An international rating system classifies rapids into six grades. The classifications are related to the a fixed description of the rapids and thus apply to all water craft, including inflatable kayaks, sea kayaks and white-water kayaks. In addition, there are six international classes of water level. In order to determine whether a you should try your luck on a particular set of rapids, you must take into account your ability as a kayaker, the class of the rapids and the class of the water level.
Easy to Moderate
A Class I rapid is easy to navigate, with smooth water, clear passages and only light riffles. Such rapids are appropriate for kayakers and passengers who are first-timers, seniors and kids older than 4. Class II rapids offer a moderate test for kayakers. The water is medium-quick and the rapids have regular waves. Passages between rocks and ledges can be handled by an intermediate level kayaker. Class III is moderately difficult, with high and irregular waves. Passages through the water are clear but narrow, requiring expert skills.
Difficult to Extraordinarily Difficult
Kayaking Class IV rapids are best left to the experts. Kayakers must maneuver through these rapids with powerful and precise handling. Class V rapids are classified as extremely difficult. These rapids are violent and reoccurring. You will be paddling on a river filled with dangerous obstructions and you shouldn't attempt to do so unless you are a top expert. Class VI rapids are not for the meek or the unskilled. As the Paddling.net website explains, in Class VI water, "Paddlers face constant threat of death because of extreme danger." You need the ability of an Olympic athlete to handle Class VI rapids.
Water Levels
Rapids are classified into six categories of danger and so are water levels. Kayakers must take both factors into account before running a river. International standards for water levels start with a L, or Low, which means the water is below normal levels for that particular river, to the extent it may be too shallow to paddle. An M, or Medium, is defined as a normal water flow. MH, or Medium High water levels are higher than normal. Many kayakers favor MH conditions, which offer deeper and faster flowing water. H, or High, is a class for rivers well above its normal stage, to the extent that they are best left to expert kayakers. HH, or High-High water levels are even more dangerous. And F, or Flood stage denotes a river overrunning its banks. The current is violent and even expert kayakers should remain on dry land.
Considerations
As the rapids become stronger and the water level rises, safety become the predominant consideration for kayakers, especially when encountering unfamiliar water. If you have any doubts, inspect the entire section of the river you intent to run. A high water level can turn a river that normally would be classified as a Class II of medium intensity into a Class IV of difficult intensity. You don't want to be in over your head, literally or figuratively, when you maneuver a kayak through the rapids.
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