The quotation is valid for an average or ordinary flow, in usual period of practice, thus at relatively low level,
without being necessarily at low water level.
It is calibrated for a group of 5 people, in situation of discovery of the canyon and whose level of practice is in adequacy with the technical level of the canyon.
It is intended for habitual and reasoned practice, with a view to safety and efficiency of movement (a personal search for an increase in difficulty will not add anything to the initial rating).
The canyons are rated as follows:
– The letter v followed by 1 Arabic number from 1 to 7 (open scale) for the difficulty in the vertical character.
– The letter a followed by 1 Arabic number from 1 to 7 (open scale) for the difficulty in the watery character.
– 1 Roman numeral for commitment and scope: from I to VI (open scale).
So we have, for example, canyons rated v2 a3 III, or v5 a6 V, or v4 a5 III. By simplification, we can write: 2.3.III, 5.6.V or 4.5.III.
Only one of the following criteria, per column, determines membership in a difficulty category.
On a route, avoiding an obstacle or using a specific technique (e.g. guided abseiling) may result in a lower rating. Jumps are generally considered optional.
