White Water Trip Ratings

White Water Trip Levels

For safety reasons we limit participation on whitewater trips to those paddlers with appropriate levels of experience and skill. Because a large number of people boat with us, it is impossible for Trip Leaders to personally know everyone’s paddling ability. Therefore, we use a paddling skill rating system, ranging from Class I to Class IV based on the difficulty of the river (see aside for description of river difficulty).

Note that neither the Whitewater Paddler River Ratings nor the International River Classification Guide, aligns with the AMC Activity Rating System. This is due to the technical nature of whitewater paddling and the variability of rivers and rapids. Always check with the Trip Leader regarding the actual trip difficulty level and how that aligns with your own skills and equipment.

White Water Trip Ratings

Trip Leaders require participants to have a Boston Chapter Paddling Skill Rating or the experience and skills equivalent to the class of river the trip plans to run.

For most beginners the best method for receiving a paddling skill rating is by attending an Instruction Trip. However, we also have river rating process where experienced leaders can observe and rate paddlers on a recreational whitewater trip.

Paddler Skills

Class I - Beginner

Paddling: Able to pick out and paddle route competently in Class I rapid – can go straight, turn left and right.

Safety/Rescue: Knows river signals and demonstrates group awareness. Can recognize and avoid obvious river hazards: rocks, strainers, dams.

Self-Rescue: Can wet exit, swim safely holding paddle, and swim to shore. When swimming knows how to safely accept boat-assisted towing.

Class II - Novice

Can perform all Class I skills competently in Class II rapids, skillfully in Class I rapids.

Paddling: Can do eddy turns, peel outs, ferries competently in Class II rapid. Recognizes and understands the dynamics of eddies, waves and holes.

Safety/Rescue: Knows what to do if boat broaches. Knows how to accept rope-assisted rescue.

Self-Rescue: When swimming, knows when to let go of the rescue boat and/or her own boat and equipment.

Class III - Intermediate

Can perform all Class II skills competently in Class III rapid and skillfully in Class II rapid.

Paddling: Able to select a route while scouting a rapid. Paddler can use eddies and occasionally waves and holes to help get the boat where the paddler wants to go.

Safety/Rescue: Able to use throw bag for rescue, including proper placement and set-up. Able to rescue others with the paddler’s boat and help recover equipment in Class II rapid.

Self-Rescue: Able to perform a “combat roll” in Class III rapids.

Class IV - Advanced

Can perform all Class III skills – including self-rescue and throw bag rescue – competently in Class IV rapid, skillfully in Class III rapid.

Can perform a boat-based rescue of a swimmer and help recover equipment in Class III rapid.

Able to competently use eddies, waves, and holes to get the boat where paddler wants to go in Class IV rapids.

International Scale of River Difficulty

The following descriptions of river difficulty are from American Whitewater. This is the American version of a rating system used to compare river difficulty throughout the world.

Class I Rapids

Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.

Class II Rapids: Novice

Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.

Class III Rapids: Intermediate

Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.

Class IV Rapids: Advanced

Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require “must” moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended.

White Water Trip Levels

White Water Trip Ratings

Paddler Skills

Class I - Beginner

Class II - Novice

Class III - Intermediate

Class IV - Advanced

Activities

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