CSA SAFETY SPECS

CSA now has in place new specs for safety equipment such as kayak jackets and helmets. Click here to read these specs.

The intention of the river classification is to provide four steps in proficiency, applicable from a novice to a relatively experienced paddler. Loosely put, there must be four distinct, discernable levels of “graduation” that cover, for example:

·         A novice learning to paddle on a dam, lagoon, marina, or still water (F)

·         A novice learning the handle typical South African rivers, with small to moderate rapids, weirs, tree-blocks, sandbanks, eddies and the like (CR rated Rivers) A good example – Upper Umgeni

·         A moderately experienced paddler learning to master bigger rivers, with more challenging obstacles, such as higher volumes of water, bigger rapids with significant drops, stoppers, waves and holes, rapids that require significant manoeuvering, bigger weirs and strong currents and eddies (BR rated rivers). Good example – Dusi, Fish

·         An experienced paddler ready to tackle technically difficult and potentially dangerous rivers, with demanding high-grade rapids, serious waterflow and hydraulic features, rapids with difficult lines that require substantial handling skills and rough water experience to be safely enjoyed. (AR rated rivers) Good example – Umkomaas, Lowveld Croc.

It is imperative to note that the difficulty grading of any stretch of water can be significantly affected by unusually high or low water levels, as well as factors such as cold, rain, sleet, wind, mist and fog. The presiding safety officer is entitled to revise the river grading appropriately, and apply restrictions to entry, in these circumstances.  For this exercise, the rating are based on “normal” or “average conditions” during the popular racing season.

INTERNATIONAL SCALE OF RIVER DIFFICULTY
CLASS 0: Flat stationary water - no waves.
CLASS 1: Moving water with a few riffles and small waves - few or no obstructions.
CLASS 2: Easy rapids with waves up to a metre high and wide clear channels that can be seen without scouting. Some manoeuvering is required to avoid obstacles.
CLASS 3: Rapids with high, irregular waves (above 1 mt) would likely swamp an open canoe. Has narrow channels and has some drops causing turbulence which may require complex manoeuvering and even scouting from the bank.
CLASS 4: Long difficult rapids with constricted passages that require precise manoeuvering in very turbulent water. Scouting from the bank is often necessary and the conditions make rescue difficult. Paddlers in kayaks should able to successfully execute an eskimo roll. There is more than 100 metres to the next pool.
CLASS 5: Extremely difficult, long and very violent rapids with large drops having highly congested routes which nearly always require scouting. Rescue conditions are difficult and there is a significant risk to life in the event of a mishap. Gradient is steep (1 in 10 up to 1 in 20) with large stoppers. Bomb-proof roll is essential!
CLASS 6: The difficulties of class 5 carried to the extreme of navigability, nearly impossible and very dangerous. For teams of experts only, after close study and all precautions taken. Generally a very steep gradient of more than 1 in 5 with a large number of stoppers.

CSA RIVER CLASSIFICATIONS
F<> – Flatwater, no discernible flow eg Marina da Gama, Midmar Dam or Victoria Lake.
CR – Flowing gently, some small rapids (class 1 and 2), and possibly reed channels and/or tree blocks eg Albert Falls weir  to Bluegums (Umgeni) or Klip from Henley to Confluence.
BR – Steady flowing water, with some technical spots that require significant manoeuvering, but seldom exceed class 3 rapids. eg Campbells farm to Dusi Brige (Umsindusi), Breede, Barrage to Parys (Vaal).
AR – Technical, continuous wild water, with up to class 4 or 5 rapids, usually inaccessible, may containing technically difficult obstacles such as weirs eg Tugela, Umko, Lowveld Croc.
X – Extreme, for very competent plastic kayak paddlers only eg Thrombosis Gorge, Deepdale to Hella Hella or Ndedema Gorge.