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So now what do I do?
You've seen it on TV, you've had friends that brag about the "BIG WATER" they've riden. So now what are you waiting for?
All extreme sports have some inherent risks, and enjoying whitewater is no different. Please don't try any white water activity without at least some minimal instruction, and someone who is very familiar with the water you plan to ride. I am no expert, so I am sharing with you some of the basics so that you enter into your training with some minimal knowledge.
Classifications of Rapids (in my own words)
Class 1
Slow moving water with few if any dangerous areas on the river. This is a good option for Tubing, Canoeing, and beginner kayaking.
Class 2
Slightly faster moving water. Some obstacles, but these are easy to maneuver around with proper instruction. This is also perfect for a slightly more adventurous Tuber, Canoer, and Kayaker with some basic skills.
Class 3
These rapids require skill, and knowledge of the river. This water is swiftly moving, has obstacles, currents, holes (aka recirculators). You should never ride these rapids alone, as you may find yourself in need of some help for although the risks are still minimal on this level.
Class 4
Strong, fast water. These rapids require skilled handling of the raft or Kayak. These rapids should never be ridden alone. There will be fast moving currents, safe and unsafe courses through the rapids, undercut rocks, obstacles, waves (you get the picture). These rapids should never be ridden alone. Unless you are very highly skilled and familiar with this particular river, you should always have a trained and experienced guide.
Class 5
Experts only. These are extreme rapids (also the most fun of course). You should never attempt these rapids without an experienced guide.
Class 5+
That's it. It only goes to 5. So what do they do when the water flow picks up, due damn release, rain, or snow melt off? Everything that is faster and more extreme than a class 5, is a class 5+
You can find the international rating system definitions, and a list of rapids in each of these classes at the Safety Code of American Whitewater link on this page.
White Water Rafting
I can only recommend rafting with a reputable rafting company that offers guided rides down varying degrees of rapids. Check out our Gotta Try Near Me area, and find out where you can hook up with a great company and go for the ride of your life.
Typical rating trips are for 12, 8, or 4 rafters (aka swimmers on the 4 man extreme boats). As you might imagine, the smaller the raft, the more extreme the ride. At the Gauley River in West Virginia, the 4 person rafts are nicknamed "the entertainment". These trips are fantastic, but require you to be ready to fall out and flip over.
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