Whitewater Difficulty Ratings
In North America, the ratings for whitewater are based on a scale from 1-5 with an additional option for 6. Most commonly rivers will be rated from 1-6. This is a breakdown of what each level is and what to expect from it.
Class 1: Class one is the very smallest rapid, it is fast moving water that may have small waves or ripples with no difficult instructions and navigable by all with little instruction.
Class 2: Class two is still easily done by most paddlers and involves wide open but fast moving water channels. There may be obstacles such as rocks or larger waves but these will be avoidable by paddlers
Class 3: Class Three is where serious whitewater begins. These rapids have irregular wave patterns that can swamp a canoe or raft, and require good boating skills. Kayakers and boaters will need to be able to turn and navigate in tighter areas and powerful currents that may attempt to push them towards river hydraulics. If a boater ends up swimming though, chance of injury is small
Class 4: Class 4 are serious rapids for advanced boaters. These rapids will have large features like ledges, waves, holes and waterfalls that are often times unavoidable and will have moves that must be made by paddlers to successfully navigate the river. Scouting is highly recommended for these rapids and the ability to roll a whitewater kayak is pretty much essential for this level boating.
Class 5: Experts only rapids that should only be attempted by those who are prepared for a wild unpredictable rapid that can be long, steep and have few options to pull out. These Rapids will demand a fit person who is ready for long rapids full of must make moves. Swimmers risk serious injury and rescues can be quite difficult on long rapids. Scouting these rapids before running them is essential!
Class 6: The highest level class is reserved but rarely used for rivers that have never been run because they are of such difficulty level. These are only for very experienced experts to attempt or even dream about.
