According to the Rule of Thirds for current, the maximum current during the first hour is

• A. 1/2 max first hour
• B. 1/3 max first hour, 1/3 max second hour, 1/3 max middle
• C. 1/3 max first hour, 2/3 max second, 3/3 max middle
• D. 2/3 max first hour

Answer: (C)

Think of this as a safety ramp for exposure to current. The Rule of Thirds says you shouldn’t push the full allowable current right away. In the first hour you limit to one third of the maximum current you’d plan for the trip. As you progress into the second hour you can tolerate up to two thirds, and in the middle portion you’re allowed to reach the full maximum. This gradual increase gives you time to read the water, adjust your line, and have a margin to react if conditions are tougher than expected. That’s why the first-hour maximum is one third of the max, with the current stepping up to two thirds in the second hour and to the full maximum in the middle. The other options don’t fit because they either put too much current early, or they don’t follow the progressive ramp.