Canoe & Kayak Rating System

Rating System: Canoe & Kayak Trips

Quiet Water
Slow-moving or still water. Minimal wind and/or effective wind shelter. No more than gentle waves. No obstacles/route hazards requiring more than beginner skills to avoid. Paddling pace and distance are appropriate for beginners with some experience. Distance from land is no more than ¼ mile. Self rescue is easy. Paddling conditions, distances and pace are easier than WW CL1 or TW 1. Typical waters include small/medium lakes, small & slow rivers, salt marshes.
Class I: Easy (CL1)	Touring Water 1 (TW1)
Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight, self-rescue is easy.	Sustained winds to 10 knots. Waves up to 1 foot, minimal whitecaps and no break. Up to ½ mile from shore. Typical distance up to 10 miles at an average pace of 2½ knots. Minimal route hazards such as currents, rocky or steep landings, heavy boat traffic etc. Typical waters include large lakes, slow-moving rivers, small estuaries and bays.
Class II: Novice (CL2)	Touring Water 2 (TW2)
Straightforward 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+".	Sustained winds up to 10 knots. Waves up to 1 foot with whitecaps and small breaks. Up to ½ mile from shore. Typical distance up to 12 miles at an average pace of 2½-3 knots with few on-shore breaks. Moderate route hazards such as currents, rocky or steep landings, heavy boat traffic etc. Typical waters include large lakes and rivers, estuaries and bays.
Class III: Intermediate (CL3)	Touring Water 3 (TW3)
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 large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; 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.	Sustained winds up to 16 knots. Waves up to 3 feet and/or breaking waves up to 2 feet. Up to 1 mile from shore. Typical distance up to 14 miles at an average pace of 3 knots with few on-shore breaks. Moderate route hazards such as strong currents, surf launches and landings, rocky or steep landings, heavy boat traffic etc. Typical waters would be very large lakes, large estuaries and bays, sounds and open ocean.
Class IV: Advanced (CL4)	Touring Water 4 (TW4)
Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting is necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong Eskimo roll is highly recommended. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class IV-" or "Class IV+" respectively.	Sustained winds up to 25 knots. Waves up to 5 feet and/or breaking waves up to 3 feet. Typical distance up to 14 miles at a pace of 3 knots or greater with few on-shore breaks. Potential for significant route hazards such as strong currents, surf launches and landings etc. Typical waters include surf zones and open ocean.

Notes:

If rating is shown as (CL 2/3) river contains sections of both Class 2 and 3 water. If rating is (CL 2&3) trip will divide into two groups, a group on the Class 2 section, and another on the Class 3 section. Class 4 trips may include Class V whitewater sections.

Closed Boaters Notice

Closed boaters without a Club rating will be asked to demonstrate a wet exit before the start of a trip, or provide the name (well in advance of the trip) of a Chapter member who has witnessed the demonstration of a wet exit either in the pool, at a course or on a previous trip. All closed boaters MUST wear helmets.

We want to help! Contact us with any questions you may have.

Have questions on canoeing or kayaking? Our new program volunteers can assist, encourage, and inform you on your paddling way. Ask our friendly group of volunteers:

CanoeMentors [at] amc-ny [dot] org for questions about stillwater and whitewater canoeing
KayakMentors [at] amc-ny [dot] org for questions about sea kayaking and whitewater kayaking

We can direct you in how to start, how to improve, equipment questions, pool practices (winter and spring), training, nearby water access points, trips with leaders, etcetera. Don't be shy! We're here to help you get started.