| A | B | C | D | |
 |
NOT STRENUOUS < 3 hrs/day < 6 N. miles Sheltered spots Easy landings |
MOD. STRENUOUS < 3-5 hrs/day < 6-10 N. miles Some shelter Easy landings |
STRENUOUS < 5-6 hrs/day < 10-15 N. miles Infrequent shelter Sporadic landing spots |
VERY STRENUOUS 6+ hrs/day 15+ N. miles Few or no shelter few landings |
| 1 EASY Minimal paddling skills Protected inland waters Moderate wind effects Weak to moderate currents easy to moderate landings |
1A | 1B | 1C | 1D |
| 2 MODERATE Basic skills: able to brace Protected inland waters Moderate wind effects Weak to moderate current Easy to moderate landings |
2A | 2B | 2C | 2D |
| 3 DIFFICULT Good paddling, sea skills Skilled self/group rescue Open coast, exposed water, crossings & swells Moderate to strong wind & current Surf & difficult landings |
3A | 3B | 3C | 3D |
| 4 VERY DIFFICULT Advanced skills (roll) Long open crossings Strong individual paddler Exposed coast Turbulent water, chop Strong wind effects, current, large swells Surf & difficult landings |
4A | 4B | 4C | 4D |
- This Trip Classification is a starting point and a guideline only. Many factors are in play
when determining your suitability for a trip. - When selecting a trip, read the classification and determine whether you have the skills and strength to successfully and comfortably complete it. Considerations would include the presence or absence of currents, difficulty of the landings and launches, length of crossings, ruggedness of the coastline, general expected water conditions, etc.
- Winds or currents can dramatically alter our progress, either in favour, or against us. We can fairly accurately predict the currents by using tide and current tables, but the presence of wind can easily increase the strenuousness of a “B” rated trip to a “C” or a “D”, or even make progress almost impossible.
- Weather and water conditions on any particular day can make a trip more difficult and strenuous than rated!
- Check with Trip Leaders if you have any doubt of the trip rating. Trip Leaders have the discretion to deny participation if they are unsure of a paddler’s skills or readiness for trips.
- Wet suits or dry suits may be required by Trip Leaders on any trip.
You are responsible for your own safety on all trips: Make sure you have the skill level, the physical strength and endurance and the right equipment. Do not go out in conditions you are uncomfortable with. Kayaking conditions are variable and contain unpredictable elements that make any attempt to grade a trip inexact.