In white water rafting, what does a class 3 river mean?

Question

How is it different from a class 1 river? And how far do river classifications go - up to class 10?

Answer 1

Heres what I found. Classes up to 6

Class III: intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class III-" or " Class III+" respectively.

Answer 2

class 5 is the highest. higher number means more difficulty and danger.

Answer 3

Different boating groups rate river conditions differently. The usual whitewater system  accords 6 classes. Grade 1 and 2 rivers are suitable for open canoes. A Grade 3 river can be handled by a skilled open canoer. Grade 4 and 5 waters are for experts in decked boats. Grade 6 water is deemed unrunnable or at risk of life.  River ratings also depend on actual water flow amounts. Posted ratings are only advisory, check with a local source for actual conditions.

Answer 4

There's 5 classes, the 6th class is for those who don't care if they live or die.

Class I rapids have a little bit of current some ripples here and there. Great for all beginners. Canoes can easily do it. Kayakers don't like it-they have to paddle too much.

Class 2 rapids have more current and once in a while have a bit of rocks to get around that can look like a little shoot, or "V", that you have to fit your raft in. You have to know a bit more about canoeing to avoid rocks and avoid low water spots.

Kayakers like it a bit more, but still a lot of paddling for them.

Class 3 rapids have a fairly nice current, and regular rolling waves, shoots, debris, and can have things called "strainers" that you can get stuck in, badly. You have to be an excellent canoeist, and you'll probably swamp your canoe in the bigger shoots.

Kayakers will be happy as can be riding the waves and playing in the surf.

Class 4/5: Bigger waves, hydraulics that can suck a boat in it, recirculating waves that can trap a kayaker, huge wave trains that go one after the other, lots of obstacles, kayakers have to be very good; canoeists can't do it. Rafts do okay with a decent guide.

The only river I know of off hand that uses class 1-10 is the Colorado in the Grand Canyon, which I've rafted. Their Class 1-2 = Regular Class 1; their class 3-4 = Regular Class 2; etc      

Be safe and have fun!