RIVER CLASSIFICATION
Class 1: Easy
Moving water with occasional small rapids. Few or
no obstacles
Class 2: Moderate
Small rapids with regular waves, some maneuvering
required but easy to navigate
Class 3: Difficult
Rapids with irregular waves and hazards that need
avoiding. More difficult maneuvering required but
routes are normally obvious, scouting from the shore
is occasionally necessary
Class 4: Very Difficult
Large rapids that require careful maneuvering. Dangerous
hazards, scouting from the shore is often necessary
and rescue is usually difficult .Kayakers should be
able to roll turbulent water and large irregular waves
map rafts. In the event of mishap there is significant
risk of loss, damage and injury.
Class 5: Extremely Difficult
Long and very violent rapids with sever hazards ,
continuous, powerful, confused water, make route finding
difficult and scouting from the shore is essential,
precise maneuvering is critical and for Kayakers,
rolling ability needs to be 100 percent .Rescue is
very difficult or impossible and in the event of mishap
there is a significant Hazard to life.
Class 6: Nearly impossible
Difficulties of class five carried to the extreme
of navigability. Migt possibly( but not probably)
be run by a team, of exports at the River water level,
in the right conditions, with all possible safety
precautions, but still with considerable hazard to
life.
