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Classification of White Water Rapids
White water river rafting is an outdoor sport that has been enjoyed by millions of adventurers since the development of early rubber rafts in the 1800s. It began to gain major popularity in the 1960s and today is a thriving, evolving sport. In rafting, in order to safely navigate a river, parts of a river are classified into different levels of white water.
This is called the International Scale of River Difficulty. Though the many countries have their own grading systems, including the United States, these differ from the International Scale only in detail. The United States grading systems is basically the International system, but expanded and more detailed. The grades are divided into six classes.
Below is a description of each class of white water in the United States.
Grade I: Easy
In this class, waves are small and passages are clear. There are few obstructions and the risk to swimmers is slight. The water is fast moving with riffles and small waves.
Grade II: Medium
The class requires some white water rafting experience and obstacles can be easily avoided by an experienced rafter. The water is fast-moving and mostly clear and free from obstacles. The rapids are straightforward, moderately difficult, with wide and clear channels.
Grade III: Difficult
Rapids in this class are moderate and irregular which may be difficult to avoid. Complex maneuvers by an experienced rafter may be necessary. There may be large eddies and powerful currents.
Grade IV: Very Difficult
This class has large, irregular, and intense rapids that must be handled by someone with experience. Maneuvers must be made around dangerous hazards. Risk of injury to swimmers may be high.
Grade V: Extremely Difficult
Rapids in this grade are extremely long, obstructed, and violent. There may be large drops and unavoidable holes. Eddies may be strong and turbulent. Swims are dangerous and rescue is often difficult. Extensive experience is required.
Grade VI: Un-runnable
This grade is virtually un-runnable and extremely dangerous. These runs should not be attempted at risk of death.
If you are considering going on an adventurous river rafting trip it is very important to look into the various ratings of the rapids on the river. If you do not feel like you or your group is skilled enough to handle a higher rating, you should definitely look into going down a different river. Otherwise, you can look into guided tours which will have a professional guide to ensure your group's safety.
About the Author All Adventures Rafting provides professional guides and customized Washington white water rafting trips in the state of Washington. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.
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