maravia

From Idaho to Nepal

admin — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 00:29:04 +0000

It is all about adventure. Seeking out harder and harder whitewater challenges. For our team of Idaho river guides, the challenge would be the relentless river from Mt Everest. This would be my eleventh whitewater expedition to Nepal, and the second time teaming up with Maravia to be the first to raft remote Himalayan rivers. The first time we teamed up I was twenty two years old with very little backing and a patchwork paddle team but the Maravia Ranger design ate up whitewater. We survived and came home with two 1st raft descents under our belts. This last rafting expedition was much more organized with sponsors and a mission planned. It all started at our raft company, Payette River Company, playing in the river with the guides. As a team we soon found that with all our skills combined we could go rafting together on much harder rivers than the class IV South Fork Payette that we guide on. Still using the same Maravia Ranger raft we took on the 1999 expedition, we started tasting the class V on the famous North Fork Payette. Before long we were running the entire class V section. We were called crazy, even saying we had a death wish, but we were in love with the thrill of being in the same craft, experiencing extreme whitewater. It was all about being a team and having the same goals and expectations in each rapid. Our team had to paddle together if we wanted to be successful. Within a few years we started challenging the other rowdy Idaho rivers, such as the SF Clearwaters Golden canyon and even pulled a 1st raft descent on the Secesh River, renowned for its wilderness class V whitewater. I soon couldn’t help but say to our small team “if we were in the Himalayas, we could really rack up some 1st raft descents on some really challenging whitewater”. After lots of storytelling and picture showing, we all started to save up for a trip of a lifetime.
The idea that I had been dreaming up for several years was to paddle raft three rivers. First the Dudh Kosi, the glacier fed river draining Mt Everest the highest peak on Earth. Second, the Modi Khola river that drains the tenth highest mountain Mt Annapurna. And as a final challenge the extremely remote Thule Bheri river, meltwaters from Dhauligiri the seventh highest peak in the world. To pull off the steep continous rapids we had planned on running we needed to have an incredible raft. Working again with Maravia twelve years later, we decided on the similar to a Ranger, but slightly smaller ST-1 Stream Tech design and the boat that the Maravia staff built was everything you could dream of. Super light weight for the long travel and as ready for rowdy rapids as any boat. PRC guides Dak Helentjaris, Tim Ball, Matt Jost and myself Sean Glaccum made up the raft team. Pat Riffie would come along as safety kayaker, and my wife Ginger as team photographer who had three magazine cover shots already under her belt. We all arrived on different flights into Nepal and started the trip out with warming up on the monsoon flooded lowland rivers.
After a week in country the team took a backcountry flight into the Everest region. We had Nepalese porters carry the raft and kayak up to Namche Bazaar which sits in view of the Everest summit at around 12,000ft. We had to pull out the stitched in floor and thwarts to make the load possible for the tough Nepalese porters. The Dudh Kosi put in was just below the village and the river was much higher than when I had kayaked the river several years before. We all were scared of the velocity and the flow of the river, enough for Tim to decide not to go at all. The Dudh Kosi was packed with glacier silt making it much, much more powerful. Short a man and trying to get use to paddling hard at altitude, I fell out in the second set of rapids when I did the classic guide launch. We were blown away by the speed and the steep continuous rapids, long scouts, and the unbelievable mountain backdrop that was the top of the world. The entire expedition took two weeks.
Our next mission took us to the Modi Khola in central Nepal, one of the classic rivers for visiting kayakers. Steep, rocky and nonstop must have been the reason rafters had steered away from these great rapids. The river was mainly continuous, strong class IV with a small amount of dangerous bigger drops. Our team spent two days on the river to complete the mission and really enjoyed the run finding it less powerful and less stressful than the Dudh Kosi. Which was physically strenuous at the high altitude. It was a relief not worrying as much and just enjoy the whitewater.
The final journey took us to far west Nepal which is extremely remote with few people and villages. Instantly the trip changed and we went from flying in to a remote airstrip, to a day of wild jeep rides and four days of trekking. Exhausted by almost two months of Himalayan travel and sick from rural village cooking, we arrived at the confluence of the Barbung Khola and the Thule Bheri, our put in. It took just as long to descend the Thule Bheri river as it took to walk up the trail. The long big water rapids would really test the remainder of our strength. Working our way downriver we scouted every rapid and decided on a route. This was now second nature after checking hundreds of rapids during the expedition so far, read run and forget it, read it, run it, forget it. It took sixteen days to complete the Thule Bheri voyage and we were very happy to get back to civilization .
We all were much thinner and beat up then when we had arrived. Pulling the raft apart one last time for travel the team started one by one flying back to the states out of the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu. After a trip like this, where you feel like you have come back from a battle with mother nature, there is a strong bond and feeling of accomplishment as a team. All the struggles, mental challenges and close calls are locked into your memory helping to strengthen your love of rafting, tempting new dreams of chasing that amazing thrill of huge whitewater, all over again.
Sean Glaccum – Payette River Company

