Riverstick Custom Wading Staffs

[Zak]

Possibly! What is the overall length and condition of yours?

Nevermind, I just pulled mine out and it's about right (forearm horizontal when holding the grip).

 

[Brian Miller]

I scored a used riverstick that is amazing, but a little long. Can you please advise on how I can shorten by a couple of inches. This staff puts my old Simms to shame!

I scored a used Riverstick that is a little short for me, want to trade?

Nevermind, I just pulled mine out and it's about right (forearm horizontal when holding the grip).

I know everyone has their own preference for a wading staff length, and mentioned this in an earlier post. I had few decades of experience with ice axes and XC and backcountry ski-trekking poles before I purchased a River Stick. The forearm horizontal length is perfect for hiking on level ground **along with correct use of a wrist strap helping to provide stability, conserve energy, and decrease fatigue-strain on the forearm and elbow over long distances. Adjustable trekking poles allowed me to have the best length for inclines. I used them for wading too.

The fixed length River Stick is more expensive than the ski-trekking poles (and waaaay better) so I took Rick's (Herkileez) advice of sternum height for the wading staff. For me, who had used adjustable aluminum trekking poles for hiking and wading since they came on the market for hiking and wading I found Rick's sternum height advice was perfect for wading but not when climbing steep banks or hiking to help cushion the shock on my hip prosthesis which followup X-rays last month show still looks great after 13 years.

So I put a woven paracord grip with the all-important adjustable wrist strap below the plastic grip and used wraps of gorilla tape as a stopper to keep it from slipping down the slippery aluminum staff. It really helps for walking, and helps a little bit on steep banks. I also marked knee and thigh height on it with electrical tape for wading.


Here is the video I found that shows how to do the paracord grip.
* adding I used a 3-half hitch grip knot like I use for tent stakes to make the cord wrist strap ajustable in diameter which also affects its overall length and how far down my hand rests on the paracord grip . I don't have padding on it because the grip increases the overall diameter or width of the folded staff enough that I already had to buy a hammer holster with a larger loop to carry it folded on my belt and it's still a snug fit.

**correct use of trekking pole straps

 

[Zak]

I know everyone has their own preference for a wading staff length, and mentioned this in an earlier post. I had few decades of experience with ice axes and XC and backcountry ski-trekking poles before I purchased a River Stick. The forearm horizontal length is perfect for hiking on level ground **along with correct use of a wrist strap helping to provide stability, conserve energy, and decrease fatigue-strain on the elbow over long distances. Adjustable trekking poles allowed me to have the best length for inclines. I used them for wading too.

The fixed length River Stick is more expensive than the ski-trekking poles (and waaaay better) so I took Rick's (Herkileez) advice of sternum height for the wading staff. For me, who had used adjustable aluminum trekking poles for hiking and wading since they came on the market for hiking and wading I found Rick's sternum height advice was perfect for wading but not when using them to climb steep muddy banks or hiking to help cushion the shock on my hip prosthesis which followup X-rays last month show still looks great after 13 years.

So I put a woven paracord grip with the all-important adjustable wrist strap below the plastic grip and used wraps of gorilla tape as a stopper to keep it from slipping down the slippery aluminum staff. It really helps for walking, and helps a little bit on steep banks. I also marked knee and thigh height on it with electrical tape for wading.

View attachment 173330
Here is the video I found that shows how to do the paracord grip.

**correct use of trekking pole straps

Good info, thanks. I also have a Folstaff that is a few inches longer than my Riverstick. I prefer that longer length and it helps with probing stained water in front of me to find those "Watch that next step, it's a doozy!" spots.

