The International river classification of difficulty is used for white water grades (see below), with

brackets used as per many modern guidebooks.

Grade 2: Free passage. Irregular stream, irregular waves. Medium rapids, small stoppers,

eddies, whirlpools and pressure areas

Grade 3: Route recognisable. High irregular waves. Larger rapids. Stoppers, eddies,

whirlpools and pressure areas. Isolated boulders, (small) drops and numerous

obstructions in stream

Grade 4: Route not always recognisable. Heavy continuous rapids. Heavy stoppers,

whirlpools and pressure areas. Boulders obstructing stream, big with undertow.

Grade 5: Inspection essential. Extreme rapids. Stoppers, whirlpools and pressure areas.

Narrow passages, steep gradients and drops with difficult access and landing.

Grade 2(3): The overall standard of the run is grade 2, but there may be a few (normally one

or two) grade 3 rapids that can be easily portaged if required.

Grade 4(5): The overall standard of the run is grade 4, but there may be a few (normally one or two) grade 5 rapids that can be easily portaged if required.