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Day Trips & Ratings

Ratings for Saltwater & Lake Trips

NSSKA rates saltwater and lake trips based on wind, waves, route and current (for saltwater). We ask all members to carefully read trip descriptions and understand the ratings when signing up for a trip.

Level `—>`	L1	L2	L3	L4	L5
Wind	0-6 kts	5-10 kts	7-15 kts	12-20 kts	Higher than 20 kts
Current	Less than 1 kt / insignificant	1-2 kts	3-4 kts / eddies and boils depending on topology*	4-5 kts / eddies and possibly boils and whirlpools depending on topology*	More than 5 kts / eddies and boils, whirlpools and waves depending on topology*
Waves	Less than 1 ft / no whitecaps	1-2 ft / small whitecaps	1-3 ft / whitecaps, spray, possible swells	Up to 6 ft / many whitecaps, swells, spray	More than 6 ft / large whitecaps, bigger swells, spray
Route Protection Exposure Landings	Paddling near shore. Protected, easy landings and places to get out.	Some protection, crossings less than 1 NM. Easy landings.	Some protected but also exposed water, crossings up to 2 NM. Landings may be fewer and more difficult.	Less protected and more exposed water, more difficult landings, crossings 2-4 NM, few landings.	Exposed and/or rugged coast, surf landings, crossings more than 4 NM.
Required Skills	Swimming Wet Exit	Swimming Wet exit Bracing Assisted rescues	Swimming Wet exit Bracing Assisted rescues Self rescue Basic navigation	Swimming Wet exit Bracing Assisted rescues Self rescue Adv Navigation Rolling preferred	Swimming Wet exit Bracing Assisted rescues Self rescue Adv Navigation Dependable Roll

* An uneven subsurface topology and/or a narrow passage produce more dynamic conditions like boils, whirlpools and waves.

Ratings for River Trips

Our river ratings are based on those provided by American Whitewater. NSSKA only sponsors river trips up to Class II.

Class `—>`	Class I (Easy)	Class II (Novice)
Current/Rapids	Moving water with riffles and small waves.	Some rapids up to 3 feet and wide channels that do not require scouting.
Hazards	Any hazards like strainers and rocks are easy to see and avoid.	Hazards like strainers, rocks, sandbars, and logjams are more common and require some maneuvering, but
Route	Trips are usually around 10 miles. The put-in and take-out sites are easy to access and there are multiple places to get out.	Similar to Class I but perhaps more distance and fewer places to get out.
Required Skills	Swimming Wet Exit	Swimming Wet exit Assisted rescue Bracing Ability to manage eddy lines, boils and mild whirlpools

Trip Leaders and Training Leaders always have the option to adjust times, locations, and routes to safer options if the weather conditions, sea conditions, environmental conditions, or abilities of the participants make this advisable.