Rafters
Boy Rafting
What You Need to Know
Water Levels | Rapid Classifications | Limits and Physical Requirements

Water Levels

The following Water Level Classifications are meant to be a general guideline only. Although not always a good predictor of the amount of Thrills and Risks you will have on your raft trip, these guidelines do give an indication of what you might encounter on your rafting adventure.

CLEAR CREEK
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/CO/nwis/uv?06716500
Geo commonly refers to the River Gauge at Lawson, CO.
200 cfs and Below - Marginal
200 cfs to 350 cfs - Low Water
350cfs to 650 cfs - Moderate Water
650 cfs and Above - High Water

ARKANSAS RIVER
http://www.dwr.state.co.us/SurfaceWater/data/detail_graph.aspx?ID=ARKWELCO&MTYPE=DISCHRG
Geo commonly refers to the River Gauge at Wellsville, CO.
700cfs and Below - Marginal
700 cfs to 1500 cfs - Low Water
1500 cfs to 3000 cfs - Moderate Water
3000 cfs and Above - High Water

UPPER COLORADO RIVER
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/CO/nwis/uv?09058000
Geo commonly refers to the River Gauge at Kremmling, CO.
500 cfs and Below - Marginal
500 cfs to 1500 cfs - Low Water
1500 cfs to 3000 cfs - Moderate Water
3000 cfs and Above - High Water

BACK TO TOP | BACK TO TRIPS

 

Rapid Classifications

The following Rapid Classifications are meant to be a general guideline only. The Classification of a rapid is subjective at best. Factors that may influence the classification of an individual rapid include but are not limited to: Water levels, Weather conditions, and course traversed.

CLASS I Easy. Small waves & no obstacles
CLASS II Medium difficult. Moderate waves & clear passages
CLASS III Difficult. Irregular waves, narrow passages & scouting may be advisable.
CLASS IV Very difficult. Large irregular waves, precise maneuvering required, scouting advised & rescue difficult.
CLASS V Extremely difficult. Violent waves, highly congested passages, expert maneuvering required, scouting mandatory & significant hazard to life in event of mishap.
CLASS VI  Ultimate limit to navigability, Some consider unrunnable, loss of life possible.

BACK TO TOP

 

Age Requirements

Geo places general age requirements on most of its trips. These requirements may vary with Water Level and other factors. Geo Tours reserves the right to impose age and/or size restrictions at Geo's discretion.

CLEAR CREEK
MOUNTAIN LION 7 YRS. & ABOVE
OUTER LIMITS 16 YRS. & ABOVE
TERMINATOR 18 YRS. & ABOVE
DOUBLE DOWN 16 YRS. & ABOVE

ARKANSAS RIVER
BROWN'S CANYON 10 YRS & ABOVE
NARROWS 16 YRS & ABOVE
NUMBERS 18 YRS AND ABOVE

UPPER COLORADO RIVER
MOST SECTIONS 5 YRS & ABOVE

Minimum chest size of a Coast Guard approved Type V PFD is 24”. For persons with less than a 24” chest the PFD will not fit properly and thus the person may not participate.

Maximum chest size for a Coast Guard approved Type V PFD is 62”.

Whitewater rafting and related activities requires individual participation. The level of physical activity varies with each trip. With an increasing difficulty level, physical demands and risks proportionally increase. Please consider yours and your group’s needs and abilities when selecting a trip. You may want to consult with a physician prior to taking a trip if you have medical questions or any of the following medical conditions: Allergies (Insect stings), Asthma, Diabetes, Hearing Impairment, Heart Disease, Osteoporosis, Physical or Psychological Impairment of Swimming, Pregnancy, Seizure Disorders and Vision Impairment. The above list is NOT all-inclusive.

Download a PDF of the Essential Eligibility Criteria here.

BACK TO TOP

 

Home| Trips | Clear Creek | Upper Colorado River | Arkansas River
About Us | Safety | Location | E-Mail Us | What to Bring | FAQ's | Testimonials
Reservations| Specials | Site Map

229 Colorado Hwy 8• PO Box 483
Morrison, CO 80465-0483
(303) 756-6070 • (800) 660-7238 • e-mail: bruce@georafting.com

Geo Tours Whitewater Raft Trips © 2011. All Rights Reserved.

Geo Tours - You can't see this from the car
Whitewater Rafting
FAQ
Reservations |  Be a Guide |  FAQ |  Safety |  Testimonials
Clear Creek |  Upper Colorado |  Arkansas
Arkansas River