PADDLING TRIP, WATER AND SKILL RATINGS
Trip Ratings
Difficult
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12 miles or more
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Long carries (1/2 mile +)
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Class II water and above
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Moderate
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6 - 12 miles
(most day trips)
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Short carries (under ½ mile)
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Class I water - moving
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Easy
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Under 6 miles
(most evening paddles)
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No carries
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Flat water
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All trip ratings are approximations. Conditions may vary considerable with
differences in weather and water level. Please contact the trip leader for
additional information.
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Trip Type Codes
FW
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Flat water
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MW
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Moving water
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OW
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Open water
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WW
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White water - see classifications below
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PTFL
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Paddle Tour of the Finger Lakes
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Skill Level
Novice
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First time paddlers or those who have recently been introduced to
the paddling sports.
Paddler tends to go wherever the boat wants to go.
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Beginner
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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.
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Intermediate
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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.
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Advanced
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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.
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Master
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Paddler and boat are one.
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Commentary by Steve
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White Water Classification
Flat
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Smooth or slow moving water.
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Class I
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Fast moving water with riffles and small waves with few
obstructions.
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Class II
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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.
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Class III
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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.
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Class IV
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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.
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Class V
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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.
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