International Scale of River Difficulty 

So you've discovered a great creek in the backcountry and you can't wait to try out that new playboat of yours. But not so fast. Before venturing out onto unknown waters, you'd better find out what you're getting yourself into. Talk to someone who's recently paddled that creek. If that doesn't work, talk to someone in the forestry department and see if you can get some current info on water levels and the category of rapids you'll be facing.

As you're probably aware, there are several categories of rapids as defined by the International Ratings system. They are:

• Class A: Lake water. Smooth as glass, with no perceptible waves or other movement.
  
• Class I.- Easy. Your parents would like this one. Smooth water with a few light riffles. Gentle curves, shallow drop,
  and an occasional sand bank thrown in to keep you awake.
  
• Class II.- Moderate. Fairly swift water, rapids with regular waves, some rocks but with clear and open passages between them. No problem for paddlers with intermediate skills.
  
• Class III.- Moderately difficult. Now we're beginning to have fun. Look for numerous high and irregular waves, rocks, and eddies. The passages are clear but narrow and can be tricky to handle. When in doubt, a visual inspection is a good idea. These rapids are best left to paddlers with good to expert skills.
  
• Class IV- Difficult. Extended and powerful rapids with standing waves in this class. Even more challenging when boiling eddies and deep holes are tossed in. Expert paddling skills are required here, and visual inspection from shore is mandatory. And don't forget to plan for possible rescues before taking on Class IV water.
  
• Class V- Extremely difficult. Look for long, violent rapids that extend without interruption. Steep drops, strong currents, and a river full of obstructions. This water can only be run by experts, and only after making rescue preparations. Leave the parents--and everyone else without top-notch paddling skills--back at camp.
  
• Class VI.- Extraordinarily difficult. Even world-class paddlers take this water on with trepidation. Extreme danger here, and these rapids are only navigable when conditions and water levels are perfect. Stay away from these rapids unless you're an expert, and you're willing to risk life and limb in the attempt. And make sure to take every safety precaution.

Good Camping Gear -- Don't Leave Home Without It

If you're planning an overnight or multi-day excursion, you're gonna need some good camping equipment. Being in the backcountry with lousy gear or the wrong gear can be a miserable experience, trust me on this. Always buy the best equipment you can afford, and consider quality, weight, and overall design before choosing on a product.

Retail sporting goods stores are great, but most only carry a limited selection of camping supplies, and expect to pay the full retail price. Online merchants, on the other hand, offer a wide selection of name-brand camping gear and supplies, and at discounted prices. And online shopping offers a convenient, comfortable alternative to driving all over town looking for that hard to find item.

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