JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. – A group of thrill-seekers and engineers made history on the Rogue River this past Friday, successfully navigating the waterway atop a massive, 20-foot-high tower of 10 inflatable rafts.
The feat was the result of a creative collaboration between local “waterman” Covey Baack and the specialized rafting equipment manufacturer SOTAR. The expedition, which spanned approximately three-and-a-half hours, aimed to push the boundaries of what is possible in river navigation while highlighting the scenic beauty of the Josephine County landscape.
This isn’t the first time Baack has tested the limits of river rafting. Having previously successfully floated the Rogue on a six-raft stack, Baack looked to elevate the challenge by nearly doubling the height of the apparatus. According to Jeremiah Lewman, Chief Operating Officer at SOTAR, the project required meticulous preparation to ensure the safety of the crew, which included Baack’s own children.
“All in all, the research that we’ve done is that no one’s come close to taking a boat stacked this big on the water,” Lewman said following the successful voyage.
The engineering challenge was significant. To keep the 10-raft configuration stable and unified while navigating river currents, the team at SOTAR had to design and implement a complex system of roughly one hundred heavy-duty straps. These fasteners were crucial to maintaining the integrity of the 20-foot-tall structure, preventing it from buckling or drifting apart while under the stress of the river’s flow.
Despite the technical complexity, Baack emphasized that his motivation for the project was rooted more in personal passion and appreciation for the outdoors than in seeking fame or viral recognition.
“I did it for me, I didn’t really do it for video,” Baack explained. “I just kind of like to get out in the water and showcase what could be done.”
The successful completion of the journey has already sparked excitement among local enthusiasts, and Baack appears ready for his next challenge. He has openly invited the public to share their own ideas for future river-based projects, expressing a desire to see just how far the concept of “stacked” navigation can be taken.
“I just want to see what people can dream up next,” Baack said.
As news of the record-breaking float spreads, the project stands as a testament to both the innovative spirit of Oregon’s outdoor community and the collaborative potential between local adventurers and industry experts. For now, the group is celebrating a safe and successful journey, leaving spectators to wonder what unconventional structure might grace the Rogue River next.
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