What does class I-VI mean?
Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class III-” or “Class III+” respectively. Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. A strong Eskimo roll is highly recommended. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class IV-” or “Class IV+” respectively. Class 5: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Because of the large range of difficulty that exists beyond class IV, Class 5 is an open e
