Skill Levels

All participants in Carolina Canoe Club trips do so as common adventurers. The club or its individual members may coordinate paddling trips but no one is considered leader of a trip. All participants take the responsibility for making their own decisions including, but not limited to, whether to participate on any particular water body or section, what equipment they use, the routes they may choose to paddle, whether their skill levels and abilities are appropriate for the activity or whether climate and water conditions are appropriate for their participation.

CCC Skill Levels for Club Trips

B = Beginner New paddler with little to no skills.

N = Novice Beginning paddler who is proficient in flat water, knows basic strokes and can maneuver the boat in Class 1-2 moving water.

I = Intermediate Experienced paddler who is comfortable in the water as well as on it, is proficient in class 3 moving water and heavy water, knows eddy turns, and can help in rescues. A decked boater who has learned to roll in Class III white water.

A = Advanced A paddler who has been paddling several years and frequently enough to maneuver in all types of rapids, including technical or heavy water in class 4-5. Someone who has a bomb-proof self-rescue or roll in heavy water, but who rarely has to use it because of excellent boat control and judgment. Good at performing rescues in difficult water.

E = Expert The ultimate level of skill, knowledge and judgment. This level is acquired by years of paddling highly challenging and diverse rivers. Makes class 4 look easy, rarely makes mistakes in class 5 and above. Can tell the difference between impossible runs and those which are merely extremely difficult.

General

  • All Carolina Canoe Club trips are conducted in accordance with the American Whitewater Affiliation Safety Code.
  • Some of the trips will be limited in size and/or split up if other participants are willing to coordinate groups.
  • The Carolina Canoe Club encourages carpooling. If you ride with someone else, you should reimburse the driver for gas. It’s not that much and it WILL be appreciated!