River Classifications

River Classifications

Explore our detailed guide on River Classifications to understand the varying levels of difficulty and what to expect on your rafting adventure.
Rapids vary in their intensity. The International Rating system classifies rapids as follows:

  • Class I

    Easy. Smooth water; light riffles; clear passages, occasional sand banks and gentle curves.

  • Class II

    Easy. Medium-quick water; rapids with regular waves; clear and open passages between rocks and ledges. Maneuvering required.

  • Class III

    Numerous waves, rocks, and eddies with most passages clear and straightforward. Class III trips are suitable for beginners and kids as young as 6 – 9 years of age

  • Class IV

    Difficulty increases with a Class IV designation. Long and powerful rapids and standing waves, holes and boiling eddies. Powerful and precise maneuvering required. Class IV trips are suitable for beginners and kids as young as 9 years of age.

  • Class V

    Difficult, long, and violent rapids that follow each other almost without interruption. River filled with obstructions. Big drops and violent currents. Extremely steep gradient. Class V trips require previous experience and a minimum age of 16. 

  • Class VI

    Extraordinarily difficult. Navigable only when water levels and conditions are favorable. This violent whitewater should be left to paddlers of Olympic ability or avoided altogether. Every safety precaution must be taken if you're to drop into a Class VI stretch of whitewater.

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