 

[SurfnFish]

for the deep waders, sternum height is much safer...nothing like probing ahead when waist deep and suddenly have your staff hand go underwater as the staff point finds a hole.
High density EVA foam tubing in the appropriate diameter, usually found in Home Depot and similar, also make for a good lower grip point

 

[Herkileez]

I know everyone has their own preference for a wading staff length, and mentioned this in an earlier post. I had few decades of experience with ice axes and XC and backcountry ski-trekking poles before I purchased a River Stick. The forearm horizontal length is perfect for hiking on level ground **along with correct use of a wrist strap helping to provide stability, conserve energy, and decrease fatigue-strain on the elbow over long distances. Adjustable trekking poles allowed me to have the best length for inclines. I used them for wading too.

The fixed length River Stick is more expensive than the ski-trekking poles (and waaaay better) so I took Rick's (Herkileez) advice of sternum height for the wading staff. For me, who had used adjustable aluminum trekking poles for hiking and wading since they came on the market for hiking and wading I found Rick's sternum height advice was perfect for wading but not when using them to climb steep muddy banks or hiking to help cushion the shock on my hip prosthesis which followup X-rays last month show still looks great after 13 years.

So I put a woven paracord grip with the all-important adjustable wrist strap below the plastic grip and used wraps of gorilla tape as a stopper to keep it from slipping down the slippery aluminum staff. It really helps for walking, and helps a little bit on steep banks. I also marked knee and thigh height on it with electrical tape for wading.

View attachment 173330
Here is the video I found that shows how to do the paracord grip.

**correct use of trekking pole straps

Good idea for a lower grip.
Here's a pic a customer sent me, with some pretty cool add-ons: a lower locking bicycle grip and added black shrink wrap to the rest of the sections. (he doesn't use it for fishing, but has mobilty issues, so uses it as a (I think, pretty cool-looking) cane. I did one similar, for a friend, where I first coated the tubing with contact cement, let it dry, then added shrink tubing. The contact cement prevented the shrink from shifting on the aluminum tubing.... also did a shooting stick insert...and a cigar holder (yes, you're reading that right... .. ).......sky's the limit for personal add-ons....

 

[Eastside]

I have two Riverstick wading staffs. The inner elastic cord for folding up the older staff stretched, so I put black electrical tape on the ferrules. @Herkileez told me how to fix it, but the black tape is useful. The tape on the top tells me to not take another step forward or it will be too deep.

 

[Brian Miller]

probing stained water in front of me to find those "Watch that next step, it's a doozy!" spots

Marking the knee and upper thigh depth with electrical tape is very good for that.

 

[Brian Miller]

Good idea for a lower grip.
Here's a pic a customer sent me, with some pretty cool add-ons: a lower locking bicycle grip and added black shrink wrap to the rest of the sections. (he doesn't use it for fishing, but has mobilty issues, so uses it as a (I think, pretty cool-looking) cane. I did one similar, for a friend, where I first coated the tubing with contact cement, let it dry, then added shrink tubing. The contact cement prevented the shrink from shifting on the aluminum tubing.... also did a shooting stick insert...and a cigar holder (yes, you're reading that right... .. ).......sky's the limit for personal add-ons....

View attachment 173337
View attachment 173339

View attachment 173340

I think I already had a hank of paracord ($6) and it took 20 minutes to weave it with the adjustable wrist loop but I like the locking handlebar grips

Lock-On Grips | Lizard Skins

Shop lock-on grips from Lizard Skins. Free shipping on orders over $35. View our full collection including mtb lock on grips for comfort and control. Shop now!

www.lizardskins.com

and the colored Non Slip Grip Heat Shrink Tubing

Non Slip Grip Heat Shrink Tubing 2:1 Ratio

Most of the time when hand grips on tools or household items are worn down or need replacing, they get thrown away. Textured heat shrink allows you to save money since you won't need to buy new items every time! This type of polyolefin heat shrink tubing will conform smoothly to the shape of...

buyheatshrink.com

(some colors in 1m lengths available on Amazon ($6-$8), might need to buy two lengths to do the whole staff)

 

[Herkileez]

