White Water Rafting- The Grading System

We may think of white water rafting as an extreme sport: it’s wet, wild and potentially dangerous. But to those in the know, there are official degrees of difficulty when it comes to certain stretches of water frequented by rafters. Not all rivers are tough going for the experienced rafter.

To give you an idea of how to speak their language, here’s a run-through of the ways in which white water is graded in order of difficulty: it’s ominously known as ‘The International Scale of River Difficulty.’ Different countries have slightly more specific classifications – the United States has a very detailed description of each grade – but this should provide an overview.

Grade 1 is the easiest level. It means that there are only small waves and no serious obstacles. This grade of white water would include many rivers in England and Wales.

Grade 2 means that the river has rapids of moderate difficulty with clear passages. Rafting on these rapids requires experience as well as suitable attire and boat. The Athabasca River in the Jasper National Park in Canada offers this level of white water.

Grade 3 is difficult. It is described as having numerous waves, high, irregular rocks, eddies, rapids with clear but narrow passages. It requires expertise in handling the boat, often referred to as ‘experienced paddling skills’. An example of this would be certain stretches of the Buffalo River in South Africa.

Grade 4 is very difficult. It includes long rapids, high waves, irregular, dangerous rocks, and boiling eddies. The first time a rafter attempts this type of water, they must scout out the river first. Such an expedition demands expert boatmanship and good quality equipment. Many rivers in Nepal, including the Kali Gandaki, meet this grade.

Grade 5 is classified as exceedingly difficult. It is characterised by long and violent rapids that follow each other almost without interruption, a riverbed that is extremely obstructed, big drops, a violent current and a very steep gradient. Negotiating such water requires the most qualified of rafters in possession of the best equipment possible. All possible precautions must be taken. An example of this level would be the Karuma Falls in Uganda.

Grade 6 This is classified as ‘unraftable’. These runs have almost never been attempted except by teams of experts, for whom they often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. An example of this would be the Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River in Africa.