river guide will also give you sound advice and approval before your kids decide to jump off of a rock or swim a rapid.  Let them rip!

Food/Water

Most guides are well prepared and pack extra snacks and water in their day bags. However, don’t rely on it. When kids are playing hard, they get hungry and thirsty. Bring some snacks such as trail mix, bars, chocolate, and water to keep them from crashing.

Extra Clothes

Many young kids are all skin and bones. Bring some extra synthetic clothing for them including a windbreaker in case they get cold after swimming in the river. You would be surprised how often we offer kids a fleece sweatshirt or hat when it’s 90 degrees out..

Responsible Parenting

A guide prerequisite is being a people person. Many of us have kids and are childlike. We like to have fun. We love kids. However, we are not babysitters.   If your kids play hard enough, they will probably be too tired to argue with you anyways.

If you could do a snapshot of a kids attitude and behavior before and after a raft trip, it’s night and day. Post trip, kids reminisce about swimming rapids, paddling, jumping off rocks, playing games, and water fights. Get kids out on the water!

It’s still dark when I open the rain fly. Six thirty. I swear I just walked away from the hot fire and cold drinks to pass out happily by the rushing river.

Quietly, we round up the crew and head downriver. We have two hours to get everything in place before the guests show up. The team breaks off into individual tasks, some fill and rig rafts while others count helmets and life vests. It’s always a guessing game sitting in Lochsa country. No cell service. No way to change the plan.

Coffee is consumed rapidly in between stacking rafts higher than a bus or piling paddles into the trailer. What looks like chaos to the few guests that show up early to watch “guide TV” all flows smoothly together as the rest of the cars start to show up. The essential gear is handed out and the bad jokes start to roll. You can feel the excitement and anxiety pouring off the paddlers. Many have never been whitewater rafting before. I play the role of comedian, teacher and, of course, guide.

The bus ride is filled with questions and stories of river trips past. The boat ramp is a flurry of work as the rafts get shoved in the water and pumped full. The PFDs are snugged tight and the helmet cams are rolling. The work’s not done for the day yet but for the next few hours everyone that worked hard all morning gets to enjoy the thing that brought us all together. The river.

The miles flow by quickly. A hot lunch is much needed on cold water trips. We prep and cook as guests lounge in the sun or crowd around the heater in the rain, reliving the trip this morning. Service with a smile, and usually a bad joke or two. The dishes washed and ready for the next day, we load up for the final 10 miles of river.

The take out is the same flurry in reverse: restack the rafts, collect the helmets and vests, and load back into the bus. While the guests revel in the glory of a day on the mighty Lochsa, the guides get to work. Gotta wash and hang dry all the gear and get it sized and put back in place for the next day.

The rafts deflated and the sun hanging low in the sky, we head back upriver to our fire and cold beverages. Six thirty is gonna come quick tomorrow and I couldn’t be happier about it. 

Living in Montana and other northern states can be difficult in the winter months when temps aren’t exactly ideal for kayaking. Here are some tips on how to dress for success while kayaking in winter conditions, from a kayaker who always finds herself shivering!

DRYSUIT

In my opinion, a drysuit is one of the most important pieces of safety gear a kayaker can own.  Not only does a drysuit extend your paddling season by several months – or in some places make it possible to paddle year-round – but it can also save your life in the case of an unexpected swim in 40 degree water. If a drysuit is out of your price range, dry bibs and a dry top used together can be a good substitute.  I recommend Kokatat drysuits and drytops, as I have always found their gear to be extremely dry, reliable, breathable, and comfortable.   

UNION SUIT / FLEECE ONESIE

Though this one-piece layer is not entirely necessary, I do find it to be the most comfortable way to layer for warmth underneath a drysuit. You don’t have to deal with tucking shirts into pants, shirts bunching up to your chest, and most importantly the chance of you getting a wedgie is diminished quite a bit. NRS, Immersion Research, and Kokatat all make great union suits.

*Pro tip for women! Make sure you buy a union suit with a butt flap if your drysuit has a drop seat!

ADDITIONAL FLEECE/SYNTHETIC/WOOL LAYERS ON TOP (depending on temps)

I am a naturally cold person, so I tend to wear more layers than most other people I see on the water. If I am paddling in the winter when it is below 35 degrees, I generally attempt to wear as many layers as can comfortably fit underneath my drysuit. This usually works out to be one silkweight layer for wicking sweat, one warmer long underwear layer (Patagonia’s capilene 4 works great!), one thin fleece (Patagonia’s R1 is my favorite), along with a union suit.  

