Conditions Grading
NPF's grading system, based on British Canoeing's star system, adapted for Norwegian conditions. Learn to assess waters and conditions for safe paddling.
Conditions and waters
Two concepts that together determine the grade. To assess correctly, you need to understand the difference.
Waves and current right now
Conditions describe the dynamic factors that change with weather and wind. It is what is happening on the sea at the moment you are paddling.
How exposed is the area?
Waters describe the exposure level of the area itself. How much protection do islands, islets and skerries provide? How far is it to shore? This does not change with the weather.
Cold shock risk and hypothermia time upon capsize
Visibility and time available during incidents
Reduced visibility and navigation challenges
Key principle
The most challenging single factor determines the grade. Even if most factors indicate grade 2, if the waves indicate grade 3, the overall grade is 3.
Five grades from sheltered to very exposed
Each level builds on the previous one. Conditions become progressively more demanding, requiring correspondingly more experience and skill.
Very sheltered waters
Small harbour basin or small bay
Beaufort 1 — Flau vind
1–3 knop (0,5–1,5 m/s)
Sjøgang 1
Waves: Opp til 0,1 m
Very sheltered
exposure
No current, no traffic. Calm and protected waters with barely any waves. Ideal for beginners.
Sheltered waters
Inner archipelago
Beaufort 2 — Svak vind
4–6 knop (2–3 m/s)
Sjøgang 2
Waves: Opp til 0,5 m
Sheltered
exposure
Small ripples around rocks and skerries. Very little current, little traffic. Protected by islands and islets.
Somewhat exposed waters
Waters near land with small islands and skerries beyond
Beaufort 4 — Laber bris
11–16 knop (5,5–8 m/s)
Sjøgang 3
Waves: 0,5–1,25 m
Somewhat exposed
exposure
Small breaking waves over shallows. Current and sea may cause some drift. Other traffic expected. Requires good technique and judgement.
Exposed waters
Waters near land without small islands and skerries beyond
Beaufort 5 — Frisk bris
17–21 knop (8,5–10,5 m/s)
Sjøgang 4
Waves: 1,25–2,5 m
Exposed
exposure
Breaking waves over shallows. Current and sea cause drift and irregular formations. Weather can change quickly. Traffic expected.
Very exposed waters
Long crossings in open sea, or exposed waters along coast
Beaufort 6 — Liten kuling
22–27 knop (11–14 m/s)
Sjøgang 5
Waves: 2,5–4 m
Very exposed
exposure
Strong breaking waves. Strong irregular formations. Weather can change very quickly. Traffic expected. Only for very experienced paddlers.
How to assess the conditions?
Three steps to determine whether it is safe to head out.
Gather the right data
Check wave height, wind strength, current conditions and other factors from reliable sources such as Yr, BarentsWatch and tide tables.
Combine the factors
How do the elements interact? Could it get worse? How exposed are you? The most challenging factor determines the grade.
Assess your competence
Are you equipped for these conditions? Do you have the right equipment, experience and rescue skills for the grade you are considering?
Want to learn to assess conditions?
Start with a course and build your skills step by step. From basic paddle technique to advanced weather and conditions assessment.
The grading system is based on the Norwegian Paddling Federation's (NPF) adaptation of British Canoeing's star system for sea kayaking. The content has been adapted and presented by Kajakkguiden for informational purposes.