As a newbie I decided not to do this race simply because of the lack of info. Below is an extract from the Safety Booklet published by Canoeing SA. Each river and race is given a rating so you basically know what you are in for. CHAPTER 3 – RIVER CLASSIFICATION AND PADDLER PROFICIENCY RATING Proficiency ratings have been introduced by the CSA to cover the safety aspect of who may or may not paddle in the more dangerous events on South African waterways. All rivers and marinas have been classified as F, C, B, A, or X for paddling in Kayaks. Where a stretch of water has been classified with a “+” symbol, this refers to isolated obstacles that exceed the overall grading of the river. These obstacles are identified in the river gradings, and will be highlighted in race brochures, pre-race briefings, race maps, and should ideally be clearly signposted, indicating the portage route, well in advance of the obstacle (example “Fish B+ - Keith’s Flyover, Cradock Weir”) It is imperative to note that the difficulty grading of any stretch of water can be significantly affected by unusually high or low water levels, as well as factors such as cold, rain, sleet, wind, mist and fog. The presiding safety officer is entitled to revise the river grading appropriately, and apply restrictions to entry, in these circumstances. CSA RIVER CLASSIFICATIONS (note that changes in water level will affect the classification of A, B and C class rivers e.g upper Umgeni at 20 cumecs = B class) Class F – Flatwater, no discernible flow eg Marina da Gama Midmar Dam or Victoria Lake. Class C – Flowing gently, some small rapids (class 1 and 2), and possibly reed channels and/or tree blocks eg Albert Falls weir to Bluegums (Umgeni) or Klip from Henley to Confluence. Class B – Steady flowing water, with some technical spots that require significant manoeuvring, but seldom exceed class 3 rapids. eg Campbells farm to Dusi Bridge (Umsindusi), Breede, Barrage to Parys(Vaal). Class A – Technical, consistent wild water, with class 3 or 4 rapids, difficult access, may contain technically difficult obstacles such as weirs eg Tugela, Umko, Lowveld Croc. Class X – Extreme, class 4 and 5 rapids, for very competent plastic kayak paddlers only eg Thrombosis Gorge, Deepdale to Hella Hella or Ndedema Gorge. MODIFIED INTERNATIONAL SCALE OF RIVER DIFFICULTY (open ended) CLASS 0: Flat stationary water - no waves. CLASS 1: Moving water with a few riffles and small waves - few or no obstructions. CLASS 2: Easy rapids with waves up to a metre high and wide clear channels that can be seen without scouting. Some manoeuvring is required to avoid obstacles. CLASS 3: Rapids with high, irregular waves (above 1m) would likely swamp an open canoe. Has narrow channels and has some drops causing turbulence that may require complex manoeuvring and even scouting from the bank. CLASS 4: Long difficult rapids with constricted passages that require precise manoeuvring in very turbulent water. Scouting from the bank is often necessary and the conditions make rescue difficult. Paddlers in kayaks should able to successfully execute an eskimo roll. CLASS 5: Extremely difficult, long and very violent rapids with large drops and highly congested routes that nearly always require scouting. Rescue conditions are difficult and there is a significant risk to life in the event of a mishap. Gradient is steep (1 in 20 up to 1 in 10) with large stoppers. Bomb-proof roll is essential! CLASS 6: The difficulties of class 5 carried to the extreme of navigability, nearly impossible and very dangerous. For teams of experts only, after close study and all precautions taken. Generally a very steep gradient of more than 1 in 5 with a large number of stoppers.
