Rivers

Although there is an International River Grading System (see below), as a club, we use easy terminology to help you know which river trips you might wish to attend.

Easy: suitable for beginners who are comfortable with forward paddling, capsize drill etc.  Someone who has covered the basics in the pool or at Loch Lomond and is looking to build on these skills.  Easy rivers are typically Grade 1 and suitable for anyone who fancies a nice paddle!

Improver: involves moving water where there is notable but easy flow and suitable for people who have acquired the basic skills and perhaps working towards BCU White Water Award.    Typical Grade 2 rivers include the Teith, Tay (above Grandtully), and Ayr.  On these trips you can practice breaking-in and breaking-out, ferry gliding etc.

Intermediate – Involve more demanding rivers where the challenges are more than “improver” trips. Typical rivers include the Awe, Nith, Tay (Stanley to Thistlebrig or Grantully), and Clyde  which are Grade 2 or 3

Advanced – Harder trips which are typically organised via the Whatsapp or email rather than the calendar. Rivers may include the Middle Orchy or North Esk and are Grade 4(5).




International River Grading System

GRADE 1:  Moving water, unobstructed and without technical difficulties. There may be small waves and riffles to challenge the paddler.

GRADE 2: Waves, small stoppers and other minor obstructions to avoid. Eddies and cushion waves may be strong.

GRADE 3: Waves, stoppers and technical difficulties are more severe. There may be drops and powerful constrictions. The main distinguishing factor of Grade 3 water is that the paddler will have to follow a recognisable route to avoid obstacles and hazards.

GRADE 4: Severe waves, drops, stoppers and other obstructions. The route is not easily recognisable and will usually require careful inspection from the boat or bank. Grade 4 encompasses a wide range of rivers, from those with pool-drop rapids to those with extended continuous rapids; so there is a huge variation in difficulty. It is common to distinguish easier grade 4 rapids by grading them as 4- (or 3/4) and harder rapids as 4+ (or 4/5).

GRADE 5: Extremely difficult rapids with precise and technically demanding routes to be followed. Stoppers, currents and waves will be powerful and inspection is essential.

GRADE 6: All of the above carried to extremes. Grade 6 usually means un-runnable rapids, which may just be possible in certain conditions.