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RAPIDS CLASSIFICATION
Here is a shorten description of rapids classes, based on the international river classifications from class 1 (RI) to class 5 (RV) to educate you on the delights that await you on the Gatineau River.

Note that rivers tend to rise of a class in period of spring floods or heavy rains over several days.

CLASS 1 (RI)

Moving water with low current and a few potential obstacles. Negotiating the rapid is very easy.

CLASS 2 (RII)

Faster current with small regular waves. Possible presence of obstacles such as rocks and small thresholds. The overall crossing of this rapid is pretty easy and is ideal for practicing basic techniques (maneuvers and whitewater safety).

CLASS 3 (RIII)

Fast with big waves, rollers and presence of countercurrents. More technical passage with several obstacles, but is very well manageable.

CLASS 4 (RIV)

Fast with intense waves and swirls and a potential of many obstacles. Requires precise and technical maneuvers.

CLASS 5 (RV)

Often long rapids, with large, irregular waves, many obstacles and thresholds requiring highly technical maneuvers.

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