There's 5 classes, the 6th class is for those who don't care if they live or die.Class I rapids have a little bit of current some ripples here and there. Great for all beginners. Canoes can easily do it. Kayakers don't like it-they have to paddle too much.Class 2 rapids have more current and once in a while have a bit of rocks to get around that can look like a little shoot, or "V", that you have to fit your raft in. You have to know a bit more about canoeing to avoid rocks and avoid low water spots. Kayakers like it a bit more, but still a lot of paddling for them.Class 3 rapids have a fairly nice current, and regular rolling waves, shoots, debris, and can have things called "strainers" that you can get stuck in, badly. You have to be an excellent canoeist, and you'll probably swamp your canoe in the bigger shoots.Kayakers will be happy as can be riding the waves and playing in the surf.Class 4/5: Bigger waves, hydraulics that can suck a boat in it, recirculating waves that can trap a kayaker, huge wave trains that go one after the other, lots of obstacles, kayakers have to be very good; canoeists can't do it. Rafts do okay with a decent guide.The only river I know of off hand that uses class 1-10 is the Colorado in the Grand Canyon, which I've rafted. Their Class 1-2 = Regular Class 1; their class 3-4 = Regular Class 2; etc Be safe and have fun!
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