Being a whitewater paddler may give outsiders the impression you are smelly, risky and low-budget. In other words, a river rat. A river god, on the other hand, is legendary. They’re calm under pressure, competent and inspiring to everyone, even the CEO in their raft that day. The difference isn’t ego, it’s preparation. Here’s what I rely on to project the raft god persona on and off the water, from running rapids to cooking dinner, teaching swiftwater rescue, rigging camp and everything in between.
8 Essentials In Editor Brenna Kelly’s River Guiding Kit
NRS Guide Shirt
MSRP: $89.95
It’s hard to find a shirt that feels good when I reach my arms forward and not like I’m about to rip out of the back like the Hulk. The NRS Guide Shirt has a bit of stretch, which is perfect for paddlers who often have broad shoulders. Built-in sun protection and wrinkle resistance help, but it’s the collar that gives it river god status and makes you look like a professional.
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Sweet Rocker
MSRP: $250
A helmet should fit like it was made for your head and feel good enough that you can keep it on all day. The Sweet Rocker is my pick because it fits my oblong head well. As a raft guide, wearing your helmet all day sets the tone for everyone else.
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Astral Brewer
MSRP: $150
I’ve had three pairs of Astral Brewers over 15 years. They’re tough enough for abuse and comfortable enough to go from the river to the pub. There’s no extra liner in the sole, so they don’t stink. I size up so they fit over drysuit booties.
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NRS Vector
MSRP: $225
Your PFD is the most important piece of gear you own. Treat it that way. Don’t stand for rips, sun damage or missing pieces. I love the NRS Vector’s clamshell pocket because it keeps my pin kit and small essentials, like SPF, lip chap and a nose plug for someone learning to roll, all organized, and the tow system is tucked away. Other rescue PFDs, like the Astral Greenjacket and Kokatat Hustler, work too; what matters is feeling comfortable and practiced with all the features in case you need them.
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Force 6 Mini Dart Throw Bag
MSRP: $70
This little bullet bag fits in one hand, and you can throw it 30 feet. Having a throw bag you can throw accurately is key to looking like a river god. If you throw your throw bag and it lands nowhere near the person that needs it, it’s embarrassing at best. The side zip on the Mini Dart makes for speedy repacking.
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Waterproof Dry bag
Whichever dry bag you choose, it must be truly waterproof and clipped into a D-ring on the raft so it doesn’t disappear in a flip. My 20-liter dry bag has solutions for my guests’ most common complaints: cold, hungry, thirsty or that time of month. Just listen to your guests’ or friends’ complaints, add solutions, and you’ll get cooler as the years go on.
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Travel Brush
MSRP: $3.60
After a day of rubber, neoprene, helmet and Velcro all hanging around the base of my skull, I’m on the fast-track to dread town. I carry a pocket brush in my gear bag for when I get off the river, and a little bottle of conditioner for working out knots.
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Smile
A smile goes a long way with new river friends. It shows confidence and approachability. If you have all the things on this list and leave your ego at the shore, you’re well on your way to river god status, which is something we can all aspire to.
This article was published in Issue 75 of Paddling Magazine. River God (noun): Calm. Competent. The one you trust to fish you out of the river. | Feature photo: Wilderness Tours
