|
|
Boating in the Wilderness
|
Boating can be quite exciting in the wilderness, but there is a lot to remember. People who are new to boating, should take a look at different information. This provides some general information about classes of rivers as well as the beginner, novice, and advance boaters.
International River Classifications:
1.Class or Grade 1: easy moving water with small waves, little or no obstacles.
2. Class or Grade 2: easy rapids with waves up to 1 metre high (3 feet) with obstructions, some maneuvering skills are needed.
3. Class or Grade 3: Scouting maybe necessary, manoeuvring skills are a must, you will encounter rapids with high and sometimes irregular waves. This is a moderately difficult class or grade.
4. Class or Grade 4: This is difficult with long rapids and irregular waves. Your manoeuvring skills must be precise, advanced scouting is mandatory. Only advanced paddlers in closed boats should tackle these waters as rescue could be difficult.
5. Class or Grade 5: This is very difficult going with long demanding rapids, narrow passages, long drops, steep banks, precise manoeuvring is necessary and advanced scouting again mandatory. When swamped, rescues could be difficult, is definitely for expert paddlers and not for open boats.
6. Class or Grade 6: Extreme waters that are very dangerous. These waters must be studied and are recommended for only expert teams in closed boats. Not for open boats.
Make sure you know and pay heed to these International River Classifications.
The Classification of Skill Levels are:
Beginner or Novice: Has basic knowledge of how to handle and paddle a kayak or canoe. Some rolling skills in closed boats are necessary. This person is ready for waters that are class or grade 1.
Intermediate: This paddler has moving water skills, can line a boat around obstacles including rapids and should be able to help swamped paddlers. Can run class or grade 2 waters.
Advanced: If in an open boat, must be able to make it through fast, rough paddling and is ready for grade or class 3 water. In a closed boat, this kayaker or canoer is able to handle grade or class 4 expertly and able to roll at all times.
Expert: Can handle grade or class 3 easily in an open boat and a grade or class 4 with attached spray decks. In a closed boat, the expert can lead in grade or class 4 and can paddle grade or class 5 waters.
It is essential that you learn from a qualified person how to properly paddle and to maneuver a kayak or canoe. Then practice what you have been taught on easy water. Advance to more difficult water as your skills improve. Canoes, kayaks and rafts are not the same, each handling technique is different. Learn them all to fully enjoy the waters of B.C.
For some more information on boating, please follow one or more of the links:
International River Classifications:
1.Class or Grade 1: easy moving water with small waves, little or no obstacles.
2. Class or Grade 2: easy rapids with waves up to 1 metre high (3 feet) with obstructions, some maneuvering skills are needed.
3. Class or Grade 3: Scouting maybe necessary, manoeuvring skills are a must, you will encounter rapids with high and sometimes irregular waves. This is a moderately difficult class or grade.
4. Class or Grade 4: This is difficult with long rapids and irregular waves. Your manoeuvring skills must be precise, advanced scouting is mandatory. Only advanced paddlers in closed boats should tackle these waters as rescue could be difficult.
5. Class or Grade 5: This is very difficult going with long demanding rapids, narrow passages, long drops, steep banks, precise manoeuvring is necessary and advanced scouting again mandatory. When swamped, rescues could be difficult, is definitely for expert paddlers and not for open boats.
6. Class or Grade 6: Extreme waters that are very dangerous. These waters must be studied and are recommended for only expert teams in closed boats. Not for open boats.
Make sure you know and pay heed to these International River Classifications.
The Classification of Skill Levels are:
Beginner or Novice: Has basic knowledge of how to handle and paddle a kayak or canoe. Some rolling skills in closed boats are necessary. This person is ready for waters that are class or grade 1.
Intermediate: This paddler has moving water skills, can line a boat around obstacles including rapids and should be able to help swamped paddlers. Can run class or grade 2 waters.
Advanced: If in an open boat, must be able to make it through fast, rough paddling and is ready for grade or class 3 water. In a closed boat, this kayaker or canoer is able to handle grade or class 4 expertly and able to roll at all times.
Expert: Can handle grade or class 3 easily in an open boat and a grade or class 4 with attached spray decks. In a closed boat, the expert can lead in grade or class 4 and can paddle grade or class 5 waters.
It is essential that you learn from a qualified person how to properly paddle and to maneuver a kayak or canoe. Then practice what you have been taught on easy water. Advance to more difficult water as your skills improve. Canoes, kayaks and rafts are not the same, each handling technique is different. Learn them all to fully enjoy the waters of B.C.
For some more information on boating, please follow one or more of the links:
|
|
|
|
|
