How mant official classes of whitewater rapids are there?

Question

How mant official classes of whitewater rapids are there?

Answer 1

On really large rivers such as the Grand Canyon, Bio Bio; you will hear guides talk about classification from 1 through 10. Because the volume of the water is so large, some have classified those rivers accordingly. Lava Falls Rapid on the Grand Canyon is rated Class 10; comparable to Class 5 on smaller rivers.

See below for a link to photos of the standard classification system rated 1 through 6 (6 is commercially unrunnable; though many kayakers will attempt these extreme levels).

Answer 2

I believe there are five.  Five being the most difficult to navigate.

Answer 3

The U.S. system recognizes six classes of whitewater rapids.  One being easiest (i.e no obstacles, few if any standing waves, etc.), and six being defined as commercially unrunnable, involving "must make" moves with potentially catastrophic results.

The European system is very similar, but only recognizes five categories, omitting a category for "unrunnable".

Answer 4

Five.

Answer 5

six Classes,

1 being the weakest 6 being expert.

Class five is the most dangerous that can still be ran by a commercial raft.