About Class Five Adventure Gear

In his own words…

Class Five Adventure Gear was founded by life-long river enthusiast, Jesse Fisher. Along with his innovative spirit, Jesse’s combined experience as a seasoned outfitter and professional welder, led to the creation of his premier product: The North Fork Frame. Constructed of lightweight, durable aluminum, The North Fork Frame  provides the advantage of improved portability over traditional rowing frames. Weighing in at 38 pounds, it’s light enough for any person of average strength to handle, but durable enough to withstand even the roughest big water conditions.

Please check out or store page for a listing of other high quality products offered by Class Five.

Who Is Jesse Fisher?

I’m in my 18th year of Rafting. My Top five rivers in order of favorite: South Fork of the Payette, Selway, Middle Fork of the Salmon, North Fork of the Payette, and last—but most certainly not least—South Fork of the Salmon (probably the most exciting fishery in Idaho).

I’m passionate about the wilderness. The spring and early summer smells, sights, energy of the river, and new life budding is soothing and healing at the soul level. Many boaters and outdoorsmen will understand this. The anticipation of the river horizon and the thrill of the drop are only a fraction of the excitement gleaned from a river corridor. I have had some of the most epic naps in human history on the Middle Fork Salmon in September—oh yeah, and the South Fork Payette. The views when a short hike is on the agenda can be, and most time are, awe inspiring. Other rivers I have the extreme pleasure of enjoying are Gnu River in West Virginia, American River in California, Rogue River in Oregon, Illinois River, Oregon White Salmon River Washington, Talkeetna River in Alaska, and Nolichucky River in Tennessee; this one almost had my number. I was a very head strong young army ranger who didn’t respect the power of mother nature. We were on an over nighter paddling IKs with very little gear. When we put on, the river was at flood stage, the gauge reading right at 5 feet. It was of course just starting to rain as we shoved off.

We had a blast on this 25 mile first day full of solid class III & IV rapids. When we reached our camp that night, the forest service had suspended launch permits until the water came back down. This meant we would have the rest of the river to ourselves (lucky me, or so I thought). We reached a waterfall (not sure of the name now) that was approximately 15 feet. I was informed the line would be on river-right. I heard the advice but I didn’t listen.

I took the center line, and as I approached the edge, I soon found that advice ringing in my head, but alas it was too late. I went over, and the river proceeded to teach a very good lesson on humility. It had trapped me on the bottom and wouldn’t let me past the boil line when I would get to surface for a brief second. I finally had courage to stop fighting and then it flushed me out. The lesson hit home several times as my boating partners were hitting me with throw ropes as I clung to the only rock I could find above water in the middle of the river.

Now I’m older, sober, and little more seasoned to the subtle warnings of mother nature and her power. I love the performance and security of a cat boat now!