Maravia Fall Sale, Hurry before time runs out!

admin — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 01:39:53 +0000

Maravia Fall Sale

With less than 2 months remaining of the 2012 Maravia Fall Sale, there is still plenty of time to get that new boat at a great discount.

Discounts range from 12 – 19% OFF the retail price with several colors of most models still available.

Take advantage of these deals before the pricing increase of 2013 happens on January 1.

Visit www.maravia.com or e-mail chris@maravia.com for additional questions, pricing, etc.

Thanks

2012 Fall Sale

admin — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 07:07:44 +0000

As summer is quickly disappearing, it’s that Fall Sale time of year again. This is a great opportunity to purchase a new Maravia at a discounted price! Discounts on select models are from 12 – 19% off. Limited to stock on hand so call today to get your new Maravia!

Streamtech Inflatable Drift Boats

admin — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:43:50 +0000

It’s mid July and the water levels are starting to drop. Wanting to still get out there and tackle the great fisheries but have the safety and manueverability of a raft? Then StreamTech Drift Boats is your answer! With 2 fishing models and 2 raft models, you can find the perfect fit . Check out the video and visit www.streamtechboats.com for more information. Order yours today! http://youtu.be/jBVHOemTEjo

Take Some Time

admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:40:33 +0000

With Spring fully upon us, the temperature heating up and the rivers starting to flow, it’s a great time to review your river gear before you head out on that first trip. Inflate your raft or cataraft and do a thorough inspection including valves, floor lacing and for any abrasions or scrapes that may be leaking. Take care of any potential issues before leaving for that first trip. Also, inspect your safety equipment, throw bags, lifejackets, etc for any wear or abrasions that may need to be addressed. Remember, a few minutes of inspecting your gear may save your life. Have fun, be safe and ALWAYS LOOK DOWNSTREAM!

Helping a fellow boater!

admin — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:50:05 +0000

In helping a fellow boater, friend and former Maravia Corp employee, Steve Palesch, who is currently fighting Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), we have donated this 12×20 cataraft package to be raffled off by Pals Journey. Tickets are $5 each (checks can be made out to Pals Journey) and the drawing will take place on April 15th. A riverbank toilet system and Maravia silverback pad are also part of the raffle. Get your tickets today… Come into the retail store or send your check to Maravia c/o Pals Journey 602 E 45th st. Boise, Id. 83714 Thanks and keep fighting Steve!

