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Kayaking Information Page 1 of 1 <br />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 <br />do not always fit easily into one category, and regional or individual interpretations may cause misunderstandings. Difficulty levels are the <br />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 <br />guidebook, careful river reading, scouting, personal assessment of skill, and common sense. Neither the authors of this site, nor any <br />contributing author on this site, may be held liable for any decisions based on the information provided by these pages. <br />CLASS j Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to <br />swimmers is slight; self- rescue is easy. <br />CLASS II Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be <br />_ ,. required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and <br />group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are <br />designated "Class II" or "Class II +" respectively. <br />CLASS III Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex <br />maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or <br />strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on <br />large- volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self- rescue is usually <br />easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty <br />range are designated "Class III" or "Class III +" respectively. <br />CLASS IV Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of <br />a <br />cod the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under <br />pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require "must <br />make" moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is <br />moderate to high, and water conditions may make self- rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but <br />requires practiced skills. A strong Eskimo roll is highly recommended. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this <br />difficulty range are designated "Class IV -" or "Class IV +" respectively. <br />CLASS V Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, <br />xpert unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long <br />distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. <br />At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. <br />Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. A very reliable Eskimo roll, proper equipment, <br />extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty <br />range are designated "Class V-" or "Class V +" respectively. <br />CLASS VI These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. <br />The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water <br />levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. After a Class VI rapid has been run, it's rating may be <br />changed to an appropriate Class V rating (V-, V, V +). <br />http:// www.eddyflower.com /DifficultyList .aspx ?DifficultyId =5 2/13/2007 <br />