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River
Difficulty Ratings
Most river classification systems are scaled on a class I to
class VI scale. In this case, a class I is the easy, a class VI is
unrunnable, and class V is the limit of commercial and sane rafting. Below
is a copy of the International Scale of River difficulty chart. A plus
sign (+) after the rating indicates there may be a number of rapids with
difficulty slightly higher than the indicated level, but not as difficult as the
next.
Previous Rafting Experience:
As a general
rule, when participating in a professionally guided trip with the proper
equipment, first-time and veteran rafters alike thrive on class III, III-IV and
even most class IV whitewater; such as the White
Salmon. On the other hand, rafting class IV+ and V
whitewater such as the Wind
and Middle Owyhee
requires previous rafting experience. Especially the Wind,
we usually require that people have been rafting with us on at least two
different river trips before we allow participation on this river!
River Flows:
The level of a river can
drastically change the character and difficulty with fluctuation in water
levels. Inquire with are office about the latest river flows (especially
in the spring). If a trip cannot be run with a reasonable assurance of
success, we will, with as much advanced notice as possible, allow trip members
to choose an alternative river on the same date, or the same river at a
different date.
Class I--Easy
Waves small, passages clear; no serious obstacles.
Class II--Medium
Rapids of moderate difficulty with clear passages.
Class III--Difficult
Waves numerous, high, irregular; rocks; eddies; rapids with
passages clear though narrow, requiring expertise in maneuvering. Rivers
of Class III and III+ that River Drifters runs commercially include:
Class IV--Very Difficult
Long rapids; waves powerful, irregular; dangerous rocks; boiling
eddies; powerful and precise maneuvering required. Rivers include:
Class V--Extremely Difficult
Exceedingly difficult, long and violent rapids, followed by each
other almost without interruption; riverbed extremely obstructed; big drops;
violent currents; very steep gradient. Paddlers must pass our prerequisites
and have prior class IV rafting experience or better, preferably with River
Drifters. Rivers include:
Class VI--Unrunnable
Just like it says- Don't even think about it, no matter what
your life insurance policy is!
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© River Drifters.
www.riverdrifters.net
800-972-0430 800-226-1001
