Riverside Adventure Company is always updating and amending the kinds of events we offer. As a result, we thought it best to create a RATING SYSTEM so that everyone can see what they are getting themselves into before they attempt any kind of adventure.
Get with your TRIBE.
There is almost nothing worse than getting into something with a bunch of people, and suddenly realizing that “THESE ARE NOT MY PEOPLE.” What is almost equally bad, is when there is a group of like-minded people all getting ready to do something amazing, and they all realize, “that person doesn’t belong here.”
This rating system is an attempt to avoid all that awkwardness, and as a direct result and consequence: make everything we offer safer and more fun for everyone.
Easy to Hard
Everything is a spectrum, so keep that in mind.
How to put yourself in the right events and groups
Put yourself in these scenarios and descriptions, and HONESTLY ask yourself how happy you will be in these situations.
Please don’t be “hopeful”. It’s way more important that you are “realistic”.
Don’t “hope” you will keep up, or be happy doing this thing.
Honestly think about past scenarios that approximate what is described in each section and remember how you felt. Upping your game is honorable and commendable, and inspiring: but doing it as the rest of the group is being asked to temper their expectations of a trip is not a good thing to do.
EASY
Easy MINUS
This is any paddle under 2 hours on class 1 water.
No portages (carrying your boat and gear across land)
Doesn’t require any special fitness level for your age and gender.
You must be open to instructions, getting wet and potentially dirty and dress appropriately.
You won’t need any of your own gear besides water, sunscreen, and snacks if you want them.
You must be courteous, and help where you can with other folks who might benefit from your kindly assistance.
Attitude: just about anyone can manage this level adventure.
EXAMPLE - a one hour paddle around the Montour Preserve on a calm day.
Easy PLUS
This is any paddle under 4 hours on class 1 water.
No portages (carrying your boat and gear across land)
It requires you to be of average fitness for your age and gender.
You must be open to getting wet and potentially dirty and dress appropriately.
You must be open to instruction and willing to follow directions.
You must be courteous, and help where you can with other folks who might benefit from your kindly assistance.
Attitude: just about anyone REALISTIC can manage this level adventure,
EXAMPLE - a Three hour paddle around the Montour Preserve on a calm day or a ONE HOUR PADDLE ON THE RIVER.
Medium
Medium MINUS
This is a paddle between 4 and 8 hours on class one or potentially class 2 water in places. “Medium” includes everything in “easy” plus…
It may include a portage, but nothing especially difficult, and since this is a day trip, you won’t have a loaded boat.
It requires you to be of average or better fitness for your age and gender.
Paddle distances under 15 river miles in one day.
Attitude: just about anyone LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT can manage this level adventure.
EXAMPLE - Our Bloomsburg to Danville River paddle.
Medium PLUS
This is a paddle between 4 and 8 hours on class one or potentially class 2 water. “Medium” includes everything in “easy” plus…
Extended milage days paddling over 15 river miles in one day.
It requires you to be of above average fitness for your age and gender.
you might want some of your own gear. Things like water shoes or gloves or other items specifically for you to help you endure longer paddles. You can find some suggestions here
Attitude: just about anyone WILLING TO STEP OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONE can manage this level adventure.
EXAMPLE - sections of smaller water in more remote places like the cherry Tree trip on the west Branch of the susquehanna.
Hard
Hard MINUS
This is a paddle over 8 hours on class one or potentially class 2 water that is high level with potentially some areas of safety concern. Could be colder temperatures, or more swift water.
It will likely include a portage of a loaded boat or some areas that will make you consider unloading and walking a section of water.
It requires you to be of very good fitness for your age and gender.
You need to plan on getting getting wet and dirty and maybe sunburn or bitten by bugs, and prepare accordingly.
Attitude: just about anyone WHO WANTS TO CHALLENGE THEMSELVES can manage this level adventure.
EXAMPLE - An event that we offer as training for an athletic event or a long weekend of camping on the river.
Hard PLUS
This is a paddle typically over multiple days and covering significant milage. There will times when the group will count on you to use good judgement and be part of a team. Participants not properly prepared mentally and physically will be taking a real risk of injury. This level contains all the criteria above plus…
Extended portage.
It requires you to be a borderline athlete or equivalent for your age and gender.
20+ mile days of paddling at potentially higher speeds.
you will need to be able to take care of your own needs.
you will need all your own specific gear (if it is outside of what R.A.C. has available for rent).
Attitude: just about anyone MENTALLY ILL OR WANTING STORIES TO TELL THE GRANDKIDS can manage this level adventure.
