How does the river class system work?
Rivers are graded for white-water rafting and kayaking from Class I to VI. Class I: Mainly flat water with occasional simple rapids with small low waves. Class II: Slightly steeper gradient brings more frequent rapids with moderate regular waves. Course very obvious. Class III: Rapids are numerous with fairly high irregular waves, broken water, eddies and boils. The river gradient is usually steeper again and inspection from the bank is sometimes needed. Class IV: Very Difficult, long extended stretches of rapid with high irregular waves, difficult broken water, eddies and often large holes. Course often difficult to recognise and usually requires bank inspection. Class V: Water features are similar to class 4 but much bigger and less predictable. The course is extremely difficult to find and running class five involves a serious risk. Class five is usually only kayaked as it is too dangerous for commercial rafting. Class VI: This is the extreme limit of river-running with a definite r
