River Grading
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| Definition of River Grades |
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The International river classification of difficulty is used for white water grades (see below), with brackets used as per many modern guidebooks. Grade 2: Free passage. Irregular stream, irregular waves. Medium rapids, small stoppers, eddies, whirlpools and pressure areas Grade 3: Route recognisable. High irregular waves. Larger rapids. Stoppers, eddies, whirlpools and pressure areas. Isolated boulders, (small) drops and numerous obstructions in stream Grade 4: Route not always recognisable. Heavy continuous rapids. Heavy stoppers, whirlpools and pressure areas. Boulders obstructing stream, big with undertow. Grade 5: Inspection essential. Extreme rapids. Stoppers, whirlpools and pressure areas. Narrow passages, steep gradients and drops with difficult access and landing. Grade 2(3): The overall standard of the run is grade 2, but there may be a few (normally one or two) grade 3 rapids that can be easily portaged if required. Grade 4(5): The overall standard of the run is grade 4, but there may be a few (normally one or two) grade 5 rapids that can be easily portaged if required. |
