Does flatwater need classifications similar to whitewater?

[tketcham]

There's an interesting discussion regarding the definition of flatwater over at Paddling.com that raises the question: Does flatwater need a sanctioned classification system similar to the ratings for whitewater?

The International Scale of River Difficulty (ISRD) for whitewater uses classifications that are used by whitewater paddlers and provide a relative rating of difficulty/risk. But there doesn't seem to be any accepted classifications for flatwater paddling and maybe there should be, given the range of inherent risks when out paddling on "flatwater", including wind/waves (fetch?) and stream flow volume and current speed. Perhaps shoreline ruggedness for assessing beaching difficulty. Maybe even water temperatures should be included.

I found a few references to flatwater rating systems but they're not really applicable to canoeing or are incomplete or are DIY without sanctioning by a recognized organization.

The American Canoe Association has a five-level skills assessment for kayaks geared for ocean paddling and apparently there are three moving water classifications (From “Canoeing and Kayaking Instruction Manual of the American Canoe Association"; Laurie Gullion; c. 1987), including:

Class A Flowing under 2 m.p.h.​

Class B 2 to 4 m.p.h.​

Class C Greater than 4 m.p.h.​

And here's an example (out of several I found) of a DIY rating system:

Paddling Adventure Difficulty Ratings - Adventure Nerds

A difficulty rating system for paddling adventures using ISRD rapids ratings, distance from shore, paddling distance, and required portages.

adventurenerds.com

None of the rating systems I found provide a very useful means of assessing risk for flatwater canoeing because of limited scope, inapplicable levels of risk, or not providing an integrated and comprehensive rating system. I admit to not spending a whole lot of time searching online for flatwater classification systems because it appears that there really isn't one, otherwise I think it would have shown up rather prominently, like the ISRD system does. So should there be a risk classification system for flatwater? And what would it include?

 

[Steve in Idaho]

It's an interesting question. I don't know how to answer, because I can't imagine how one would reliably determine it.

My local lake has somewhat restricted access, and is aligned pretty close to the prevailing wind. It's about seven miles long, so it doesn't take a really strong wind to build challenging waves with that fetch. I suppose one could base the rating by wind speed and direction, but then add two or three wakeboats in the mix and things can get really dicey (even on a fairly calm day, FTM). Given the randomness involved, I don't know how a usable system would work, but it would be helpful for some if one existed.

Personally, I can't think of anything better than accessing local info. In my case (Lake Lowell) there is a Facebook page dedicated to fishing on the lake, and since it's part of the Deer Flat wildlife preserve there is also the on site visitor center.

 

[tketcham]

Given the randomness involved, I don't know how a usable system would work, but it would be helpful for some if one existed.

I guess it would have to be based on the potential risks and categorized by waterbody or stream size. Probably end up with a matrix of some sort, with factors like max/avg fetch and wind speed, stream volume and current speed, shoreline roughness, etc.

It could get complicated, though there might be some usefulness in having a chart of potential risk for broad categories. I think canoeists develop a sixth sense about the risks of canoeing but it takes years of trial and error to get good at recognizing it.

 

[dutchlennart]

On the ww side there are 3 qualificions
1 is the ww 1 to 6
2 de us / rafting fron 1 to 10..
3 The one from corran adison that mixes;
How difficult is the line/rapid,
What are the consequences,
How good is access to healhtcare ect.

The example many times used;
Ferry above zambezi falls
DIffilcul no it si grade 1 if that
2 Death most probably
3 6 hours at the back of a moped to a hosputal that is questable

On flatwater
The matrix of corran is the biggest part of your assessment.
Things i look for as well is what boats are involved , shape materiall attached gear
Skillset of te crew paddling , non paddling skilks for example improved sailind and Rescue skills
Temp water and air and how the crew is geared to that.

 

[Steve in Idaho]

Around here, one night add blue/green algae to the mix. In other places, dangerous reptiles.

 

[ScottS]

I do a lot of out-n-back day trips on rivers in my area - both freshwater and tidal.
As everyone knows, current speed can vary greatly depending on the season and recent rainfall, and
tidal rivers change throughout the day, of course.

First, guidebook writers seem to assume that everyone is floating downstream. I also get the idea that most
guidebook authors run around visiting each route only once.

I use a simple ratio system in my notes. Time up river : Time down river. Plus seasonal, rain, river gauge notes, danger stuff etc.

Example - A stretch of the Farmington is usually 2:1 or less in summer, but 3:1 or more in spring. 3:1 is getting to be a
grim upstream grind while 2:1 is a pretty nice paddle. (And 4:1...if you can't wade it, just go home)

On the Connecticut River, my notes refer to the Hartford gauge if I am in the freshwater reach. If it's at 10ft or more, it's going to be
moving pretty good (3:1). Higher than that, I know that a start at Rocky Hill is a one way trip only, but the nearby tributary Mattebasset becomes a really fun huge flooded marsh and forest paddle with no current at all.

I do the same with tidal areas. The mouth of the Housatonic is 3:1 in worst case full ebb or full flood (it's quite the reversal flow).
But, by hugging the east shoreline one can use long eddies and slower water to make good progress against the current.
The hazards are a few floating docks in questionable repair as the current is strong enough to roll a canoe under.

Meanwhile, the nearby tidal East River never gets worse than 2:1 no matter what the tide is doing, although the unobstructed
wind in the lower tidal marsh might put the hurt on you. The only other note is that I have to wade a couple short spots at low tide.

Lakes are just noted by what they can become and how to duck the wind if necessary.

 

[lowangle al]

I'd say no. Any large body of water or even smaller ones have the potential to be hazardous when the wind is up. I think the danger level and the skills needed to paddle flat water change with the conditions, so it might make more sense to grade flat water by the conditions present. I would also hope that people do a little research on the particular lake they plan to paddle to see if there are any dangers that they should be aware of that aren't obvious. On one particular lake I've paddled that is prone to sudden high winds, there is also quite a bit of shoreline where you can't pull out on shore because of cliffs. On this lake it is especially important to check to weather forecast, but it is also a good idea on any large lake.