What do the river ratings (F, CR, BR, AR, X) mean?

Question

Accepted Answer

River ratings are part of the national federation's safety regulations. Your rating shows what grade of river you are qualified to race. The Dusi entry criteria describe them like this:

Rating	River type	Examples
F	Flatwater, no noticeable flow	Marina da Gama, Midmar Dam, Victoria Lake
CR	Flowing gently, with some small rapids (class 1 and 2), and possibly reed channels or tree blocks	Umgeni from Albert Falls weir to Bluegums; Klip from Henley to Confluence
BR	Steady flowing water with some technical spots needing significant manoeuvring, seldom above class 3 rapids	Umsindusi from Campbells farm to Dusi Bridge; Breede; Vaal from Barrage to Parys
AR	Technical, continuous wild water with up to class 4 or 5 rapids, usually inaccessible, and possibly technically difficult obstacles such as weirs	Tugela, Umko, Lowveld Croc
X	Extreme, for very competent plastic kayak paddlers only	Thrombosis Gorge, Deepdale to Hella Hella, Ndedema Gorge

For the Dusi, South African entrants need an AR rating. A CR-rated paddler may, on special request, paddle in the back of a K2 with a partner who has completed at least 5 Dusis.