Trip Rating: |
Geography: |
Hydraulics: |
Route: |
Acceptable Conditions: |
Skills & Experience Needed: |
SKI |
Protected from waves by nearby land forms, in case of wind
(Fetch is defined as the unobstructed distance which the wind can blow over
the water and build up waves)
|
Insignificant currents |
Day trips near shore |
Calm |
Except with Leaders Permission:
1.
Ability to Swim 2. Previous kayak trip experience
required on trips more than 5 mi.; and 3. Previous practice capsizing
and wet exiting.
|
SKII |
Fetch less less than 10 mi. Unless it is possible to land and walk
out. Crossing less than 1/2 mi. Except for very protected trips. |
Max predicted current up to 1 Kt |
Either has protection or intermittent places to get out. |
Generally try to avoid choppy water and/or winds above 10 kts. |
Participants must have practiced assisted rescue techniques |
SKIII |
Crossings up to 2 mi. and/or fetches longer than 10 mi. |
Max predicted current up top 2 kts. |
May cross eddy lines, tide rips and upwelling's |
Generally will not begin in whitecaps, but be prepared for paddling
into waves large enough to wash over the deck, and be comfortable in
paddling in at least 10 kt winds. |
Conditions may require bracing skills. Previous group and self rescue
practice. (both as rescuer and rescued) |
SKIV |
Crossings up to 5 mi. |
Predicted currents may be more than 2 kts but less than slowest
paddlers' top speed. |
May cross strong eddy lines, tide rips and
upwelling's |
May include steep waves & Swells. Be comfortable paddling in 15 kt
winds. |
Conditions may require anticipatory leaning, reflexive bracing, using
the paddle to stern rudder, and the ability to read moving water.
Familiarity with charts and navigation. |
SKV |
Crossings more than 5 mi but less than 3 hrs paddling time at the
speed listed with the trip. Exposed ocean coasts are included when
precautions are taken. |
Currents may be faster than the group can paddle against. |
May include launching and landing in surf. |
For groups prepared to knowingly set out in rough weather, white caps
and fast currents. |
Trip members must have tested their skills in rough conditions, know
their limits and be self reliant in event of separation from the group.
The ability to Eskimo roll is highly recommended as conditions can make
rescues difficult. |
SKVI |
Trips combining a long fetch with stretches where a safe landing may
be difficult or impossible for most of a day. |
Exposure to hazards at any other levels taken to extremes. |
Exposure to hazards at any other levels taken to extremes. |
May only be negotiable with favorable conditions. Rescues may not be
possible. |
Extensive experience and skill including kayak surfing and rolling are
required. |