Are level four rapids difficult?

Question

we're going whitewater rafting this weekend, and I'm worried about my six year old brother who can't swim. we're going on level fours. is it too dangerous?

Answer 1

it really depends on the river. as for your 6 year old  brother just make sure he is in a good rated life jacket and it is TOTALLY SECURED..

  what I meant by it depends on the river is the speed of the fin the flow. has it rained up river in the last 24 hrs? the height of river means alot.

   have you rafted this river before? have you rafted any river before? experience is a big factor no matter what level the rapids are..  you can drown in 2 inches of water. take care and good luck

Answer 2

I would not take a 6 year old on class IV rapids even though I have done it at night drunk on a alligator blow up pool toy and boogie boards(I am an experienced surfer and water baby). I thought it was simple and easy and had no problem but two thirteen year olds died the following morning on the same stretch of river.

This should definately answer your question. NO,NO,and NO

Answer 3

Swimming in Class IV whitewater can be terrifying, exhausting, and dangerous for even strong swimmers wearing lifejackets, and if you're rafting, kayaking, etc., there is always a possibility of a swim. Even if everything turns out ok, your brother might get scared enough to be turned off to water sports for good. A gentle "float trip" would be much more fun for him.

If you're a skier, another way to think of the river grading system is the following:

Class I - Bunny slope

Class II - Green

Class III - Blue

Class IV - Black diamond

Class V - Double diamond

Class VI - Avalanche terrain during earthquake season

Answer 4

I actually did some research on level 3 and 4 rapids this weekend, as my father is going out on a trip in similar waters in a couple days and we were concerned about his safety.

Here is how good ole wikipedia broke it down:

Class 1: Very small rough areas, requires no maneuvering. (Skill Level: None)

Class 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, small drops, might require maneuvering. (Skill Level: Basic Paddling Skill)

Class 3: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe a 3-5 ft drop, but not much considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering. (Skill Level: Experienced paddling skills)

Class 4: Whitewater, large waves, rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill Level: Whitewater Experience)

Class 5: Whitewater, large waves, large rocks and hazards, maybe a large drop, precise maneuvering (Skill Level: Advanced Whitewater Experience)

Class 6: Whitewater, typically with huge waves, huge rocks and hazards, huge drops, but sometimes labeled thusly due to largely invisible dangers (i.e., a smooth slide that creates a near-perfect, almost inescapable hydraulic, as at Woodall Shoals/Chattooga). Class 6 rapids are considered hazardous even for expert paddlers using state-of-the-art equipment, and come with the warning "danger to life or limb." (Skill Level: Expert)

Class 4 does seem a little iffy for a 6 year old.

Answer 5

I would recommend smaller like II and I+ if he can't swim. Here in Colorado you have to be 8 to go on III+ so I would check that out. but that seems to dangerous with the rivers being very high this year

Answer 6

Please , a grade IV rapids is no place for a six year old. Any reputable raft company would not allow such a person on any of their trips. If their is an upset, he will be tossed into water he has no control over!

Grade IV water is difficult and hazardous even for experienced boaters.

I  suggest that there is a question of criminal culpability involved if anyone allows this child to go.

Answer 7

i don't think you would want to have a six year old on a grade four river. it's even extremely dangerous for an adult to be swimming in this kind of water. i'm not sure i'm sure that, because it's a rafting course, there won't be major hazzards such as constictions or strainers. but like the quote from wikipedia said, you are presented with large waves and stoppers. i would be uncomfortable paddling a grade four river in a kayak. but completely at ease on a grade 3. there is a significant difference