Whitewater rafting is one of the most popular and enjoyable hobby sports in the United States today. Rivers are classed so that those who are more experienced will know this is a trip they will enjoy while those who are less experienced or novice are able to know that they can safely navigate the river.
Rivers in the US are rated according to a scale known as the International Scale of River Difficulty.
It is worth mentioning that a rivers level, the amount of rainfall in the past few days will cause fluctuations in the level of challenge that a river poses.
A river which is rated Class III might in fact prove to be a IV if it has rained a great deal, flooding is taking place or the rivers level of challenge may in fact lower at times as well.
The first time rafter will greatly enjoy the class III or perhaps a Class III IV combination river, particularly for those who like to paddle, while those with some level of experience will enjoy class IV.
A Class V River will usually require that you can show proof of having at least two or perhaps more river trips and previous experiences with class IV Rivers.
When you are booking your rafting trip do be certain to be honest about your level of experience so that you don’t geti into more than you bargain for, especially if you plan on having others with you on the trip.
Let your booking person or guide know the experience of everyone who will accompany you so that you get the right trip for the party you will be taking along. Always err on the side of safety.
For your convience here are the classes as set up by the International Scale of River Difficulty..
CLASS I
Easy – Waves will be small, most of your passages will be clear with no serious obstacles.
CLASS II
Medium – Rapids of moderate difficulty with primarily passages clear. Suitable for everyone.
CLASS III
Moderate – Waves numerous, waves may be high, often irregular; the trip will include rocks; eddies; rapids with passages clear though probably narrow, requiring some level of expertise in maneuvering.
CLASS IV
Difficult – Long series of rapids; your waves will be irregular, powerful, along with dangerous rocks, boiling eddies, and will require powerful and very precise maneuvering to safely navigate the river.
CLASS V
“Extremely Difficult – Exceedingly difficult, long and violent rapids, following each other almost without interruption; riverbed extremely obstructed; big drops; violent currents; very steep gradient. Paddlers should have prior Class IV or better whitewater experience.”
CLASS VI
Unrunnable! Like the terminology states, its not navigable and you should absolutely not even attempt it.
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