About the Zonker

Born on the River. Built the Hard Way.

It all began in the winter rolling into spring of 1990, in Coloma, California — the heart of the American River. I was working as part owner of a sign shop in Sacramento, but for ten weeks, Coloma became home while I went through raft guide school. Somewhere between the cold water, the chaos of the rapids, and the brotherhood of the river, I was hooked. Not casually hooked — all in. For the next ten years, I lived and breathed whitewater. And after that, I never really stopped. If there was a river and an invite, I was there — overnight trips, multi-day expeditions, anywhere the current would take me.

Over the course of 36 years, I’ve run rivers all over, trained in swift water rescue, earned my wilderness first responder, and had more swims and flips than I can count. One of those flips is tattooed on my leg — a reminder of just how real the river can get. I’ve been in recirculating holes that make you question everything. If you’ve ever been stuck in one, you know — it’s not a place you want to stay. You think you’re done… and then somehow, the river spits you back out. Those moments stick with you.

But through all those years, all those miles, and all those unforgettable trips… there was one thing that never got better.

Comfort.

In 2004, I jumped on a last-minute trip — 24 hours’ notice to get up to northern Idaho for the Middle Fork of the Salmon. People were flying in, driving in, meeting at the put-in from all over. It was one of those magical, spontaneous trips that just comes together. And it was incredible… except for one thing. By day two, my body was wrecked. Sitting on dry bags, rearranging gear, trying to find a position that didn’t destroy your hips or back — it was the same old problem we’d all just accepted as part of the game.

That was the moment.

Somewhere between the discomfort and the realization that nobody had truly solved it… the idea for the Zonker was born.

I started prototyping. Testing. Tweaking. Thinking about what raft life should feel like — not just surviving the river, but actually enjoying the time between the rapids. Something that could mount to a frame, set up fast, break down fast, and finally give guides and river runners a place to truly relax.

And now, after decades on the water…

The Zonker is here.

This isn’t just a piece of gear. It’s the result of 36 years of experience, mistakes, lessons, and miles. It’s built by someone who’s been there — who knows the pain, the chaos, the beauty, and the lifestyle.

And it’s just the beginning.

We’re not stopping at hammocks. We’re building out a full line of raft frame furniture — chairs, tables, and some seriously unique setups designed for real river life.

Because if you’ve earned your place on the river…

You’ve earned the right to enjoy it.


---

See You Out There

If you see us on the water, don’t be shy.

Give us a shout.
Kick back.
And welcome to the next evolution of rafting.

Zonker.
Sit Back. Float Hard.