[Andy H.]

You should read up on a bit of the history before you go - Capt. John Adams' first descent and Fletcher Anderson's first "successful" descent would be a good start.

Here's an oldie but a goodie: the swimmer's rapid rating system, I think the Class V description below probably reflects what to expect on Gore:

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Someone once asked an anonymous boater about his class IV comfort level and his answer was something like "I'm comfortable that I can usually find an eddy to swim to." Thus, the interviewer was inspired to offer this revised International Scale of River Difficulty:

Class I: Easy
Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Swimming is pleasant in the warm water and any rocks are smooth and rounded, shore easily reached. A nice break from paddling. Almost all gear and equipment is recovered. Boat is just slightly scratched.

Class II: Novice
Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Swimming to eddies requires moderate effort. Climbing out of river may involve slippery rocks and shrub induced lacerations. Paddles travel great distance downstream requiring lengthy walk. Something unimportant is missing. Boat hits large rock leaving visible dent on frame or new gash in plastic.

Class III: Intermediate
Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid. Water is swallowed. Legs are ground repeatedly against sharp, pointy rocks. Several eddies are missed while swimming. Difficult decision to stay with boat results in moment of terror when swimmer realizes they are downstream of boat. Paddle is recirculated in small hole way upstream. All personal possessions are removed from boat and floated in different directions. Paddling partners run along river bank shouting helpful instructions. Boat is munched against large boulder hard enough to leave series of deep gouges. Those high-end sunglasses you bragged about getting from your friend's buddy who's a rep? They looked really cool in at the put-in this morning - next time you'll be wearing el cheapo shades from the gas station.

Class IV: Advanced
Water is generally lots colder and rockier than Class III. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise swimming in turbulent water. Swimming may require 'must' moves above dangerous hazards. 'Must' moves are downgraded to 'strongly recommended' after they are missed. Sensation of disbelief experienced while about to swim large drops. Frantic swimming towards shore is alternated with frantic swimming away from shore to avoid strainers. Rocks are clung to with death grip. Paddle is completely forgotten. One bootie is sucked off your foot. Hydraulic pressure permanently removes waterproof box with all the really important stuff. Paddle partners running along bank look genuinely concerned while lofting throw ropes 20 feet behind you. Paddle partners stare slack-jawed and point in amazement at boat which finally gets pinned by major feature. Climbing up river bank involves inverted tree. One of those spring loaded pins that attaches watch to wristband is missing. Contact lenses are moved to rear of eyeballs. You won't really miss that lost bootie on the hike out because your foot will be numb from the cold until you get back to the car.

Class V: Expert
The water in this rapid is usually under 40 degrees F (if it doesn't classify as a supercooled fluid) and rocks are sharp and plentiful. Most gear is destroyed on rocks within minutes if not seconds. If the boat survives, it needs about three days of repair. You'll later reflect that term "swimming" is just a quaint misnomer here as it takes everything you've got just to make frantic movements to keep from becoming one with the rocks and to get a breath from time to time. Terror and panic sets in as you realize your paddle partners don't have a chance in hell of reaching you. You come to a true understanding of the terms like "chundered," "maytagging," and "pinballing." That hole that looked like nothing when you scouted has a hydraulic that holds you under the water until your lungs are close to bursting. You come out only to realize you still have 75% of the rapid left to swim. Swim to the eddy? What #%^&*#* eddy!? This rapid usually lasts a mile or more - before the next one. Hydraulic pressure removes everything that can come off your body within the first few seconds. This includes gloves, shoes, neoprene socks, sunlasses, hats, and clothing. The rocks take care of your fingers, toes, and ears. That $700.00 dry suit, well it might hold up to the sharp rocks. Your paddle is trash. If there is a strainer, just hope it is old and rotten so it breaks. Partners on shore are frantically trying to run and keep up with you. Their faces alternate with horror as they stare at how you are being tossed around and relief that you finally flushed out of that hole! They are trying remember how to do CPR (is it four compressions then a breath or the other way around?!?). They also really hope the cooler of beer is still intact because they are going to need a cold one by the time they get your carcass and boat out! Climbing out of this happens after the rapid is over. You may need the help of a backboard, cervical collar and Z-rig. Even though you have broken bones, lacerations, puncture wounds, missing digits & ears, and a concussion, you won't feel much because of the severe hypothermia. Your recovery time give you a chance to get caught up on those old TV shows you never had time to watch and write letters to old friends.

Class VI: World Class
Not recommended for swimming.