Rafting Grades

Worldwide rafting grades are classified according to International Grading System & standards. Basically all the white water rapids are classified into 6 categories. Class I is considered to be the easiest and Class VI the toughest. These grades showcase the challenge and strength each of them commands. The Grade –VI is sometimes lowered to Grade –V or V+ if it has been run a several times before. Tougher grades are often portaged meaning the boat has to be carried around the hazard.

A rapids grade depends on the depth of water and the speed. Some rapids are easy to cross at high speed whereas some are remain totally washed out due to heights. During floods when the river is turbulent even the simplest rapid can be lethal. At these times the rapids can be hazardous.

Below is the classification of the grades

• Grade I: The rough patches are short and no special skills are required. No previous rafting experience is required.

• Class 2: The maneuvering comes in here as there is a little amount of roughness in the water here. You should know basic paddling.

• Class 3: The level of water gets better here. You can expect 3-5 feet drops but the real thing is yet to come. You do need to be a little more than just comfortable with paddling.

• Class 4: Here you can get the drift of actual rafting. Lots of white water, big waves, rocky terrains and a drop which is attention grabbing. Previous white water experience is helpful here.

• Class 5: This has everything from large rocky waves to hazardous rapids. Expect a massive drop and precise control. Previous white water experience is a must here.

• Class 6: This one has everything but also has some unseen dangers which give it the last classification. There are chances of you hurting yourself. This grade is dangerous you have to be an expert to do it.

Qualifications/requirements for each grade

If you are afraid of water you’d never be able to raft. But if you are a person with good health and are fearless to be in water then you can definitely give rafting a shot. Rafting is a sport which can be learnt in a few hours. There are several Adventure Tourism companies which offer rafting tours and even train you.

If you are a beginner you should start of with Grade II or III trip. If paddleboat scares you, you can choose to take a boat with oars. For the

confident, healthy and adventurous people, a class IV river is great even if they have no prior rafting experience. You will get training in safety and paddling techniques. For al grades above VI you need prior experience.

Destinations for every grade

Grade I – The Indus

Grade II – The Indus, Uptshi Khalsi Run, Beas River

Grade III – Uptshi Khalsi Run, Spiktuk-Saspol Run, Zanskar River, Phey-Nimu route

Grade IV – Teesta River

, Zanskar river, Phey-Nimu route

Grade V – Zanskar River

Grade VI – Brahmaputra River, Kali River

All these River Rafting grades and the destinations tell you that you will be spoilt for choice. As the level of rafting goes notches up and you start enjoying it more. Rafting is exciting and rafting is addictive. And you realize it once you take up more challenging rapids. The skill required to maneuver through gorges and the highs you get when you drop from a few feet is a feeling that cannot be forgotten. But as you proceed to higher grades the risks also double. You are more prone to damaging you limbs. But that is what rafting is all about. To push yourself and be safe even while you are surrounded by white water and big rapids.