Below visitors will find information designed to make choosing the right waterway and the type of on-water experience simple. By reading and understanding the below information you will be better informed and able to match the correct waterway for your outing. If you are unsure or are a novice to paddling be sure to take the time to read this information thoroughly. It is important that folks wishing to paddle Virginia's waters choose the right water course for his/her plan and experience. Don't worry, if you don't have experience this page is designed to inform visitors of one of the many options that are available for those who don't know a canoe from a school bus.

Types of Waters
There are traditionally four types of waters in Virginia: Flat Water, Moving Water, White Water and Coastal/Ocean. All forms of on-water recreation do have some inherent dangers – ( More Info ) – however, by providing this information visitors can choose the waterway that meets his/her requirements. All types of waters can accommodate beginners at various levels.

Flat Water – Is generally a body of water that has no current. Lakes and ponds are the best examples. Wind and waves are elements that contribute to flat water paddling. Beginner level – can be self guided – may require instruction

Moving Water – Waterways with current (i.e. rivers) that have small riffles and rapids up to Class II rating at normal water flow. Beginner level – can be self guided – may require instruction

White Water – Moving water with stronger – Class III and above - rapid ratings and skill requirements. Intermediate to advanced – requires training and experience or guides for novices.

Coastal/Ocean – Waterways, conditions, tides, weather all contribute to level required to participate. Check with outfitter – Beginner to Advanced – may require instruction and/or guides

To simplify making a choice for your outing a matrix of water types and crafts will appear with each VAPPA member. This handy guide will quickly let visitors know what types of boats and water each member provides. If you are unsure, simply call your outfitter and ask.

Water Ratings /Classifications
In order to make the right choices for having a rewarding and memorial on-water experience waterways have been assigned various degrees of difficulty based on a variety of factors. To assist visitors the below classifications of waters is standardized and allows participants to choose the correct water course. Remember; never paddle any water that you are not prepared to swim. These ratings have been edited from the American Whitewater Association.

Class I: Easy. Features swift moving water with riffles and small waves with few obstructions which are obvious and easily missed. Risk to swimmers (those who fall out of their boat) is slight; self-rescue is easy.

Class II: Novice. Features straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed. . Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.

Class III: Intermediate. Has rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages are often required; large waves or strainers (any in-water object that allows water to pass through yet traps/strains equipment and the like) may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Requires practiced skills and/or guide

Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. Requires practiced skills and/or guide