ADDITIONAL LONG UNDERWEAR ON THE BOTTOM

One lighter long underwear bottom worn underneath a union suit is usually all that is needed, since your legs are protected from the elements by your kayak.

THICK FLEECE/WOOL SOCKS

Acorn fleece socks are the only socks I have found that keep my toes warm inside my drysuit during the winter.

NEOPRENE MITTENS

Pogies work great when river running in fall weather. But once the thermometer drops below 35, or if I am playboating in cold water, I find that mittens are the only way to keep my hands toasty warm. The NRS Toaster Mitts are my mittens of choice. They even have a handy snot-wiper on the thumb!

NEOPRENE SKULL CAP

The best protection against ice cream headaches!

OVER-THE-DRYSUIT NEOPRENE SOCKS

I only added these to my gear collection this past season, and I am so glad that I did. By keeping dirt, rocks, and sand away from your drysuit socks, they will greatly increase the lifespan of your drysuit and help keep it 100% dry for much longer.  

BOOTIES WITH GOOD TREAD

Falling on your butt is sometimes inevitable when walking to the put-in over icy trails, however, a bruised tailbone can be mitigated by buying booties with good tread! I recently purchased a pair of Astral Brewers and am super happy with how sticky the soles are on slick surfaces.  

YAK TRAXS

These are not always necessary, but can definitely come in handy when hiking over icy portages.

EAR PLUGS

A must-have item for playboating at all times of the year! Swimmer’s ear can be extremely painful and can take you off the water for weeks at a time if it isn’t treated properly.  Mack’s waterproof silicone earplugs can be bought at most drug stores and can be reused several times. They even come in a handy case that can easily fit in the pocket of your PFD.

Summoning the motivation to paddle in the winter

Paddling and surfing in the winter is quite common here in Missoula, Montana, and, crazy as it seems, it’s one of my favorite times of the year to enjoy the river. There is a feeling of hardiness when you slip on your wetsuit or cold PFD while snow is at your feet, ice is floating in the river, and the air you’re breathing is frosty. Wintertime paddling is not for the faint of heart. But once that cold water splashes you in the face, you get a sudden sense of appreciation and self-awareness that reminds you that it’s all totally worth it.

Here are some creature comforts that will make paddling in the winter much more enjoyable.

GEAR

No doubt, the right gear makes all of the difference. It also makes winter river sports enjoyable. If I’m cold, I’m miserable.  

Winter kayaking gear (on top of the year-round essentials): skull cap, drysuit, synthetic layers, neoprene mittens, and paddle wax.

Winter surfing gear: 5/4 wetsuit, 5/4 booties, and 5/4 mits.  

A BUDDY

It’s definitely harder to motivate when you’re rolling solo in the wintertime. Finding a friend to go with is not only a good idea from a safety standpoint, but is also great for holding you accountable when you might want to bail.

WARM BEER + COFFEE + TEA AT THE RIG

Your body is working hard out there to stay warm. Having some hot tea or coffee at the truck sure is nice for after your icy surf session. If beer is your thing, there is nothing more enjoyable than a warm PBR on a cold day.

A COZY CHANGING SET-UP

Having a dry surface to stand on is clutch for getting dressed and changing. Really, any barrier between you and the ground will work. I recommend using an old foam sleeping pad, door mat, or car mat. It’s also a great way to keep your gear clean and in good shape.  Of course the changing robe (aka, the snuggie) is also a great piece of gear to have. It serves as a towel and private changing room, all in one.  

SHORT IS SWEET

It’s cold! So don’t beat yourself up if your winter sessions aren’t as productive as your summer sessions. Just be stoked that you motivated to get out on the water.

The perfect gift for your special river rat

If you dislike holiday shopping as much as we do, we are here to help! Our guides got together and discussed our favorite pieces of gear from 2016.  We’ve put this gear to the test, and we’re excited share with you what we love the most.

At ZTS we are grateful we get to work on the river. Using functional, smart, durable gear makes our job even more enjoyable.

Astral Loyak shoes

Love these shoes! They are not only look good enough for town, but are super comfortable too. What we like: comfy, quick-drying, packable, breathable, grippy soles, and the heels fold down for a unique “slipper effect.”

