Before you book
Safety: what we require and what this demo cannot do
This is a demonstrationGauge Rafting is a fictional outfitter. The rules below show what a good outfitter publishes; they are not a safety plan for any real river. Use a licensed guide service and follow its instructions.
The scale of difficulty
| Class | Name | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| I | Easy | Fast-moving water with small waves and few obstructions. Risk to swimmers is low. |
| II | Novice | Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels. Some manoeuvring; swimmers are rarely in danger. |
| III | Intermediate | Moderate, irregular waves and narrow passages that need careful maneuvering. Swimmers may need help. |
| IV | Advanced | Intense, powerful rapids that demand precise boat handling. Swims are dangerous and rescue is difficult. |
| V | Expert | Extremely long, violent or obstructed rapids with severe consequences for a swim. |
| VI | Extreme | Not run on any trip we offer. |
A rapid's class changes with the river's level. On this site the class of each rapid at each level comes from the formula on the About page; it is a teaching model, not a measurement.
What every trip requires
- A life jacket and a helmet, fitted by a guide, worn for the whole trip.
- A guide in every raft, and a safety briefing before the put-in that every rider must attend.
- The age, weight and experience limits on each trip page. They are not negotiable on the day.
- A river inside its runnable range. We close a river that is too high and we do not run one that is too low.
What this site does not decide
- It does not forecast the river. The monthly flows are typical values.
- It does not know your health, swimming ability or nerve. Tell the guides anything that matters.
- It takes no booking and no payment. The request button only opens an email.