Level 0:
- Have never been in a whitewater canoe or kayak OR
- Have paddled in a whitewater kayak/canoe less than five times OR
- Are switching from another craft to a whitewater kayak/canoe
Level 1:
- Paddle with effective strokes
- Have paddled a whitewater kayak/canoe 5-10 times on whitewater in the last year
- Understand and execute basic ferries, peel-outs and eddy turns
- Demonstrate river stewardship
- Self rescue
- Perform wet exits with ease
- Successfully performed a flat water roll in the last year
- Attempted rolls in current or last year
Level 2:
- Paddle Class II rivers consistently and confidently
- Completed whitewater river trips at least five times in a kayak/canoe in the last year
- Be able to choose your own route down rapids/rivers
- Perform crisp ferries, peel-outs and eddy turns in Class II whitewater
- Have the desire to improve techniques by using better body mechanics
- Are able to maintain upright posture
- Roll consistently on Class II whitewater
- Self-rescue regularly; including gear
- Assist others with rescue
- Use off-side strokes
Level 3:
- Paddle Class II whitewater consistently and confidently
- Have done an adventure trip with class IV rapids
- Lead others down rapids/rivers on Class II water
- Catch one-boat eddies on Class II Water
- Attempt challenging moves
- Are able to maintain upright posture
- Roll reliably on Class II whitewater
- Attempt hands and off-side rolls
- Perform effective high and low braces
- Assist others with rescues
- Perform off-side strokes proficiently
Level 4:
- Paddle and play in class III+ rivers
- Have done multiple adventure trips
- Eddy hop through rapids
- Boat scout class III+
- Surf with relaxed confidence in class III+
- Boat control primarily based on body mechanics (not on the paddle)
- Consistent in making your line
- Comfortable in whitewater even without a clear line of sight
- Proactive about group safety
- Assist others with rescues
- Clearly and completely visualize rapids
Level 5:
- Positive and proficient in class IV rivers
- Have done multiple adventure trips
- Consistently make challenging lines
- Execute plan B’s on demand
- Comfortable boat control while vertical
- Link moves confidently
- Demonstrate conscientious group awareness
- Able to respond positively to adversity
Level 6:
- Relaxed and powerful in extreme conditions
- Have done multiple adventure trips
- Have protective gear
- Execute quick swiftwater rescues
- Use whole body to maneuver boat
- Paddle regularly parcticing fundamentals of paddling
- Never Give Up!