Paddling in a group allows you the privilege of letting the experienced paddlers lead the way through the rapids first. "The knowledge and show how" they bring to any group is priceless, especially when paddling on unknown waters. Try and pre-scout runs if possible. We have found that on most sections prior to the rapid, there is normally an area we can get out and view the rapid course a little better. Pre-scouting is very crucial when paddling in waters you don't know and your paddling experience has been limited to just lakes.
Any new paddler in a group should listen to the group leaders. Lagging behind allows them also to take advantage of watching others go through. You will also find one of the "sweeper paddlers" holding back there with you. The "sweeper" in the group is generally the one bringing up the rear echelon of the group. They always sit back and observe the runs. They are always a good source in advising you which path through the rapid is best for you. Usually our "lead paddler" and our "sweeper paddler" use walkie talkies to communicate information about a run with each other. It's just one of those little extra precautions and perks of belonging to a group that makes the paddling experience for everyone more enjoyable.
Our group continues to learn something new each time out. We now know first hand the importance of pre-scouting, walkie talkies, whistles and paddle signals. We hope by writing about our excursions in our posts, that the information we provide will help others new to paddling.
Below is a visual example of photos of the international classification of Rapids World Wide. The links below will lead you to a more detailed descriptive account of the location and classification description.
Class 1 Rapid: Easy - Waves small; passages clear; no serious obstacles
Click here for more information about the rapid below and the photographer who took the photo
Class 2 Rapid: Medium - Rapids of moderate difficulty with passages clear. Requires experience plus suitable outfit and boat.
Click here for more information about the rapid below and the photographer who took the photo
Class 3 Rapid: Difficult- Waves numerous, high, irregular; rocks; eddies; rapids with passages clear though narrow, requiring expertise in manoeuvring; scouting usually needed. Requires good operator and boat.
Click here for more information about the rapid below and the photographer who took the photo
Class 4 Rapid: very difficult- Long rapids; waves high, irregular; dangerous rocks; boiling eddies; best passages difficult to scout; scouting mandatory first time; powerful and precise manoeuvring required. Demands expert boatman and excellent boat and good quality equipment.
Click here for more information about the rapid below and the photographer who took the photo
Class 5 Rapid: extremely difficult- Exceedingly difficult, long and violent rapids, following each other almost without interruption; riverbed extremely obstructed; big drops; violent current; very steep gradient; close study essential but often difficult. Requires best person, boat, and outfit suited to the situation. All possible precautions must be taken.
Click here for more information about the rapid below and the photographer who took the photo
Class 6 Rapid: unrunnable- Like trying to win an argument with the wife, you are not going to come out of it.
Click here for more information about the rapid below and the photographer who took the photo
To read more about the International Scale of River Difficulty, click here to be directed to the WikiPedia article the above came from.
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