Here are some of the most common risks:
- Injuries from rocks and obstacles: Flowing water may contain rocks and other obstacles that can injure paddlers and their equipment. Colliding with a rock or another obstacle can cause injuries.
- Hypothermia: Cold flowing water can cause hypothermia if you get wet and do not have enough clothing to keep warm.
- Difficulty navigating: Flowing water can be difficult to navigate and requires attention from the paddler. If you are not focused or do not listen to instructions, it can increase the risk of accidents.
- Risk of capsizing: Flowing water can lead to capsizing if the paddler is not stable enough or if the water conditions are too difficult to handle. Swimming in a rapid can pose a risk of injury.
It is important to have the right equipment, be prepared, and follow safety instructions from the guide when paddling in flowing water.
About our guides
Our experienced guides have solid training and are passionate about passing on knowledge and introducing more people to the many aspects of paddling. We take safety very seriously, and all our guides have advanced training in safety and first aid.
Whitewater Rapids Classification
Rapids come in various shapes and difficulty levels, and in whitewater paddling, we classify rapids from 1 to 5. Below is a description of the classification.
NOTE! In our beginner courses, we normally paddle only class 1 and class 2. In the advanced courses and if the group can handle class 3, that difficulty level is also paddled.
Class 1:
Easy flowing water.
Can be paddled by beginners without needing to maneuver. Minimal risk of injury if swimming.
Class 2:
Easy rapids.
Flowing water with smaller waves. Class 2 can be paddled by beginners with instructions and the right equipment along with an experienced guide.
Class 3:
Medium difficulty rapids.
In class 3, there are often larger waves than in class 2. Here, maneuvering ability is required as some obstacles may need to be avoided. There may be a risk of injury when swimming. Class 3 can be paddled after achieving good balance and paddling technique if accompanied by other experienced paddlers.
Class 4:
Difficult rapids.
When reaching class 4, advanced maneuvering is required, and these rapids are technically challenging and often contain large waves and hydraulics. There is often a certain risk of injury when swimming. Class 4 is paddled only by experienced whitewater paddlers with very good river skills and who have undergone safety training.
Class 5:
Very difficult rapids.
Class 5 can be compared to extreme off-piste skiing, and these rapids should be treated with great respect. Class 5 rapids often contain obstacles that can be life-threatening and must be avoided. Swimming in class 5 can be life-threatening. These rapids are paddled only by very experienced paddlers.
Class 6:
Unrunnable.