Whitewater Rivers have an
internationally recognized grading scale as follows:
Grade I
- Flat water, (little current)
These types of rivers are flat and slow moving. A river
with a 1 grade listed will have some flat spots. A
completely 1 graded river will be totally flat. This
kind of river is good for sightseeing and relaxing.
Grade II
- Bubbling current (small rapid)
A grade II river has a swifter current and some small
rapids
Grade III
- Technical & Exciting (needs trained guide)
In a Grade III river, the rapids are becoming more
serious and technical. Grade III and above can only be
rafted with trained guides. This is a fun river with
lots of excitement
Grade IV
- Seriously big rapids
This is where the adrenaline gets going; grade IV River
has a fast moving current with many big drops and
rapids. This kind of river is action packed and needs
technical paddling.
Grade V
- The hair-raising limit!
This is a serious river not for the faint hearted, with
a torrent like current and huge rapids this is the
ultimate in white water adventures.
Grade VI
– Unrunable
Please note that most rivers contain more than one
grading. For example a grade I – IV river will contain
elements of all four grades, flat spots, slower small
rapids and some big fast rapids. The grade also varies
depending on the season and the amount of water running
down the river.