Patagonia Tropical Hoody

Many of our guides had to buy two of these hoodies because wearing one every day got too stinky! On a hot day, we dip this hoody in the river to help keep us cool. What we like: lightweight sun protection, huge hood, baggy fit, quick-drying.

Hydro Flask water bottle

There is nothing better than reaching for your water bottle during a hot day on the river and sipping on some icy cold water.  Hydro Flask makes us feel like we’re giving ourselves a tip each time we take a swig! What we like: keeps liquids icy cold all day, durable, multiple size options, stainless steel.

Sol Gear drag bag

Beverages are tasty on the river, and we’ve found that keeping your favorite beverages within reach is a real crowd pleaser. What we like: multiple sizes to choose from, simple attachment, easy open/close, exceptional beverage organization and security.

When you first arrive in Missoula, you will soon discover that many locals are rooted in the river. It’s hard to not be when you have three rivers that converge in the Missoula Valley: the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, and Clark Fork Rivers all come together here.  All three offer different levels of recreation and fishing opportunities. No matter which one you choose, you won’t be let down on a hot day here in Western Montana.

GO TUBIN’!

You know summer has begun here in Missoula when the “tuber hatch” begins. This essentially means that spring runoff is over, the water has warmed up, and it’s blazing hot outside. The lower Blackfoot River and the in-town section of the Clark Fork River see most of the tube action.

Here is what you need to know before you go:

You can rent or buy a tube from dozens of local downtown business.
Grab a six pack of beer, with a mesh bag for your empty cans.
Be prepared to get wet if or when you float through Brennan’s Wave.
East Missoula (Sha Ron access) to downtown Missoula – four miles of river – is the most popular section for tubers.

GO RAFTING!

The Clark Fork River runs right through the heart of Missoula and opportunities for a scenic tour or whitewater adventure are right at your fingertips. Since the removal of Milltown Dam in 2008, folks can now float through the confluence of the Blackfoot and Clark Fork Rivers, just east of Missoula and continue right through downtown. There are plenty of options for rafting when you visit Missoula depending on your sense of adventure, ability, and timeframe.

What you need to know:

In early spring, the Lochsa River, just over Lolo Pass, is the crown jewel for whitewater. The Lochsa season is short (end of April through May), so time your trip well. You don’t want to miss out on this world class whitewater experience!
The Alberton Gorge on the Clark Fork River is just 35 minutes west of Missoula and offers fantastic whitewater all year long.
The iconic Blackfoot River is just east of Missoula has numerous sections for all ability levels.

GO KAYAKING!

Whitewater kayaking is one of the best ways to see the river. Missoula offers a perfect location for all skill levels. Most beginners start in flat water and progress to slow moving water. Underwater comfort and learning the Eskimo roll are essential skills for whitewater kayaking. If whitewater kayaking isn’t your thing, then you can always go with a recreational or inflatable kayak, both of which require less skill and experience.

What you need to know:

Call a local outfitter or shop for a beginner whitewater kayak lesson.
Prepare to get wet! Kayaking is sometimes affectionately referred to as an “underwater” sport!
Many outfitters offer inflatable kayak trips alongside raft trips.

GO SURFING!

Feel the pulse of the river by learning how to surf Brennan’s Wave on the Clark Fork! River surfing has taken Missoula by storm and is a very popular activity with folks of all ages and abilities. River surfing is all about finding that perfect standing wave and lapping it all day long.

Here is what you need to know:

Know and understand water levels, hazards, river etiquette, and the basics of the sport before you go. Go to a local shop for rentals, lessons, and general information.
We sure hope you like swimming!

GO STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING!

If you can walk down a sidewalk without falling the you can learn how to SUP!  There are many great lakes just north of Missoula, as your heading towards Seeley Lake or try something really easy like Frenchtown Pond.  Rent a board from a local shop and try paddling up and downstream in between the Higgins and Arthur Street bridges in downtown Missoula.

Here is what you need to know:

Know and understand the river conditions.  Make sure you have all of the proper gear (PFD, Paddle, Water, River Shoes, Sun Protection). Did you set a shuttle?
The local shops will give you a quick lesson on proper stance, how to hold your paddle, and all the other details you might need to know before you go
Paddling when it’s windy out is not much fun!