Whitewater rafting with a licensed outfitter should not be considered a dangerous activity. The outfitters we work with take the proper precautions to make your river trip enjoyable and safe at the same time. Grand Canyon is unique in the that each of the rapids on the Colorado River are rated on a scale of 1-10 which is confusing for people used to the international scale of whitewater ratings. To avoid that confusion we use the generally accepted classification system used to classify rivers for rafting and boating difficulty listed below:
- Class I - Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves.
- Class II - Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels.
- Class III - Intermediate. Strong eddies and current, requiring skilled maneuvering.
- Class IV - Advanced. Powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water.
- Class V - Expert. Long, obstructed, or violent rapids which expose paddlers to a high degree of danger, requiring expertise and reliable equipment for safe passage.
- Class VI - Unrunnable. Likelihood of destruction of equipment in attempting class 6 runs.
We represent outfitters that offer all levels of rafting experiences from Class I to Class V. We have rivers that are suitable for all levels of experience and we encourage you to contact us after visitng our website so we can help you decide which river will be best for you.
