ACA ACA Equipment & Gear Knowledge 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum recommended throw bag rope length for river rescue instruction?
- 15 feet
- 25 feet
- 50 feet (Correct answer)
- 75 feet
Correct answer: 50 feet
A 50-foot throw bag rope is the standard minimum recommended length for effective river rescue scenarios during ACA instruction.
Question 2: Which material is preferred for ACA-recommended paddle blades used in whitewater kayaking instruction?
- Aluminum
- Fiberglass or carbon fiber (Correct answer)
- Wood
- Plastic (polypropylene)
Correct answer: Fiberglass or carbon fiber
Fiberglass or carbon fiber blades are preferred for whitewater instruction because of their strength-to-weight ratio and performance characteristics.
Question 3: What is a 'dry bag' used for in paddling instruction contexts?
- Storing wet gear after a swim
- Keeping essential gear waterproof during paddling (Correct answer)
- Collecting water samples for environmental monitoring
- Transporting kayaks on car racks
Correct answer: Keeping essential gear waterproof during paddling
A dry bag uses a roll-top seal to keep essential gear—such as first aid kits, clothing, and communication devices—dry while paddling.
Question 4: Which of the following is the correct way to check a PFD for fitness before an ACA class?
- Pull up on shoulder straps to verify it holds the wearer up (Correct answer)
- Check that zippers open and close smoothly only
- Verify it floats when tossed in the water
- Confirm the brand label matches ACA-approved list
Correct answer: Pull up on shoulder straps to verify it holds the wearer up
The proper PFD check involves lifting up on the shoulder straps while worn to confirm the device stays in position and supports the wearer's head above water.
Question 5: What is the function of a paddle float in sea kayaking rescue instruction?
- Marks the location of a capsize for other paddlers
- Provides buoyancy for a solo re-entry by acting as an outrigger (Correct answer)
- Signals distress to nearby vessels
- Keeps the paddle from sinking if dropped
Correct answer: Provides buoyancy for a solo re-entry by acting as an outrigger
A paddle float inflates and attaches to a paddle blade to create an outrigger, giving a solo paddler stability to re-enter a capsized sea kayak.
Question 6: What does a 'whistle' serve as in the ACA's required signaling equipment for paddling instruction?
- Warning signal to marine traffic only
- Universal distress signal and communication device on the water (Correct answer)
- Required only for open-ocean courses
- Optional supplemental safety item
Correct answer: Universal distress signal and communication device on the water
A whistle is a required signaling device that serves as a universal distress signal and short-range communication tool during ACA paddling instruction.
ACA ACA Equipment & Gear Knowledge 2
What is the minimum recommended throw bag rope length for river rescue instruction?