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Below are the American Whitewater Affiliation's whitewater classifications along with our professional opinion for suitability.
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Easy, fast-moving water with riffles and small waves. Suitable for ages 5+ including physically challenged.
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Straight forward rapids with wide, clear channels. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily avoided. Suitable for ages 5+, including physically challenged.
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Rapids with moderate, irregular waves, which may be difficult to avoid. Large waves and strainers may be present, but are easily avoided or navigated. Injuries while swimming are rare. Suitable for those who don't mind getting splashed, ages 7+ including physically challenged.
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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. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Suitable for those 12 and older, in good physical condition and comfortable with the remote prospect of swimming.
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Obstructed or very violent rapids which expose a participant to above-average endangerment. Drops 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. Swims are dangerous and self-rescue difficult. Suitable for ages 16 years and older, who are comfortable with the prospect of self-rescue, able to swim, and in good physical conditon.
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These runs often exemplify the extremes of difficulty. Experts only! Rescues may be impossible.
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