Genesee Valley Chapter
Adirondack Mountain Club

Difficult

12 miles or more

Long carries (1/2 mile +)

Class II water and above

Moderate

6 - 12 miles
(most day trips)

Short carries (under ½ mile)

Class I water - moving

Easy

Under 6 miles
(most evening paddles)

No carries

Flat water

All trip ratings are approximations. Conditions may vary considerable with differences in weather and water level. Please contact the trip leader for additional information.

FW

Flat water

MW

Moving water

OW

Open water

WW

White water - see classifications below

PTFL

Paddle Tour of the Finger Lakes

Novice

First time paddlers or those who have recently been introduced to the paddling sports.
Paddler tends to go wherever the boat wants to go.

Beginner

Paddler can perform basic strokes to maneuver a boat in a straight line and avoid obstructions. Kayakers should be able to perform wet exits. Beginner whitewater paddlers should be able to negotiate Class 2 rapids.
Paddler can generally make the boat go where he or she want it to go.

Intermediate

Paddler is proficient in all basic and some advanced strokes. Paddler is able to safely maneuver in moderate wind and waves, and can perform self-rescue. Intermediate whitewater paddlers can negotiate Class 3 rapids.
Paddler persuades the boat it wants to go where he or she wants it to go.

Advanced

Paddler has solid paddling techniques and is able to perform self and assisted rescues. Paddler is comfortable in large bodies of water, wind and waves. Advanced whitewater paddlers able to paddle in class 5 rapids.
Paddler and boat go places together.

Master

Paddler and boat are one.

Commentary by Steve

Flat

Smooth or slow moving water.

Class I

Fast moving water with riffles and small waves with few obstructions.

Class II

Straightforward rapids with wide clear channels. Some maneuvering may be required to miss rocks or obstructions. Medium sized waves less than 3 feet in open water.

Class III

Rapids with moderate irregular waves that may swamp an open canoe. Large waves and strainers may be present but easily avoided. Strong eddies and currents may be found. Open water with waves greater than 3 feet.

Class IV

Powerful but predictable rapids containing large unavoidable waves, and holes or constricted passages. Open water with large waves, strong winds and/or surf, fog and difficult landings.

Class V

Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids, which expose a paddler to above average endangerment. Drops may contain large unavoidable waves or steep congested chutes with complex and demanding routes.

The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) is dedicated to the protection and responsible recreational use of the New York State Forest Preserve, and other parks, wild lands, and waters vital to our members and chapters. The Club, founded in 1922, is a member-directed organization committed to public service and stewardship. ADK employs a balanced approach to outdoor recreation, advocacy, environmental education, and natural resource conservation.

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