Given the amount of chase boating in France [ 2008 ], I thought this deserved a re-write; (courtesy of JK)

Class I, Easy. Fast moving  water with riffles and small waves. Boat chasing is easy and fun. Boat  immediately rescued and emptied on bank. People chat about how refreshing the  water is.

Class II, Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without  scouting. Boat chasing relatively simple, a few eddies are missed and some rocks  hit, but boat is quickly on the bank. People joke about rescue beers, and that sadly Lou hasn’t lost her sunglasses.

Class III, Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid. Several  people set off after boat. Eventually there’s just you chasing the boat. You  wonder why those big eddies at the start of the river are nowhere to be found  now. Afterwards people talk with wide eyes about how the river isn’t usually this high and seek refuge in bar whilst shuttle takes place. Zoe wishes she’d  brought her racing bike.

Class IV, Advanced. Intense,  powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise moves in turbulent water.  Chase boating becomes of paramount importance when swimmer reveals car keys are  in boat. Throwline and other kit decide to abandon ship and make their own way  down the river. Boat eventually extracts itself at bottom of large cliff. Afterwards, people wonder where Brian is and what that tiny speck is at the top  of the cliff.

Class V, Expert. Very precise  lines required. Boat automatically takes the hardest line. Chase boaters  quickly become chase swimmers. Everybody is silent afterwards until eventually someone suggests mountain biking may be a good option tomorrow.

Class VI, World Class. Sunshine run anyone?

Categories: White water