Rapids
Classifications
Class I — Easy, no obstacles, small ripples, slow current
Class II— Moderate, occasional obstacles, medium current with waves
Class III — Difficult, longer rapids with strong, irregular currents
Class IV — Very Difficult, steeper, longer with numerous obstacles
Class V — Extremely Difficult, has large vertical drops, strong hydraulics, very swift, irregular currents in heavily obstructed channels
Class VI — Nearly Impossible and Very Dangerous. For teams of experts only, after close study and with all precautions taken.
The Maine Rivers
Kennebec River
The 12 mile Kennebec trip begins at Harris Station on Indian Pond and flows
through the Kennebec Gorge ending at The Forks, the confluence of the
Dead and Kennebec Rivers. Class II-V Rapids.
Penobscot RiverThe first 2 miles descend
from McKay Station through Ripogenus Gorge. The last
12 miles of rapids end at the take out near Pockwockamus Falls. Class
III-V Rapids.
Dead River
The Dead river offers the
longest stretch of continuous whitewater in the East.
The 16 mile trip begins at Grand Falls and runs through Class IV and V
whitewater ending at The Forks.
What
has not changed is the thrill of the river ride. The day starts as you
disembark from your shuttle that has brought you to the head of the
river. Here your guide goes over the basics of your day and reviews
rafting lingo and commands. You jump into your raft, and suddenly, you
are off on the adventure of a lifetime. Sometimes you drift along in
solitude enjoying the river, the wildlife and serene surroundings. You
may even spy a Bald Eagle or a Moose grazing by the river. Other times
you are paddling through Whitewater rapids and it is guaranteed you are
no longer concerned about that long list of emails you have not attended
to.
There
is nothing quite like your day in the river, from the most peaceful
serene moments to the heart pounding thrill of the rapids… this is a
once in a lifetime experience everyone deserves.