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Kayaking Information Page 1 of 1 WHITEWATER DIFFICULTY CLASSES This is the EddyFlower.com version of a rating system used to compare river and creek difficulty. This system is not exact; rivers and creeks do not always fit easily into one category, and regional or individual interpretations may cause misunderstandings. Difficulty levels are the subjective view of the author and may not constitute accurate information. EddyFlower.com is in no way meant to serve as a substitute for a guidebook, careful river reading, scouting, personal assessment of skill, and common sense. Neither the authors of this site, nor any contributing author on this site, may be held liable for any decisions based on the information provided by these pages. CLASS I E:-lsy CLASS II NovIce CLASS III II\tetni.0dialC CLASS IV P,dVdnced CLASS V Export CLASS VI Fxir01rt(~ Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class 11-" or "Class 11+" respectively. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class 111-" or "Class 111+" respectively. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require "must make" moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong Eskimo roll is highly recommended. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class IV-" or "Class IV+" respectively. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. A very reliable Eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class V-" or "Class V+" respectively. These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. After a Class VI rapid has been run, it's rating may be changed to an appropriate Class V rating (V-, V, V+). http://www.eddyflower.com/Difficul ty Li St. aspx ?Difficulty Id= 5 2/13/2007