|  River
Classification System
It is very important that you choose a rafting experience
that is appropriate for your skill level. The information
provided here should help you in selecting the degree of difficulty
and challenge that will create the experience that is right
for you. Phoenix Rafting specialists will assist you in selecting
the perfect rafting adventure for you and your group. Our
seasoned white water rafting professionals will customize
your experience, and can accommodate most requests.
Class I (easy): Fast moving water with riffles
and small waves. The river has few obstructions which are
all obvious and easily missed with little training. The risk
to swimmers is slight and self-rescue is easy.
Class II (novice): Straight forward rapids
with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting.
Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium
sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers
are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is
seldom needed. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty
range are designated "Class II+."
Class III (intermediate): Rapids with moderate,
irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which
can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current
and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are
often required. Large waves or strainers may be present but
are easily avoided. strong eddies and powerful current effects
can be found, particularly on larger volume rivers. Scouting
is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming
are rare and self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance
may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the
lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated
"Class III-" or "Class III+" respectively.
 Class
IV (advanced): Intense and powerful but predictable
rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water.
The rapids may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes
or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure.
A fast and reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers,
scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require mandatory moves
above dangerous hazards. Scouting is usually necessary the
first time down. The risk of injury to swimmers is moderate
to high and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult.
Group assistance for rescue is often essential and requires
practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended
for kayakers. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty
range are designated as "Class IV-" or "Class IV+" respectively.
Class V (expert): Extremely long, obstructed,
or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk.
Rapids may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep,
congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may
continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high
level of fitness. The eddies that exist may be small, turbulent,
or difficult to reach. More difficult Class V rapids may combine
several of these factors. Scouting is recommended and may
be difficult. Swims are dangerous and rescue is often difficult
even for teams of experts. Proper equipment, extensive experience,
and practiced rescue skills are essential. There is a large
range of difficulty that exists beyond Class IV which makes
the difficulty of Class V rapids very diverse.
Class VI (extreme and exploratory): These
rapids have rarely been attempted and exemplify the extremes
of difficulty, unpredictability, and danger. The consequences
of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. These
rapids are for teams of experts at favorable water levels.
After a Class VI rapid has been run successfully several times,
its rating may be changed to Class V.
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