Keel Haulers River Ratings
These are the generally accepted river ratings for normal water levels indicated. Weather and water conditions can drastically alter the nature and difficulty of any river. Water level is extremely critical and it should be determined prior to accepting these general river guidelines. Ratings are not a substitute for careful scouting and a realistic evaluation of one's own paddling skills. Ratings are indicative of the paddler skill level required to attempt the entire section not just the difficulty of individual rapids.
Classification of Rivers
Basis of River Ratings
- Average Gradient
- Maximum Gradient
- Volume river vs Gradient
- Width of River
- Ease of Rescue
- Inaccessibility
- Difficulty of Rapids
- Continuousness and/or rapid length
- Obstacles, rocks, trees, undercuts
- Water Temperature
International Rating Definitions
International River Rating Vs. Keel-Hauler Rating
- International
Rating - I
- II
- III
- IV
- V
- VI
- Keel-Hauler
Rating - 0 - 7
- 8 - 14
- 15 - 25
- 26 - 33
- 34 - 37
- 38 - 42
When Comparing Two River Sections
A lower rating does not mean that you can't run a harder section, only that you will be much more challenged
- +/- 1 point - Very Similar
- +/- 2 points - Noticeable Difference
- +/- 3 points - Meaningful Difference
- +/- 5 points - Profound Difference
The river rating information is presented as a spreadsheet so that you may sort and filter it to suit or needs. Even save a copy locally if you would like!
* If a record has an asterisk, the rating is based upon a short portage of rapid(s) that would otherwise significantly increase the rating.
Please send opinions and corrections to John Kobak - Keel-Haulers Canoe Club E-Mail to Webmaster.
River ratings from other sources
AWA's Examples of Class I-III Rated Rapids
AWA's Examples of Class IV Rated Rapids