Class VI

Also called Grade VI, Class 6 or Grade 6

[edit] Whitewater Classification

Extreme and Exploratory: These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts (preferably ones with no dependents or loved ones) only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. These runs are often first decents and are usually only tried after having hiked the river / creek during low water (usually in winter) and clearing as much debris as possible. It should be noted that only people that are very confident in their abilities should attempt such runs and only after adequate preparations.

Preparations should include a rescue person with a throw rope at the bottom of the run, a cell phone or VHF radio, a first aid kit, and the standard assortment of ropes, carabiners, pulleys, figure 8, climbing harness and other extraction gear just in case a member of your party gets stuck in a precarious position. One of the most important preparations that you can do is telling people that are not on the trip when you are leaving, where you are going, and most importantly, when you will be back. This information will be necessary for a search & rescue mission if your group does not return as scheduled.