White Water Grading, according to the International Grading System...
GRADE 1
Moving water, unobstructed
and without technical
difficulties. There may be small
waves and riffles to challenge
the paddler.
Example of Grade 1: The
section of the lower River
Nevis which is shown here.
GRADE 2
GRADE 3
GRADE 4
GRADE 5
Waves, small stoppers and
other minor obstructions to
avoid. Eddies and cushion
waves may be strong.
Waves, stoppers and
Severe waves, drops,
Extremely difficult rapids
technical difficulties are more stoppers and other
with precise and technically
severe. There may be drops obstructions. The route is not demanding routes to be
Example of Grade 2: The
easily recognisable and will followed. Stoppers, currents
River Washburn, shown here. and powerful constrictions.
The main distinguishing
usually require careful
and waves will be powerful
factor of Grade 3 water is
inspection from the boat or and inspection is essential.
that the paddler will have to bank.
follow a recognisable route to
Example of Grade 5: The
avoid obstacles and hazards.
Grade 4 encompasses a wide River Moriston in Scotland,
range of rivers, from those
part of which is shown here.
Example of Grade 3: The
with pool-drop rapids to
River Tryweryn, pictured
those with extended
here.
continuous rapids; so there
is a huge variation in
difficulty. It is common to
distinguish easier grade 4
rapids by grading them as 4and harder rapids as 4+ (or
in some cases, 3/4 or 4/5).
GRADE 6
All of the above carried to
extremes. Grade 6
usually means
unrunnable rapids, which
may just be possible in
certain conditions.
Example of Grade 6: This
warm-up rapid on the
Abhainn Righ in Scotland
probably conforms to
most people's idea of
'unrunnable'. The paddler
wound up in hospital...
Example of Grade 4: The
River Erme in Devon, shown
here.
NOTE: Yes, these descriptions are vague and unspecific. Grading is an imprecise and controversial activity. A continuous grade 3 river may be more challenging than a pooldrop grade 4 river. Gradings given by Authors of river guides are PURELY THEIR OWN UNTRUSTWORTHY OPINION and should only be used for a general guide. A river is a
dangerous, unpredictable and constantly changing environment.
FORGET THE GUIDEBOOK GRADE ON THE DAY. INSPECT AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF IF YOU ARE UP TO, AND HAPPY WITH, A RIVER.
For a look at larger photos go to Website - http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/grades.htm
ALTERNATIVE RIVER GRADING...
Copied from Website - http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/reports/alternativegrading.htm
Someone was asking me about my class IV comfort level the other day, and my answer was something like "I'm comfortable that I can usually find an eddy to swim to". This
inspired me to write, 'Dave's International Scale of River Difficulty':
Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Swimming is pleasant, shore easily reached. Almost all gear and equipment is recovered. Boat is just slightly
scratched.
Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Swimming to eddies may require moderate effort. Climbing out of river
may involve slippery rocks and shrub-induced lacerations. Paddles travel a great distance downstream requiring a lengthy walk. Canoe hits a submerged rock leaving a ding on
gunwale.
Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid. Water is swallowed. Legs are repeatedly ground against sharp pointy rocks.
Several eddies are missed while swimming. Difficult decision whether or not to stay with boat is made. Decision to stay with boat results in moment of terror when swimmer
realises they are downstream of boat. Paddle is recirculated gently in small hole way upstream. All personal possessions are removed from boat and floated in different
directions. Paddling partners run along river bank shouting helpful instructions. Boat is munched against large boulder hard enough to leave series of deep gouges. Sunglasses
fall off.
Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise swimming in turbulent water. Swimming may require 'must' moves above dangerous hazards.
'Must' moves are downgraded to 'strongly recommended' after they are missed. Sensation of disbelief is experienced while about to swim large drops. Frantic swimming
towards shore is alternated with frantic swimming away from shore to avoid strainers. Rocks are clung to with death grip. Paddle is completely forgotten. One shoe is removed.
Hydraulic pressure removes car keys and credit cards from zippered paddle jacket pocket. Paddle partners running along stream look genuinely concerned while lofting throw
ropes 20 feet behind swimmer. Paddle partners stare slack-jawed and point in amazement at canoe which is finally stopped by major feature. Climbing up river bank involves
an inverted tree. One of those little spring-loaded pins that attaches watch to watchband is missing. Contact lenses are moved to rear of eyeballs.
Class V and beyond: Expert. Not recommended for swimming.