Some of the roughest water I've ever been in was never expected. (not with ConnYak) But even in ConnYak, I know many reading this know that we have been in some pretty hairy waters on trips where we never expected it. They might have been designated a level 1 or 2. My point is describing what to expect is really a pretty abstract approximation of what you may really get. But stating some basic skills that accompany a paddler level always seem to make more sense to me.

What do I care if someone is along and thinks they meet all the qualifications of a Level 4. But if a wave knocks them in and they can't roll we have a problem.