Standard NC Trip Ratings


Difficulty
These are warm water/air temp ratings only, with typical accommodating weather conditions

Easy (E) Beginner
Moderate (M) Some paddling skills; some water with winds, tides, currents, etc.
Difficult (D) Considerable skills; open water, strong winds, tides, currents, etc.

Skill Levels
Beginner (B) Just learning to paddle, protected water, short trips
Novice (N) Some experience on open water or with winds
Intermediate (I) Good physical condition and skills with open water, wind and currents, possible strong winds and longer trips
Expert (E) Excellent paddling experience and physical condition, comfortable in strong winds and currents in open water, greater distances.