Forty Years – The Top Raft

admin — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:58 +0000

Last year was Maravia’s fortieth year of building whitewater rafts. It seems just a short time ago that Ivan Swickard and Gordon Holcombe envisioned the first Maravia. Gordon’s company, Holcombe Industries, had a contract to build inflatable evacuation slides for the first jumbo jet, the DC10. As Ivan, the pattern guy, designed the curved tubes at the bottom of the slide he and Gordon decided to start a new company to make a MARine based product born of an AVIAtion background – MARAVIA.
In 1985 the company was moved to whitewater heaven – Idaho. The 1997 acquisition of Cascade Outfitters secured the company’s position as a leader in the world of river running with manufacturing, catalog and retail operations in Boise plus world wide reach via the Web.
Maravia builds a wide range of raft models using our unique process called seamless encapsulation. First we build the main tube, then enclose it in a continuous, seamless coating of tough urethane. The result is a raft of remarkable durability known for very low repair and maintenance costs. Each is backed up with a TEN YEAR WARRANTY in private use. They come with a repair kit, but you may never need it.
Forty years is a testimony to our staff’s talent and tenacity in constantly providing our customers with rafts built with a toughness and appearance like no other in the industry. And we still do it right here in the USA.
Wherever your river travels take you, we can build a boat to fit your needs and send you into the wilds with the peace of mind knowing your boat can handle challenging situations. Just as our phone number 800-TOP-RAFT implies, it is good to know you float with the best.

Caring for your raft

admin — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:09:51 +0000

As we head off into the winter months and begin to look forward to the ski season, our rafting gear is ready to be put away. Maravia’s are very low maintenance in the care they require. We recommend giving your boat a good cleaning using inflatable boat clear, rinsing the boat well and then applying a layer of 303 protectant before you put the boat away for the winter. While you are cleaning the raft, take note of any damage, loose floor lacing, etc that can either be taken care of that time or put on the to do list for the spring. Like all other manufacturers, we recommend storing the boat partially inflated and covered from the sunlight if you can. If you don’t have the room, then properly roll your boat, place it in a protective tarp and put it in an out of the place way where it won’t get damaged or become a nice chew toy for the rodents. Our repair department sees quite a bit of off river damage that could have been avoided if the proper steps had been taken. In the gallery below, you can see how we recommend to roll your boat as well as some general repair and maintenance tips from our catalog. The inflatable boat cleaner and 303 protectant can be purchased at www.cascadeoutfitters.com or most of your local raft stores.

2011 Maravia Fall Sale

admin — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:54:54 +0000

The 2011 Maravia Fall Sale has began! Get your favorite models at 12 – 18% off. This SALE is limited to stock on hand, so don’t let this slip by, get your new boat TODAY! Contact your local Maravia dealer or mail@maravia.com for availability.

Repair Tip = Installing a new C-7 valve

admin — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:22:33 +0000

Installing a new C-7 valve

If your valve in your raft has gone bad or has broken, it might be your only option to update your raft or cataraft with a Leafield C7 valve. Some of the valves used in raft manufacturing have become obsolete and unavailable, where all the major manufacturers today are using the Leafield C-7 valve. At Maravia, we have been using this valve throughout our raft and cataraft production since 1999.

Instructions on Installing a new Leafield valve

C-7 valve

https://www.cascadeoutfitters.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=342&framein=

1. Remove the old valve, using the appropriate valve tool.

2. Cut slit on both sides of the hole (this helps you remove the boot that is left on the inside of the tube). If the valve is older, you may have a recessed plastic valve boot. In this case, cut away the exposed portion of the recessed boot.

3. Remove old valve boot (bottom part of valve) from the tube.

4. Place the new C-7 valve boot into hole and push to the side (inside the tube) to allow a flat surface for patching purposes.

5. Purchase a C-7 valve patch(this is a regular patch, with a small hole in it to fit the male end of the valve), item # 0671-VP from Cascacde Outfitters and prep area for the new valve patch.

6. Glue in new valve patch.

7. Let cure overnight.

8. Re-align the valve boot and screw in new valve.

9. Tighten the C-7 with a C-7 valve wrench and inflate.

Repair C7 Wrench/Pusher

https://www.cascadeoutfitters.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=2918&framein=

10. Tighten again once on air and check for leaks around patch and valve.

With a new valve, you are ready to hit the water again! We always recommend carrying a spare valve, if not for you, someone else might need the help.

Questions? Call Maravia Repair at 800-867-7238