Rafting is a recreational activity utilizing a raft to navigate a river or other body of water.
Rafting can be a dangerous activity if the proper precautions are not taken. Below is a generally accepted classification system used to classify rivers for rafting and boating difficulty:
- Class I - Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves.
- Class II – Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels.
- Class III - Intermediate. Strong eddies and current, requiring skilled maneuvering.
- Class IV - Advanced. Powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water.
- Class V - Expert. Long, obstructed, or violent rapids which expose paddlers to above-average danger.
- Class VI - Unrunnable.
- see also wild water, whitewater, paddling
