Introduction:
Rapids are rated from class I-VI. One is simple moving water where no maneuvering is necessary and class VI is unrunable. The scale is fairly subjective and has evolved over the years. Some rapids that were once considered class V are now mid range class IV. This shift in the difficulty rating is due primarily to advancements in gear and technique. Rapids can earn their difficulty by a variety of different ways. A rapid could have a class III move, but the consequences of a missed line could be class IV. That rapid will receive a class IV rating. You could have a rapid with a very hard move but the results are not a sever can receive a lower rating. The important thing is to form a good decision making formula and stick to it and your experience.