Trip Grading
Trips are graded as Green (Entry Level), Blue (Demanding), Yellow (Challenging), or Black (Extreme) based on several factors as shown in the table below. The grading of a trip may be subject to change due to special conditions (variations on wind, current, water conditions, etc). If you have any questions about attending a trip of a certain grade, contact the trip organiser.
| Factors All factors in a grading must be satisfied |
Entry Level | Demanding | Challenging | Extreme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paddler expectation | No prior skill training or experience required. | Easy paddling. Basic skills and some fitness would be an advantage. |
Paddlers should be training regularly and have paddle specific fitness. | Paddlers should have undergone specific skill and fitness training for the event |
| Distance *No environmental influence |
Up to 8 Km per day* Maximum 100 m to safe landing. Comfortable pace of 3 Km/h |
Up to 20 Km per day* Maximum 5 Km to safe landing. Comfortable pace of 5 Km/h |
Up to 40 Km per day* Maximum 10 Km to safe landing. Comfortable rate of 8 Km/h |
Up to 60 Km per day* |
| Equipment | Any touring kayak, canoe, SUP, or SOT | Recommended kayak with spay deck, canoe, SOT and clothing specific for the activity and conditions |
Must have kayak with spray deck, canoe, SOT and clothing specific for the activity and conditions |
Must have kayak with spray deck, canoe, SOT and clothing specific for the activity and conditions |
| Head wind | Up to 15 Km/h (8 Knots) |
Up to 22 Km/h (12 Knots) |
Up to 35 Km/h (18 Knots) |
Up to 50 Km/h (28 Knots) |
| Current | Minimal current. Progress in any direction is easy. |
Gentle current Progress into current requires effort but can be sustained. (WW = Grade 1) |
Current is difficult to paddle into. Progress requires significant exertion. (WW = Grade 2) |
Sustained progress into current is not possible (WW = Grade 3) |
| “Topography of the water” Waves, swell, seas, obstructions |
No waves, or obstructions. | Riffles or small regular breaking waves to 0.5 m. Obstacles and rocks can be clearly seen and avoided with little or no maneuvering. |
Regular breaking waves to 1 m. Rocks, overflows, gentle eddies and gradual bends may be present but are easy to recognise and avoid with some maneuvering. |
Breaking waves to 2 m. Strong eddies, large holes, exposed rocks and small falls may be present. Highly skilled maneuvering required. |
Camping Trips
If camping is required as part of a trip, participants should have prior experience or contact the trip leader for advice about gear, packing, etc. Check the following videos with information about car and kayak camping.
