Rivers with Class I flat water interspersed with occasional Class II rapids: waves 1-2 feet high. Using a self-guided watercraft
is an option.
*Best for young children and tentative adults.
NOTE: All-Outdoors Class I-II trips are designed for children aged 5-7 years old and their family.
Beginner - Intermediate
Class III
Rivers with Class I - II water interspersed with Class III rapids: waves usually 2-3 feet high, passageways contain some
obstacles. Rapids are challenging but not overwhelming.
* Best introduction to rafting for the widest range of people.
Intermediate
Class III-IV
Rivers with Class I - III water interspersed with occasional Class IV rapids: waves and drops 4 feet high and sometimes higher,
difficult passageways containing some obstacles. Unintentionally falling out of the raft may mean an uncomfortable "swim".
* Best for those with previous Class III experience wanting to try-out Class IV whitewater, and for athletic, adventurous
first-timers.
Intermediate-Advanced
Class IV+
Rivers with Class I - IV water and more difficult Class IV+ rapids: 4-5 foot waves and drops, complicated by difficult passages
containing obstacles that require quick, precise maneuvering. Falling out of the raft and "swimming" in a rapid will be difficult.
* Best for those with previous Class III or Class IV experience wanting a more difficult whitewater challenge.
Advanced
Class V
Rivers with Class I - IV+ water interspersed with long, tumultuous Class V rapids: 5-8 foot drops and obstacles that must be
avoided. Falling out of the raft means an extremely difficult and potentially hazardous "swim".
* Best for those with previous Class IV & IV+ experience seeking the ultimate whitewater challenge.
Unrunnable
Class VI
Rivers containing rapids that are so difficult that safe passage is doubtful and chances of serious incident, injury and death are almost certain. If attempted and successful, luck deserves the largest portion of credit.
AO Blog > Recent Posts > [VIDEO] What California Rivers Taught Me in 59 Years
[VIDEO] What California Rivers Taught Me in 59 Years
Posted June 2, 2021 by Jack Armstrong: grandson of founder George Armstrong
View time: 2 mins
All-Outdoors founder George Armstrong reflects on 59 years of lessons learned from California rivers. “No matter how much you know, or think you know, there is always more to learn”. Rivers have something to say to everyone.
Jack Armstrong: grandson of founder George Armstrong
Jack grew up 35 minutes from AO headquarters, and is the grandson of our founder, George. His education includes a film degree and art studies from Biola University, as well as lots of experience breaking camera gear outside. After graduating college, he started an outdoors/action sports focused production company and is largely responsible for our video, photo, and social media content. Jack’s favorite trip is the Cal-Salmon, because of the river’s awe-inspiring beauty and the sweet rapids. When he’s not rafting or playing with cameras, Jack can be found skiing, surfing, visiting art galleries, or eating tacos.