The Royal Gorge contains the three main characteristics of rapids… continuously. Because the section is rated class IV and V, you can expect fewer routes through the rapids, bigger waves, and less recovery time after each rapid.
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Whirlpool Rapids Gorge—Niagara River, New YorkThe Niagara Gorge is a deadly section of exploratory rapids. As the water travels through, it reaches about 30 mph, creating the Class 6 Whirlpool Rapids, some of the most extreme in the entire world.
Class IV Rapids - Whitewater with Obstacles and More Technical Skills » Larger waves, narrow passages, and multiple obstacles to avoid requiring precise maneuvering to avoid upset.
These rapids are often best saved for those who have rafted before, but that doesn't necessarily rule out the first-time adventure-seekers. If you're in great shape and ready for a physical and mental challenge, you may be ready for Class IV rapids rafting trip on your first river expedition.
While most people can raft Class 4 rapids for their first time, there are several requirements. The minimum age to raft Class 4 rivers, depending on the river and company, is 12-14 years old. Many Class 4s recommend that you are in good physical condition, on the adventurous side, and know how to swim.
Class VI: Extreme and Exploratory RapidsThe consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. Only teams of rapids' experts should attempt these rapids at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions.
Upper Animas River – Silverton, ColoradoThe Upper Animas River is the most difficult commercially run river in the United States, no big deal… Just kidding, you'll have to take a swim test to be eligible for this one!
Grand Canyon rapids are rated on a 1-10 scale. Flat water is 1 while tough rapids like Lava Falls or Crystal can be rated 10 at certain water levels. A 10 rating in the canyon is roughly equivalent to a Class V in the standard river scale.
The Yellowstone River is classified as Class II-III rapids from Yellowstone National Park to Paradise Valley (the first 18 miles of legally navigable whitewater on the Yellowstone River).
Upper Tuolumne River (Cherry Creek), CaliforniaCherry Creek is the gold standard for Class V and is the hardest section of commercially rafted whitewater in the United States. Rapids like Mushroom (V), Toadstool (V), and Lewis's Leap (V) challenge even the most experienced river guides.
The Niagara Gorge is a deadly section of exploratory rapids. As the water travels through, it reaches about 30 mph, creating the Class 6 Whirlpool Rapids, some of the most extreme in the entire world.
Class 10 rapids are similar to class IV+ rapids on the international system. While the rapids are what brings many people to raft the Colorado River the majority of the river is actually flatwater. Overall the gradient of the river is only 8 feet per mile but most of the drop comes in the big rapids.
While other rivers follow a whitewater rating system of I-V, Grand Canyon rapids are rated on a scale of 1-10. Some of these rapids are extremely difficult to run unless you are a very experienced river runner who has run similar-sized rapids in the past successfully.
Located near North Carolina's southern boundary, the Green River (a French Broad tributary) is 60 miles long. It's highly regarded for whitewater sports, with great runs for novices (Class II-III) and experienced rafters (Class V).
The Falls themselves and the immediate area below are certainly a Class VI: unrunnable. The navigable portions of the Upper Great Gorge (below the Falls, where the Maid of the Mist boats run) are roughly a Class IV.
Class 1- easy levelThis is the level that represents river waters that flow over minimal obstructions. There is minimal risk for the rafter. This would be suitable for a float-trip with no whitewater.
Remember that an experienced guide and a raft load of people help pull you back on the raft if you fall into the river. The life jacket used in white water rafting is an excellent flotation device. In most cases, rafters who fall off the raft are pulled back into the raft immediately.