Trip Grading
This document is used by leaders in planning events and trips and participants to gauge the requirements of them. Events/trips grading is based on several factors shown in the table below. The grading of an event/trip may change on the day or even during an event/trip. Leaders will reassess safety for participants and give advice or may plan alternatives where possible.
New members are to participate in a basic skills and rescue session on West Lakes or similar protected location prior to their first event/trip to familiarise themselves with club expectations..
| Factors All factors in a grading must be satisfied |
Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Extreme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paddler expectation | Basic skills and ability to assist in rescues are required | Easy paddling. Basic skills, rescues and fitness are required | Paddlers should be training regularly and have paddle specific fitness. | Paddlers should have undergone specific skill and fitness training for the event |
| Distance with no wind or current assistance | Up to 12 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 30 Km per day* Maximum 10 Km to safe landing. Comfortable pace of 7 Km/h |
Up to 60 Km per day* |
| Equipment | Any touring kayak, canoe, or SOT | Kayak with spray deck fitted, canoe, or SOT. Clothing specific for the activity and conditions | Kayak with spray deck fitted, canoe, or SOT. Clothing specific for the activity and conditions | Kayak with spray deck fitted. 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 with no specific skills required |
Gentle current Progress into current requires effort but is possible (Grade 1) |
Current is difficult to paddle into. Progress requires significant exertion (Grade 2) |
Sustained progress into current is not possible (Grade 3) |
| “Topography of the water” Waves, swell, seas, obstructions |
No waves, or obstructions. No specific skills required | Riffles or small regular breaking waves to 0.5 m. Obstacles and rocks can be clearly seen and avoided with little maneuvering. |
Regular breaking waves to 1 m. Rocks, overflows, gentle eddies and gradual bends may be present. Easily recognised 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. The following links provide basic ideas on equipment and packing.
