Selecting your whitewater river

How hard is hard when it comes to whitewater rafting? Bearing in mind that a river may not run the same on two different occasions, the international river grading system mixes the risk of the river with boating competence.

So the easiest whitewater river would get a 1 rating, rising to a 6 for the highest risk (low competence, difficult river). This rating system is only a guide however; you should not attempt to run a river beyond your capabilities.

Rivers change as water levels rise (after rainfall for example). In low water, the river may be technically difficult, but the speed is generally slower with more protruding rocks and debris.

Medium water has wider, wilder water, and the anticipation of what lies ahead can make this the best type of whitewater rafting.

At high water, the river banks are full, but not overflowing, but the boat can be carried along haphazardly. At flood, the river can be unpredictable and very dangerous with the river very difficult or impossible to read

Always obey the rules of the trip, look out for fellow rafters and wear appropriate safety gear.

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