Been boating (kayak) the Gauley (Upper and lower)for 'bout ten years
now. I'm 55.
I would agree that the guides (all of 'em as far as I can tell) do
exaggerate the difficulty of the rapids and rivers. This makes the
trip more fun and significant. Of course, sometimes it's a good idea
to put the fear into the customers so they will take it seriously. I
also believe that a lot of whitewater rivers are treated as an
amusement park ride. If not by commercial outfitters and guides,
certianly by the paying public.
Of course, one persons class III is anothers class V. I recall that
Nantahala falls (a very popular rapid on a very popular river in
western NC, USA) used to be rated a V. Most would agree that it is a
III. (As the late Mr Nealy said, "It hasn't gotten easier, we've
gotten better.") It has also claimed several lives in recent years.
The lower G has some bad spots, all rivers do, but I would agree with
most respondents that it is not a class V river. Even at high levels.
Any body of moving water can be dangerous. If you get on it, you are
definately taking your life into your own, or someone elses', hand. It
is _your_ responsibility to make sure that those hands are up to the
task.
Enough rambling. Here is a good rating scale.

International System for Rating Rapids
This section © 2002 by David Petterson of Calgary Paddlers.


Class I, Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves.
Swimming is pleasant, 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. Paddle travels great
distance downstream
requiring lengthy walk. Something unimportant is missing. Boat hits
submerged 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. Sunglasses fall off.

Class IV, Advanced. Water is generally lots colder 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 shoe is
removed. Hydraulic pressure permanently removes waterproof box with
all the really important stuff. Paddle partners running along stream
look genuinely concerned while lofting throw ropes 20 feet behind
swimmer. Paddle partners stare slack-jawed and point in amazement at
boat which is finally 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.

Class V, Expert. The water in this rapid is usually under 42 degrees
F. Most gear is destroyed on rocks within minutes if not seconds. If
the boat survives, it is need of about three days of
repair. There is no swimming, only frantic movements to keep from
becoming one with
the rocks and to get a breath from time to time. Terror and panic set
in as you realize your paddle partners don't have a chance in heck of
reaching you. You come to a true understanding of the terms maytagging
and pinballing. That hole that looked like nothing when
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. Hydraulic
pressure within the first few seconds removes everything that can come
off your body. This includes gloves, shoes, neoprene socks,
sunglasses, hats, and clothing. The rocks take care of your
fingers, toes, and ears. That $900.00 dry suit, well it might hold up
to the rocks. Your
paddle is trash. If there is a strainer, well, just hope it is old and
rotten so it breaks. Paddle partners on shore are frantically trying
to run and keep up with you. Their horror is
reflected in their faces as they stare at how you are being tossed
around! They are hoping to remember how to do CPR. They also really
hope the cooler with the beer is still intact. They are going to need
a cold one by the time you get out! Climbing out of this happens after
the
rapid is over. You will probably 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 pain because you will have
severe hypothermia. Enjoy your stay in the hospital: with the time you
take recovering, you won't get another vacation for 3 years.

Class VI, World Class. Not recommended for swimming.