Rating Whitewater by Swimming Challenge
Safety Humor: International System for Rating Rapids Based on Swimming Them
by David Petterson of Calgary Paddlers
found at http://cacreeks.com/carnage3.htm
Class I, Easy: Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Swimming is pleasant,
shore easily reached, a nice break from paddling. Almost all gear and equipment is
recovered. Boat is just slightly scratched.
Class II, Novice: Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident
without scouting. Swimming to eddies requires moderate effort. Climbing out of river
may involve slippery rocks and shrub-induced lacerations. Paddle travels great distance
downstream requiring lengthy walk. Something unimportant is missing. Boat hits
submerged rock leaving visible dent on frame or new gash in plastic.
Class III, Intermediate: Rapids with moderate, irregular waves that may be difficult to
avoid. Water is swallowed. Legs are ground repeatedly against sharp, pointy rocks.
Several eddies are missed while swimming. Difficult decision to stay with boat results in
moment of terror when swimmer realizes they are downstream of boat. Paddle is recirculated in small hole way upstream. All personal possessions are removed from boat and floated in different directions. Paddling partners run along riverbank shouting helpful instructions. Boat is munched against large boulder hard enough to leave series of deep gouges. Sunglasses fall
off.
Class IV, Advanced: Water is generally lots colder than Class III. Intense and powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise swimming in turbulent water. Swimming may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Must moves are downgraded to "strongly recommended" after they
are missed. Sensation of disbelief experienced while about to swim large drops. Frantic
swimming towards shore is alternated with frantic swimming away from shore to avoid
strainers. Rocks are clung to with death grip. Paddle is completely forgotten. One shoe is
removed. Hydraulic pressure permanently removes waterproof box with all the really
important stuff. Paddle partners running along stream look genuinely concerned while
lofting throw ropes 20 feet behind swimmer. Paddle partners stare slack-jawed and point
in amazement at boat which is finally pinned by major feature. Climbing up riverbank
involves inverted tree. One of those spring-loaded pins that attach watch to wristband is
missing. Contact lenses are moved to rear of eyeballs.
Class V, Expert: The water in this rapid is usually below 42 degrees F. Most gear is
destroyed on rocks within minutes if not seconds. If the boat survives, it is in need of
4 about three days of repair. There is no swimming, only frantic movements to keep from
becoming one with the rocks and to get a breath from time to time. Terror and panic set in
as you realize your paddle partners don't have a chance in heck of reaching you. You
come to a true understanding of the terms maytagging and pinballing. That hole that
looked like nothing when scouted, has a hydraulic that holds you under the water until
your lungs are close to bursting. You come out only to realize you still have 75% of the
rapid left to swim. Swim to the eddy? What %^&** eddy!? This rapid usually lasts a mile
or more. Hydraulic pressure within the first few seconds removes everything that can
come off your body. This includes gloves, shoes, neoprene socks, sunglasses, hats, and
clothing. The rocks take care of your fingers, toes, and ears. That $900.00 dry suit, well it
might hold up to the rocks. Your paddle is trash. If there is a strainer, well, just hope it is
old and rotten so it breaks. Paddle partners on shore are frantically trying to run and keep
up with you. Their horror is reflected in their faces as they stare at how you are being
tossed around! They are hoping to remember how to do CPR. They also really hope the
cooler with the beer is still intact. They are going to need a cold one by the time you get
out! Climbing out of this happens after the rapid is over. You will probably need the help
of a backboard, cervical collar and Z-rig. Even though you have broken bones,
lacerations, puncture wounds, missing digits & ears, and a concussion, you won't feel
much pain because you will have severe hypothermia. Enjoy your stay in the hospital-
with the time you take recovering, you won't get another vacation for three years.
Class VI, World Class: Not recommended for swimming. Tell Elvis we said hi.
by David Petterson of Calgary Paddlers
found at http://cacreeks.com/carnage3.htm
Class I, Easy: Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Swimming is pleasant,
shore easily reached, a nice break from paddling. Almost all gear and equipment is
recovered. Boat is just slightly scratched.
Class II, Novice: Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident
without scouting. Swimming to eddies requires moderate effort. Climbing out of river
may involve slippery rocks and shrub-induced lacerations. Paddle travels great distance
downstream requiring lengthy walk. Something unimportant is missing. Boat hits
submerged rock leaving visible dent on frame or new gash in plastic.
Class III, Intermediate: Rapids with moderate, irregular waves that may be difficult to
avoid. Water is swallowed. Legs are ground repeatedly against sharp, pointy rocks.
Several eddies are missed while swimming. Difficult decision to stay with boat results in
moment of terror when swimmer realizes they are downstream of boat. Paddle is recirculated in small hole way upstream. All personal possessions are removed from boat and floated in different directions. Paddling partners run along riverbank shouting helpful instructions. Boat is munched against large boulder hard enough to leave series of deep gouges. Sunglasses fall
off.
Class IV, Advanced: Water is generally lots colder than Class III. Intense and powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise swimming in turbulent water. Swimming may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Must moves are downgraded to "strongly recommended" after they
are missed. Sensation of disbelief experienced while about to swim large drops. Frantic
swimming towards shore is alternated with frantic swimming away from shore to avoid
strainers. Rocks are clung to with death grip. Paddle is completely forgotten. One shoe is
removed. Hydraulic pressure permanently removes waterproof box with all the really
important stuff. Paddle partners running along stream look genuinely concerned while
lofting throw ropes 20 feet behind swimmer. Paddle partners stare slack-jawed and point
in amazement at boat which is finally pinned by major feature. Climbing up riverbank
involves inverted tree. One of those spring-loaded pins that attach watch to wristband is
missing. Contact lenses are moved to rear of eyeballs.
Class V, Expert: The water in this rapid is usually below 42 degrees F. Most gear is
destroyed on rocks within minutes if not seconds. If the boat survives, it is in need of
4 about three days of repair. There is no swimming, only frantic movements to keep from
becoming one with the rocks and to get a breath from time to time. Terror and panic set in
as you realize your paddle partners don't have a chance in heck of reaching you. You
come to a true understanding of the terms maytagging and pinballing. That hole that
looked like nothing when scouted, has a hydraulic that holds you under the water until
your lungs are close to bursting. You come out only to realize you still have 75% of the
rapid left to swim. Swim to the eddy? What %^&** eddy!? This rapid usually lasts a mile
or more. Hydraulic pressure within the first few seconds removes everything that can
come off your body. This includes gloves, shoes, neoprene socks, sunglasses, hats, and
clothing. The rocks take care of your fingers, toes, and ears. That $900.00 dry suit, well it
might hold up to the rocks. Your paddle is trash. If there is a strainer, well, just hope it is
old and rotten so it breaks. Paddle partners on shore are frantically trying to run and keep
up with you. Their horror is reflected in their faces as they stare at how you are being
tossed around! They are hoping to remember how to do CPR. They also really hope the
cooler with the beer is still intact. They are going to need a cold one by the time you get
out! Climbing out of this happens after the rapid is over. You will probably need the help
of a backboard, cervical collar and Z-rig. Even though you have broken bones,
lacerations, puncture wounds, missing digits & ears, and a concussion, you won't feel
much pain because you will have severe hypothermia. Enjoy your stay in the hospital-
with the time you take recovering, you won't get another vacation for three years.
Class VI, World Class: Not recommended for swimming. Tell Elvis we said hi.