RAFTING POLICY OF THE RENSSELAER OUTING CLUB
                         ______________________________________
General 
         
-Minimum of two boats on a trip, three preferred.
-Club equipment is not to be used on rivers above flood stage or rivers rated above class V

Classification of trips

Class C: Beginner whitewater 

-Day trips only
-Up to Class III (such as: Sacandaga, Esopus, Deerfield Fife brook section, Hudson from 
 Ripparius to the Glen)
-Leader must have run intended river before leading trip


Class B: Intermediate

-Day trips (see note)
-Up to Class IV (such as: Deerfield Dryway, Dead River, Kennebec,
-Hudson (from the Indian River to North Creek)
-Leader must have knowlege of intended river before leading trip.
-For Class IV rivers, leader must have run intended river before leading trip.


Class A: Advanced
-Day trips (see note)
-Up to Class V (such as: Penobscott)
-Unfamiliar Rivers


Note: Rafting leaders without winter mountaineering leadership are limited to day trips.  Class A and B 
 rafting leaders with winter mountaineering leadership can lead multi-day rafting trips where river
 conditions fall within the limits of their rafting leadership and camping conditions fall within the 
 limits of their mountaineering leadership.


Classification of leaders

Class C: 

-Can lead class C trips
-Familiar with proper inflation techniques, repairs and storage of Rafts. This includes repairs on the River!!
-Familiar with ruddering, draw, pry, forward and backwatering techniques
-Aware of rescue techniques of swimmers and equipment, and their limitations


Class B: 

-Can lead class B and C trips
-Meets class C requirements
-Has experience guiding technical and nontechnical class IV rivers
-Has skill in reading rivers
-Able to scout rapids
-Has knowledge of raft loading and its effects on performance
-Aware of portage techniques and when to use them
-Must have practice in rescue techniques
-Must be able to communicate rafting techniques to crew


Class A: 

-Can lead class A, B, and C trips
-Meets class B and C requirements
-Must have developed a 'river sense'
-Must be aware of limitations of ability of the crew


Recommended equipment on trips

Class C:

-Rafts, paddles, pfd's, helmets, first aid kit, wrap kit (rope, caribiners, webbing, prussiks)
 throw ropes, river knives, raft patch kit (raft material, glue), dry bags, dry suits, booties, gloves


Class B:

-At least one experinced guide per raft


Class A:

-Other experienced people


Multi Day Trips:

-guide book, hiking boots, extra rope, compass, Tents, sleeping bags, packs




Modified by Collin Hitchcock 9-10-2002