How Do You Do A River Rapid Classification?
River rapid classification is the best way to really understand what you may be in for when you sign up for a river rafting excursion. There are six classes on the International Scale of River Difficulty, ranging from I (1) to VI (6), with I being the easiest and VI being the most difficult. Understanding these classifications is a key element of choosing the right section of river to traverse. Determine what features are on the river. Holes or pour-overs, hydraulics, curler waves, pin-up rocks, eddies, waterfalls, drops and cataracts are all key elements that contribute to the classification of a river. Estimate the weather in which you will be rafting. When air temperatures will be less than 50 degrees F, the rating of a river’s difficulty will be raised by one full class, because there are serious dangers that come with rafting in cold weather. Taking a dunk on a rapid in freezing weather is far more dangerous than it would be in warmer weather. Rate the river on its most difficult
