SEA KAYAK TRIP CLASSIFICATIONS (SK RATING)

TRIP RATING SK I SK II SK III SK IV SK V SK VI Geography In areas protected Fetch less than 10 Crossings up to 2 Crossings up to 5 Crossings more Trips combining a (fetch is defined as from waves by NM unless it is NM wide and/or NM. than 5 NM, but less long fetch with the unobstructed nearby landforms generally possible fetches longer than 3 hours stretches where distance the wind in case of wind. to land and walk than 10 NM. paddling time at the safe landing may can blow over the out. Crossings speed listed for the be difficult or water and build up less than 1/2 NM trip. Exposed ocean impossible for waves) except for very coasts are included most of the day. NM = Nautical protected trips. when precautions Miles are taken. Hydraulics Insignificant Max. predicted Max predicted Predicted currents Currents may be Exposure to (expected en currents. current up to 1 kt. currents up to 2 kt. may be more than faster than group hazards at any route) 2 kt, but less than can paddle against. other levels taken kt = knot slowest paddler's to extremes. top speed. Routes Day trip near Either has May involve May cross strong May include landing Exposure to shore. protection or crossing eddy eddy lines, tide and launching in hazards at any intermittent places lines and tide rips. rips, and surf. other levels taken to get out. upswellings. to extremes. Acceptable Calm. Generally try to Generally will not May include steep For groups May only be Conditions avoid choppy start out in waves and swells. prepared to negotiable with (no guarantees) water and/or whitecaps, but be Be comfortable knowingly set out in favorable winds above 10 kt. prepared for paddling in 15 kt rough weather, conditions. Kayak paddling into winds. whitecaps, and fast rescues may not waves large currents. be possible. enough to wash over the deck, and be comfortable paddling in at least 10 kt winds. Skills and Ability to swim. Participants must Conditions may Conditions may Trip members must Extensive Conditions Except with have practiced require bracing require have tested their experience and (the skills and leader's assisted sea skills. Previous anticipatory skills in rough skills including experience permission: kayak rescue group and self leaning, reflexive conditions, know kayak surfing and required are (a) previous techniques. rescue practice bracing, stern their limits, and be rolling are cumulative with experience is (both as rescuer rudder with self-reliant in the required. ascending levels) required on trips and rescuee). paddle, and the event of separation more than 5 NM; ability to read from the group. The and moving water. ability to Eskimo roll (b) previous Familiarity with is highly practice capsizing charts and recommended as and wet exiting (or navigation. conditions can be willing to learn make sea kayak how before the rescues difficult. trip). Rescue practice with the kayak and equipment used on this trip.

Plus or minus signs can be used to further differentiate the levels. For example, a minus sign could be used for a trip which technically gets a given level, but is on the easy side of that level. An asterisk designates training trips open to paddlers new to that level. The distance to be paddled and the expected paddling speed should be listed, but do not affect the trip level.

Due to extra risk, the following factors increase the trip rating 1/2 level: • Water temperatures less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, unless participants bring wetsuits or drysuits to wear. • A slightly faster current or longer crossing when all other conditions meet the criteria of a stated trip. • Overnight or longer trips, unless an alternative (such as hiking out or being picked up by a support boat) is available.

Sources for Sea Kayak Trip Classifications: The Mountaineers Sea Kayaking Committee. Trip Leader's Manual. Seattle, Tacoma, ca. 1993. Harrison, David. Kayak Camping. New York: Hearst Marine Books, 1995.