Category:Rafting
From Wiki Costa Rica
Whitewater rafting is one of the main attractions in Costa Rican rivers. Depending on the speed of the river flow and geology, a river is classified into a scale from I to VI.
Remember that the rainy season lasts from May through December keeping water levels ideal for boating even in the "dry" season, river classes change lightly.
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River rafting classification
Class I and II River
Class I (easy): Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. The river has few obstructions which are all obvious and easily missed with little training. The risk to swimmers is slight and self-rescue is easy. Slow drifting waters. Paddling needed to accelerate travel. Good for scenic and wildlife watching.
Class II (novice): Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class II+."
- Sarapiquí River (Section I)
- Savegre
- Tempisque
Class III River
Class III (intermediate): Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required. Large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on larger volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare and self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class III-" or "Class III+" respectively.
Moderate paddling needed. Good for beginners.
- Peñas Blancas (Section I)
- Sarapiquí River (Section II)
- Tucurrique
Class IV River
Class IV (advanced): Intense and powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. The rapids may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast and reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require mandatory moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting is usually necessary the first time down. The risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential and requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended for kayakers. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated as "Class IV-" or "Class IV+" respectively.
Heavy paddling needed. Good for somewhat experienced or adventurous tourists.
- Naranjo
- Pacuare River
- Peñas Blancas (Section II)
- Sarapiquí River (Section II)
Class V River
Class V (expert): Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Rapids 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. The eddies that exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. More difficult Class V rapids may combine several of these factors. Scouting is recommended and may be difficult. Swims are dangerous and rescue is often difficult even for teams of experts. Proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential. There is a large range of difficulty that exists beyond Class IV which makes the difficulty of Class V rapids very diverse.
For experts-only.
Class VI River
Class VI (extreme and exploratory): These rapids have rarely been attempted and exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability, and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. These rapids are for teams of experts at favorable water levels. After a Class VI rapid has been run successfully several times, its rating may be changed to Class V.
Non-passable, with boulders or high waterfalls.
Disclaimer: River descriptions and classifications may change due to natural events that may create new hazards or flows. Any paddler that uses this site should additionally get informed by seeking out local news and updates for changes on this river.
External Links
- International Scale of River Difficulty as defined by American Whitewater
Articles in category "Rafting"
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