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This information is for your whitewater enjoyment : Classes of rapids:
This is an abbreviation of the International Scale of Whitewater
Classification that runs from Class I (easy) to Class VI (extreme).
In between, all sorts of rapids are grouped allowing
you to anticipate the degree of difficulty of a particular river
section before undertaking it. It should be noted that rivers are
increased one class group when they are in spring conditions or
are located in a wilderness area. A river that is rated Class IV
will therefore become Class V in the early season.
Class I: flat water, small current, easy
for open canoe
Class II: Small waves, some obstructions
that are easily avoided, spirited water for open canoe.
Class III: Large waves, hydraulics, eddies
with surging boils, but routes are straightforward with little objective
danger. Advanced water for open canoe without special rigging.
Class IV: Exciting waves and hydraulics,
strong eddies, routes requiring precise maneuvers, long wave trains.
Not recommended for open canoes, advanced water for kayakers.
Class V: Heavy whitewater with serious
objective hazards, steep drops, heavy volume, exploding waves, major
hydraulics. Precision maneuvers with no errors are required.
Class VI: Generally outside the scope of
navigation due to the nature of the river. Extreme whitewater suitable
for teams of specially prepared experts only.
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