Our experts train a number of new guides during April each year. All students are required to be certified in First Aid and C.P.R. to be accepted for training. Only those trainees that meet our high safety standards become certified as Class lV (4) River Guides. Understandably, we do pick the “Cream of the Crop” and hire only those who have not only the best river skills, but also the people skills that are so important to our guests. Please be assured that all R.M.A. guides are trained to, and do put the emphasis on safety at all times.
RIVER SELECTION – Your Priority
The South Fork of the American River will thrill first time and veteran rafters alike. It is rated a Class III-IV (3-4) from late May through September. This is appropriate for rafters from 10 years of age and up. Some parents bring really adventuresome youngsters of 8 or more, provided they weigh at least 65 pounds. Healthy people of all ages enjoy the excitement and fun of rafting, including some spry folks in their 70’s and 80’s. The early season Spring Runoff is the only time when the river can be as high as a Class IV (4). For the bigger, more challenging water, youngsters do need to be at least 16 years of age.
INTERNATIONAL SCALE OF RIVER DIFFICULTY
Class I - EASY. Waves small, passages clear, no serious obstacles.
Class II - MEDIUM. Rapids of moderate difficulty with passages clear.
Class III - DIFFICULT. Waves numerous, high, irregular; rocks; eddies; rapids with passages clear through narrow channels that require expertise in maneuvering.
Class IV - VERY DIFFICULT. Long rapids; waves powerful, irregular; dangerous rocks; boiling eddies; powerful and precise maneuvering required.
Class V - EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. Exceedingly difficult with long and violent rapids following each other almost without interruption; riverbed extremely obstructed; big drops; violent current; very steep gradient.
Class VI - UNRUNNABLE.
GUIDE QUALIFICATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS
Class I Rivers, rent a raft, wear life jackets, and go have some fun with the kiddies.
Class II Rivers, a professional guide with all the proper equipment is suggested.
Class III Rivers, a professional guide with all the proper equipment is highly recommended.
Class III - IV Rivers, a professional guide with all the proper equipment is mandatory.
Class IV Rivers, a professional guide with all the proper equipment is mandatory.
Class V Rivers, a professional guide with all the proper equipment and a crew with substantial experience on Class IV rivers would be considered mandatory.
