Types of canyoning ratings

ACA UK Canyoneering Grading System

The core format of the UKCG Canyon Rating System includes two digits. The first digit is numeric and represents the values described below related to terrain and rope work. The second digit is an alpha character representing the values described below related to water volume and current. Additional values may be added to represent relative risk and time/commitment. Ratings are cumulative. For example: descending a Class 3 canyon will require the skills listed under Class 3, as well as those listed under Classes 1 and 2.

NOTE: Ratings refer to descents in normal conditions, during what is considered the normal season for the canyon. Adverse conditions, such as higher than normal water volume or colder temperatures, will increase the difficulty of the descent.

FFME Canyoneering Grading System

This grade is based on the following;
An average water flow for the usual season that particular canyon is descended. A group of 5 people, who have not been in the canyon before, but have suitable
experience and skills to descend the canyon. The level of difficulty is set by at least one of the situations in the table being found in the canyon. The jumps are
required.

ACA Canyoneering Grading System

The basic format of the ACA Canyon Rating System includes three main components using alpha/numeric characters and roman numerals. The first digit is numeric and represents the values described below related to terrain and rope work. The second digit is an alpha character representing the values described below related to water volume and current. The third component is a roman numeral that represents the relative time/commitment. An additional alpha character can sometimes be added for risk or exposure. Ratings are cumulative. For example: descending a Class 3 canyon will require the skills listed under Class 3, as well as those listed under Classes 1 and 2.

NOTE: Water level in any canyon can fluctuate greatly from year-to-year, season-to- season, even day-to-day. If, upon arrival at a canyon, you discover the water volume/ current is greater
than indicated by the rating, descent will be more difficult than suggested by the route
description. It will be necessary to reevaluate your decision to attempt the descent.

NOTE: Time estimates are based on average group of 6 people or less. Larger groups and less experienced groups will take longer. An accurate self-assessment of your abilities will be important. For some users, it may be adequate to refer to time in terms of half day, full day or multi day. Others may prefer a more specific estimate and choose to use the Roman Numeral Grade system common in traditional multi-pitch rock climbing.

NOTE: Ratings refer to descents in normal conditions, during what is considered the normal season for the canyon. Adverse conditions, such as higher than normal water volume or colder temperatures, will increase the difficulty and time of the descent.

NOTE: The presence of a risk/seriousness rating suggests that the canyon will involve higher than average risk. The absence or a risk/seriousness rating does not suggest that there will be no risk. All canyoneering involves risk.

Risk factors include number and frequency of rappels, length of rappels (single- or double rope) and exposure, anchor availability, anchor quality, route finding, obstacles, problem solving, terrain encountered between technical sections, flash flood potential, availability of exits and high ground, water temperature, prolonged immersion, and difficulty of evacuation or rescue. Specific factors should be addressed in the route description.

In conversations, you will often hear canyoneers refer to portions of a canyon’s complete rating. For example; they may simply refer to a canyon as Class 2 (referring to the terrain), as Class B (referring to the water), or as Grade IV (referring to the time required). In guidebooks and web sites, you should find complete ratings. A few examples:

3B IV

Class 3 terrain – ropes required. Water with no or very light current. Slightly more than average risk. Will require a long day for an average group.

2A III

Class 2 terrain that will require scrambling and climbing. Normally dry. Will require most of a day for an average group.

4A V

Class 4 terrain. Normally dry. An overnight trip for an average group. Advanced canyoneers only due to terrain rating.

3C II R

Class 3 terrain. Water with very strong current and dangerous hazards. One or more extraordinary risk factors exist. Solid technical skills and sound judgment critical. Expert canyoneers only due to water rating.

4A III XX

Slot canyon with very difficult and exposed climbing/stemming problems. Normally dry. Life threatening even for expert canyoneers. Will require most of a day for an average group. Expert canyoneers only due to terrain and risk/ seriousness ratings.