Whitewater Events and Difficulty Ratings

Whitewater

Whitewater Trips are for advanced paddlers and are held on grade 2 – 3 rivers. This includes fast flowing rivers with rapids and significant river hazard features. Specific canoes are required that are made of plastic, Roylex or other very durable composite materials. Additional floatation for boats is also required, as well as personal protective equipment such as helmets, wet suits, or dry suits are typically required. TRIPS does not have and club boats that meet these requirements so it is expected that participants have all of their own equipment and a vehicle with roof racks to transport it.

Whitewater Trip Difficulty Ratings

*Please note, water levels make a big difference on whitewater!. The example locations below are assuming low to medium low water levels.

Beginner Whitewater – Class 1+ to 2. Participants should be developing reasonable boat control in strong currents and have practiced self rescue and assisted rescues on the river. Boat should have additional floatation bow and stern. It is recommended that participants take an RCABC Basic Tandem or Solo Moving Water Canoe Course. 

Example Beginner Whitewater Locations: Shuswap River, Cook Creek Section(30-200cms); North Thompson River, Barriere to McClure 100-400cms).

Intermediate Whitewater – Class 2+ to 3-. Participants need to be strong paddlers with good boat control in strong currents and have practiced self rescue and assisted rescues on the river. Boats need additional floatation bow and stern. It is strongly recommended and that participants take an RCABC Basic Tandem or Solo Moving Water Canoe Course for paddling on class 2+

Example Intermediate Whitewater Locations: Thompson River, Black Canyon; Adams River, Lower Adams Canyon (30-100cms); etc.

Advanced Whitewater- Class 2+ to 3+. Participants need to be very strong paddlers with excellent boat control in challenging white water and have very strong self rescue and assisted rescues on the river. Boats need full floatation. It is strongly recommended and that participants take an RCABC Advanced Tandem or Solo Moving Water Canoe Course. Participants may consider taking additional training such as an Swiftwater Rescue Course or an RCABC River Rescue Course and/or Playboating course.

Example Advanced Whitewater Locations: Clearwater River Lower Canyon (100-150cms); Shuswap River, Skookumchuck Canyon 30 – 120cms); etc.