White-water ratings (class)

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The difficulty and danger level of a river is most commonly described with a class rating, from Class I (easiest) to Class VI (hardest). Generally used by river rafters and boaters.

Though notoriously vague (one person's "very dangerous" is another person's "walk in the park"), they are more or less as follows:

Class I Easy. A few riffles or waves. Few obstructions. Risk to swimmers is small.

Class II Novice. Straighforward rapids. Obstructions are easily missed by paddlers with training. Injury is unlikely in case of an accident.

Class III Intermediate. Waves can swamp an open canoe. Good boat control is required. Strong eddies and currents. Scouting from land is advised. Injuries are unlikely but group rescue may be required to avoid long swims.

Class IV Advanced. Strong currents. Precise boat handling required. "Must make" moves are often required to avoid danger. Often features holes, strainers and other dangerous obstacles. Moderate to high risk to swimmers.

Class V Expert. Violent water demands very strong boating skills. Rapids may be long and unforgiving. Eddies are small and turbulent, if they exist at all. Swimming is dangerous. A reliable, experienced group to paddle with is as essential as your own skills.

Class VI Extreme. Generally considered unrunnable. Violent, unpredictable water. Rescues may be impossible and errors could be unforgivable.