Explore Asheville Home>What to Do>Outdoor Adventures>Water Adventures>Whitewater Rafting Trip Planner>Whitewater River Classifications
Whitewater river rafting classifications are important to know so that you can choose a river that is fitting of your whitewater rafting experience level. Here is a glossary of whitewater river classifications. Here are the whitewater river classifications, according to American Whitewater Association:
- Class I: easy: River rapids are small. Obstructions can be easily avoided. The risk to swimmers is small. Self-rescue is easy.
- Class II: novice: Rapids are straightforward, with wide, clear channels easily seen. Occasional maneuvering required. Trained paddlers can easily avoid rocks and medium waves. Swimmers are seldom injured.
- Class III: intermediate: Rapids have moderate, irregular waves. Complex maneuvers and good control are required in tight passages and around ledges. Large waves easily avoided. Scouting may be required. Self-rescue is usually easy, though group assistance may be required. Injuries while swimming are rare.
- Class IV: advanced: Rapids are powerful, turbulent and predictable. Large waves and holes or constructed passages may be unavoidable. More training and experience necessary; scouting is necessary the first run. Self-rescue is difficult, with group assistance often required. Moderate to high risk of injury to swimmers.
- Class V: expert: Experts only on these rivers because rapids can be extremely dangerous. Rapids are longer and intense, with violent currents, waves and large holes and rocks. A high level of fitness and practiced rescue skills are essential for survival. Swimming is dangerous and rescue will be difficult for experts.
- Class VI: extreme and exploratory: Rapids are unpredictable. Only professionals should run these rapids, and only in perfect conditions. Rescue may be impossible.
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