Responsibilities and Traits of a Lead Boater on Whitewater Rivers

[@joshkelly3743]

Great explanation

[@GearGarageTV]

Glad you liked it

[@kristianmickelson]

Great video Zach, hope you have a great holidays

[@GearGarageTV]

Thanks! Happy Holidays to you too!

[@DanielHoward40]

Someone with a solid rescue knowledge too - accurate with a bag and most the kit needed for mechanical advantages, in case it's needed for a paddler behind/coming through a feature

[@GearGarageTV]

I usually have the rescue squirrel in the back so they can catch up with a problem. Sometimes it’s hard to get from the front of the group back up river.

[@lychastai]

I’ll add that on long trips (e.g. Grand trips) the trip leader should NOT lead the entire trip. That is pretty common, I think. The trip leader can easily get decision fatigue if they are managing the big decisions PLUS all the daily micro decisions required of the lead boat. At the very least they should trade off every other day or so. I was both and by day 14 or so I was pretty fried. That trip was the most exhausting trip ever. Still fun though. :)

[@GearGarageTV]

It depends on the person. For some people the on river part is easy. For others the off river part is easy. And for some both are easy.

[@mfryer100]

Great video. Thanks!

[@GearGarageTV]

Glad you liked it!

[@seanfraser7738]

Setting a pace is easier when the other boaters keep up. Group cohesion helps.

[@GearGarageTV]

A good lead boater will adapt to their slowness and give them feedback about it when appropriate

[@craigwatts6601]

👍🏻