Sea Kayak Trip Difficulty Guidelines

	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
Location	protected waterway with easy access to shore.(Lakes, ponds, rivers with slow current, and small protected estuaries or harbors)	semi-protected waterway with access to shore. (Lakes, ponds, rivers with moderate current, and semi-protected estuaries or harbors)	exposure to open ocean with access to semi-protected waterway or shore. (Lakes, rivers with strong current, ocean, surf zone, and large estuaries or harbors)	open water, open ocean, and surf zone with limited access to semi-protected waterway or shore.
Distance	less than 2 miles	2 to 5 miles	5 to 15 miles	greater than 15 miles
Pace	less than 2 mph	2 to 3 mph	3 to 4 mph	greater than 4 mph
Wind	less than 5 knots (less than 4 mph)	5 to 10 knots (4 to 9 mph)	10 to 20 knots (9 to 17 mph)	greater than 20 knots (greater than 17 mph)
Wave Height	less than 1 foot	less than 1 foot	1 to 3 feet	greater than 3 feet
Recommended Paddle Skills	forward stroke	forward stroke reverse stroke draw and bracing strokes helpful	good balance, bracing, paddling, navigation skills and Ability to ferry and cross eddy lines in strong currents	strong balance, bracing, paddling, and navigation skills
Recommended Rescue Skills	wet exit (with or without spray skirt)	wet exit assisted rescue	assisted rescue self rescue tows	reliable roll assisted rescue self rescue tows
	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4

(1.) This guideline has been developed to establish expected sea kayak trip condition levels to help ease communication between leaders and trip participants.

(2.) Although trip levels should generally be decided by the condition of the highest rating, these guideline levels are not rigid. Additional trip requirements and information is detailed in the trip listings.

(3.) Please be aware: Conditions may vary at any point during a trip due to changes in weather, participant actions or other variables.