I think I already had a hank of paracord ($6) and it took 20 minutes to weave it with the adjustable wrist loop but I like the locking handlebar grips

Lock-On Grips | Lizard Skins

Shop lock-on grips from Lizard Skins. Free shipping on orders over $35. View our full collection including mtb lock on grips for comfort and control. Shop now!

www.lizardskins.com

and the colored Non Slip Grip Heat Shrink Tubing

Non Slip Grip Heat Shrink Tubing 2:1 Ratio

Most of the time when hand grips on tools or household items are worn down or need replacing, they get thrown away. Textured heat shrink allows you to save money since you won't need to buy new items every time! This type of polyolefin heat shrink tubing will conform smoothly to the shape of...

buyheatshrink.com

(some colors in 1m lengths available on Amazon ($6-$8), might need to buy two lengths to do the whole staff)

If ordering the shrink tubing, 30 mm works well on the aluminum tubing (.840" dia). You cut it to exact length, as it only shrinks in dia.

 

[SurfnFish]

I think I already had a hank of paracord ($6) and it took 20 minutes to weave it with the adjustable wrist loop but I like the locking handlebar grips

Lock-On Grips | Lizard Skins

Shop lock-on grips from Lizard Skins. Free shipping on orders over $35. View our full collection including mtb lock on grips for comfort and control. Shop now!

www.lizardskins.com

and the colored Non Slip Grip Heat Shrink Tubing

Non Slip Grip Heat Shrink Tubing 2:1 Ratio

Most of the time when hand grips on tools or household items are worn down or need replacing, they get thrown away. Textured heat shrink allows you to save money since you won't need to buy new items every time! This type of polyolefin heat shrink tubing will conform smoothly to the shape of...

buyheatshrink.com

(some colors in 1m lengths available on Amazon ($6-$8), might need to buy two lengths to do the whole staff)

used that grip shrink tubing on a Michigan style drift rod when the cork started failing..worked great

 

[Gunpepper]

I’ve been building my wading staffs for a few years now, shipping them worldwide, and making some great friends along the way. Fishers seem to like them, so I thought I’d offer them for sale here as well.
The heart of the staff is the extremely durable, heavy-guage 6061 marine-grade aluminum tubing and machined inserts. A unique practical feature of the staff is that all other components: the grip, and bungee cord are easily found in most hardware stores, The tips are rubber tire valve stems..Yes, tire valve stems... They are very durable, don't get stuck between boulders, are found in any automotive store and. in fact, I could not have designed a better rubber tip. This allows the staff to be totally self-maintainable, and virtually able to withstand a lifetime of use. The hammer loop holster has proven to be the perfect holster, allowing the staff to be easily deployed, or replaced, with one hand.
The staff comes with a nylon wrist strap and stainless ring just below the grip for clipping onto a retractor to let it hang extended. At 1 lb 10 ozs, it is solid, and built to last.

I build each staff to your preferred length, or can recommend a length to suit your height.
Rule of thumb for height/length: 5’5” - 5’7” = 51”, 5'8" - 5'10" = 52", 5'11" - 6' 2" = 53", 6'3" - 6'5"= 54-56". A good measure is to top of waders with boots on.

Price is $110 + $20 (shipping in NA) = $130 usd total.

Please pm for further information.

View attachment 4276View attachment 75149View attachment 75150

I would love to have one of these staffs made ….. can you send me the details….. I’m 6’-4” 255lbs & 67 years old and love wading rivers….. Gunpepper

Address is ; 1901 MERRILL CREEK PKWY
APT. F302
Everett, WA. 98203 USA

 

[cmann886]

I would love to have one of these staffs made ….. can you send me the details….. I’m 6’-4” 255lbs & 67 years old and love wading rivers….. Gunpepper

Address is ; 1901 MERRILL CREEK PKWY
APT. F302
Everett, WA. 98203 USA

You will love one. I turn 68 this week and am within an inch of your height and 15lbs of your weight.