| Archive for westhoughtoncanoeclub.myfreeforum.org Westhoughton Canoe Club |
| CarlS |
River Grades and other terms explainedIt may be of use for some of our newer paddlers to take note of some of the terms below:Grade 1: Water is moving (like most of the Mersey); you could float down this with your eyes closed. Grade 2: Waves, stoppers and other minor obstructions which are simple to avoid. (Burrs under normal flow conditions) Grade 3: Bigger waves, stoppers etc. The difference now is that you will have to steer to avoid obstructions. Grades 4 to 6: if you are capable of paddling at this level you will know what these grades are 
Stoppers: found after a drop, these are formed when water hits the riverbed and recirculates. Stoppers can be great fun to play in but some will hold a boat whilst the more serious will hold a swimmer. Eddies: section of 'calm' water found at the side of the flow and behind rocks. Breaking in/Breaking out: moving from an eddy to the current and other way around. River right/left: river right is on the right of the direction of flow. Weirs: man made drops in the river. Falls: natural drops, any over 3 metres are classed as waterfalls. Hope this is of some use Carl |
| Steve T |
Good guide with pictures here:
http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/grades.htm Although this one has a ring of truth to it ..... http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/reports/alternativegrading.htm There are those who say rivers have only two grades: Yes and No. In other words don't just run something you don't like because it's supposed to be a certain grade - make your own choice. There's no machismo in this club so walk round anything you're not happy with. Steve |