One Hundred Foot Waterfalls and You – Deciphering the Class System of Whitewater Rapids
Pick up any outdoor oriented magazine and the photos of whitewater rafting and
kayaking are breathtaking. Outside Magazine this month (April 2006)
features three daredevil kayakers pondering a stomach wrenching bottomless drop
at the base of Victoria Falls in Zambia. It’s a class V+ on the international rapid
scale and routinely the image first time rafters think of when thinking of what to
expect during a whitewater expedition. Oh how different reality can be.
Internationally a ranging scale of 1 to 6 most prominently using roman numerals is
used to classify rapids. Even though all rivers do not follow this system–the
Colorado uses a 1-10 scale through the Grand Canyon–most outfitters rate their
river trips by using the roman numerals. Below is a quick reference guide of each
class level starting with the easy-of-the-easy while ending in raging sure-death
defying drops.
Class I
Basic everyday flat water with a few ripples and possibly a dead tree floating by at a
few inches per minute. This is most likely equivalent to your bathtub during a long
hot soak. Most water fights, fishing and berry picking are done during these
stretches giving rafters a chance to play around and catch their breath before the
next set of rapids.
Class II
Things will be a bit bigger and you might need to make a move or two around an
obstacle. Class II can look HUGE in a kayak but small in a raft. Most times Class II
rapids are simple straight shots with minimal consequences. Getting stuck on a
rock or bumping a few bushes might be the consequence for missing a move. Most
starting rafters think these are class III rapids . . .oh how are they wrong.
Class III
A great way to start rafting, class III rapids are challenging, incorporating several
moves and a few big waves to boot. Consequences remain minimal and beginner
rafters can feel comfortable. Some guides get cocky and ease up a bit only to be
spanked for their actions. Novices can also guide their own rafts down most of
these rapids even though it might not be pretty.
Class IV
Intermediate to advanced, class IV rapids require multiple moves, have fast moving
water, big waves and heavy consequences. These are great trips for more
adventurous beginners and second time rafters. Explosive moments of
pandemonium are usually enough to calm most adrenaline junkies. Also the first
class of rapids that always requires helmets.
Class V
Serious S&^T. Class V rapids are like several class IV rapids put together. Miss one
move at the top and you’re swimming a long boney sometimes-deadly rapid. They
should only be attempted by those who have the highest level of athleticism and
cool demeanor under pressure. Outfitters many times will require guests to go
through a physical endurance test and/or have rafted with them several times
previously in order to clear the trip.
Class VI
The cool, insane, mind-blowing stuff you see in magazines and extreme Xterra
commercials. Lets just say Niagara Falls in a barrel. Most times not as much skill as
luck is needed. But be careful people who have done them don’t like to hear that.
If this is your first time rafting take a second and call the outfitter to find out just
what fitness level is required and just what to expect. Remember that rafting is fun
and bigger is not always better, but if you have the bug to go big or go home
pushing yourself is not always a bad thing.
xterra fitness
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