Rafting » How To Choose

Boating with an Outfitter

Reasons for choosing an outfitter for your next outdoor adventure.

Choosing Oar Length

"What length oars do I need for my boat?" is one of the most common questions we get. We've developed this chart to help you with this decision.

Cold-Water Layering

Base, insulating and outer layers allow you to add and remove pieces to match changing conditions, and help your body maintain a safe, comfortable temperature.

Frame Basics

Learn the points to consider when choosing a frame for your raft or cataraft. Consider the style, function, quality, and performance for your kind of boating.

Guide to Raft Fishing vs Drift Boat Fishing

Durable and portable inflatable fishing rafts from NRS offer several advantages for fishing over more traditional drift boats, including cost, safety, and ease of access.

How to Choose the Right Life Jacket

Learn about the types of life jackets most commonly worn by boaters so you can choose the right life jacket for your paddling needs.

How to Choose Your First Raft or Cataraft

Things to consider when buying your first raft or cataraft.

How To Detect a Fraudulent NRS Website or eCommerce Store

Learn to identify counterfeit and fraudulent NRS websites and ads, resolve disputes with credit card companies, and protect yourself from scammers posing as NRS dealers.

Inflatable Boat & SUP Guide

Specifics on NRS E-series, Otter series, Otter Livery series, NRS catarafts, NRS Patriots, NRS SUP Boards and NRS Inflatable Kayaks.

Inflatable Boat Spec Chart

Use this comprehensive table to compare specs and measurements for current and past NRS, Aire, Riken and Tributary inflatable rafts and catarafts.

Inflatables Pre-2006

Specifics on pre-2006 era NRS E-series, Otter series, Otter Livery series, NRS catarafts, and NRS Inflatable Kayaks.

Military Valves

Information about the different types of Military valves.

Modular Frame Part Dimensions

Use these diagrams to learn about the design specs and dimensions for the individual parts and pieces of the NRS modular raft frame system. The NRS frame system is the most adjustable and adaptable raft frame system you can buy and is built in Moscow, Idaho by skilled craftsmen.

New US Coast Guard PFD Approval System

The USCG/Transport Canada Approval System approves PFDs & life jackets for use in U.S. and Canadian waters. Learn its differences from the older system.

NRS Hot-Forged LoPros and Oar Mounts

The NRS Frame System is simply the most adjustable and adaptable system on the market; we think it's the best. And we've only made it better.

NRS, STAR & AIRE Raft Frame Sizing Guide

Learn which NRS raft or cataraft frames fit best on specific NRS, STAR Inflatables or AIRE rafts and catarafts.

Pennel Orca Boat Material

Learn why NRS has used Pennel's Orca material in manufacturing our Expedition and Otter rafts, catarafts, and inflatable kayaks since 1994.

Pins and Clips vs. Open Oar Locks

Choosing between open oar lock or pins and clips for your raft frame rowing setup? Read this to understand the pros, cons, and nuances of each configuration.

Raft and Inflatable Boat Rowing Frame Features

Find information about features and accessories for NRS modular raft frames. Learn how to determine the right length and width for your NRS frame.

The Iconic Bill’s Bag Dry Bag: A History

Read the story of how our iconic waterproof NRS Bill’s Bag came into existence, directly from the legend himself: Mr. Bill Parks.

The Making of Cataract Oars

Learn how a company that makes guided missile parts, armor piercing projectiles and parts for advanced aircraft got into making carbon fiber oars for rafting.

Weight Carrying Capacity of NRS Boats

What's the weight carrying capacity of NRS rafts? We get asked that question frequently. Our answer? "We don't rate them" Read on to learn why.

What is Drop Stitch?

How drop stitch material used in our inflatables is made.

Whitewater & Touring Kayak Paddle Sizing Guides

Find the whitewater paddle that is the best fit for you.