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All level 4 participants must have all level 3 skills plus very strong paddling, bracing, and rescue skills.
Participants must be comfortable paddling in waves over three feet and winds up to 30 knots. They should have practiced group and self rescue techniques in rough conditions and developed a reliable roll. They should have a good working knowledge of local weather and water conditions, and should be capable navigators.
Although there is no real whitewater near the Traverse City area, paddling a stream like the Sturgeon or Pine in high water with cold weather requires advanced whitewater skills. Paddlers must have practiced ferries, eddy turns, swimming, and rescues in swift water (6 - 10 mph). Everyone must be dressed for immersion in cold water, carry throw bags, and work as a team as the group moves down the river.