RIVER RATINGS

SMOOTH WATER

CLASS A Standing, slow flowing water or current under 2mph.

Class B Flowing water (2-4mph). Easy to back paddle and hold a position.

Class C Flowing water over 4mph. Difficult to hold a position while back paddling. Easily avoidable obstacles that can create eddies, requires good boat control.

WHITEWATER

Class I Fast moving current with obvious lines, few obstacles, and small riffles and waves(up to 1'). Easy self rescue and minimal risk to swimmers.

Class II Wide, clear rapids with medium waves(up to 3') and obstacles which require little maneuvering by the skilled paddler. Self rescue possible, assistance helpful.

Class III Rapids with moderate and/or irregular waves(up to 5') which can swamp open boats. Fast current, strong eddies, strainers, tight passages requiring good boat control. Scouting advised. Self rescue possible, roll ability and/or assistance will avoid long swims.

Class IV Intensely, powerful rapids which require intricate manuevering. Turbulent water, unavoidable waves(up to 5'), dangerous hazards, and holes. Quick eddy turns and scouting advised. Risk of swimming and injury increases. Self rescue difficult, skilled group rescue or strong Eskimo roll advised.

Class V Long, violent, obstructed rapids. Small and difficult to reach eddies. Large drops with unavoidable waves(up to 5'), holes, and hydraulics. Expert boat control and roll ability required, scouting advised, dangerous swimming with difficult rescue by expert paddlers.

Class VI These rapids are rarely attempted with extremes in difficulty and danger. Waves in excess of 5'. Errors have severe consequences and rescue can be impossible.

PADDLER ABILITY

BEGINNER/NOVICE Familiar with basic maneuvers and paddling strokes. Ability to run Whitewater Class I and Smooth Water Class A and B, but challenged by Class II and C.

INTERMEDIATE Mastery of basic maneuvers and paddling strokes, including backpaddling. Ability to run Whitewater Class II and Smooth Water Class C, but challenged by Class III. Able to self rescue or eskimo roll, able to properly assist in rescues.

EXPERIENCED Advanced maneuvering and paddling skills. Ability to run Whitewater Class III, but challenged by Class IV. Reliable roll and self rescue. Strong rescue skills and ability to mentor novice paddlers. Smooth Water paddlers have good river reading skills.

EXPERT The ultimate level of skill, knowledge, and judgement acquired by years of paddling highly challenging Whitewater and Smooth Water. Ability to run Class IV easily and challenged by Class V and above.

TPA SAFETY RULES & RECOMMENDATIONS

• ALWAYS wear a Type III Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD).
• NEVER paddle alone. Three boats minimum are recommended.
• ALWAYS wear your helmet when paddling a whitewater boat.
• Be comfortable in and under water, with the ability to wet exit from a whitewater boat.
• Know and respect the river classifications, levels, and know your ability. Never paddle a river where your inability may put you and others at risk for injury. Be conservative.
• Wear appropriate clothing and be properly equipped for the conditions.
• Carry a first aid kit (including appropriate personal medications) and advise others of any medical conditions.
• Practice skill development, rolls, wet exits, rescues and self rescues. Recommend taking the Swift Water Rescue Class (SWRC) and a first aid class.

WHEN YOU SWIM

• REMAIN CALM AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF RESCUERS.
• Stay with the boat (upstream or on top of it) unless it is interfering with rescue attempts or heading for a hazard.
• Hang onto your paddle unless personal safety requires you to leave it behind.
• When swimming in whitewater, keep your feet up and downstream of your head while floating on your back (defensive swimming position). Ball up into a tuck when going over falls or through narrow passages then resume the defensive swimming position.
• NEVER ATTEMPT TO STAND IN MOVING WATER. You increase your risk of a foot entrapement and being pulled underwater.

RESCUING OTHERS

TAKE THE SWIFT WATER RESCUE CLASS.

• People first, equipment later!
• Avoid taking unnecessary risks which could endanger yourself and others.
• Observe swimmers for signs of hidden injuries, shock, or hypothermia.

HYPOTHERMIA PREVENTION

Hypothermia occurs when the body has lost its ability to maintain a normal body temperature and can no longer reheat itself. Early symptoms include feeling chilled and shivering. More advanced symptoms include loss of coordination, slurred speech, and impaired judgement. Hypothermia is easily prevented by following these important tips:

• Wear proper clothing (drysuit, wetsuit, wool, polyester, etc.) for the weather and water temperatures. Utilize a layer system (windbreaker, paddle jacket/pants over clothing) and protect the head (helmet, wool cap, etc.) NEVER wear cotton clothing.
• Pack spare clothes, a towel, plenty of liquids (NO ALCOHOL), extra food high in carbs, and waterproof matches in your drybag which should be securely attached to your boat.
• Eat well before trips, pack a nutritious lunch, and get plenty of sleep the night before.
• Stay hydrated while paddling and maintain a high level of activity without overexerting yourself.
• If you swim, get out of the water ASAP. If you can't, get as much of your head and torso out of the water as possible. Avoid any unnecessary movement, water wicks body heat away 25X faster than air.

HYPOTHERMIA TREATMENT

If you suspect a fellow paddler is exhibiting signs of hypothermia, take action IMMEDIATELY.

• Remove the victim from the water and any wind.
• Gently remove any wet clothing.
• Warm the victim using an external source of heat, starting with the torso area.
• Place the victim and one or two others (all unclothed) inside a sleeping bag or rolled together in a blanket, or
• Place the victim close to a large fire, or
• Place heat-producing objects (hand warmer pouches, heated rocks, etc.) inside the sleeping bag with the victim. Wrap the objects to avoid burning the victim.
• DO NOT RUB THE ARMS AND LEGS OF THE VICTIM TO WARM UP THE SKIN. This will only hasten the flow of cold blood to the heart and throughout the body and can cause severe damage, even heart attack.
• A conscious victim can be given warm, sugary liquids and food (NO ALCOHOL).
• To treat an unconscious victim for shock, place them in a supine position with the head tilted back to maintain an open airway.
• Get medical attention for the victim ASAP. Hypothermia can cause severe damage, even death.

RIVER COURTESY

• Rivers are shared by all; fisherman, paddlers, rafters, picnickers, and wildlife. Intrude on each other as little as possible to improve the enjoyment of the river for all involved.
• Help prevent damage to put-ins, take-outs, and river banks caused by foot traffic and boats.
• Litter detracts from the beauty of the river, one of the main reasons we all paddle. Carry and fill a trash bag on each trip.
• Overnight camping and lunch breaks should be on shore, located away from the banks and beaches. Fire rings only attract more fires and trash and do nothing for the beauty of the environment.
• River clean-ups will help maintain our waters. For more information on Clean Sweep contact Ron.
• Respect the landowners. We are merely guests. Be polite and always ask permission for access. Leave the area cleaner than you found it.