ACA ACA Trip Planning & Leadership 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is an 'eddy' in river paddling, and how is it used in trip planning?
- A stretch of flat, slow water downstream of an obstacle where boats can rest (Correct answer)
- An underwater current that pulls boats sideways
- A strong upstream wind that assists paddlers going downriver
- A pool of standing water on a riverbank
Correct answer: A stretch of flat, slow water downstream of an obstacle where boats can rest
An eddy is a calm area of water behind a rock or obstacle where current reverses and paddlers can stop, rest, and regroup before the next rapid.
Question 2: How does a group leader use river 'gauge height' or 'CFS' (cubic feet per second) data in trip planning?
- To determine how many canoes are allowed on the river that day
- To assess current water level and flow conditions, which affect difficulty and safety (Correct answer)
- To calculate trip duration based on current speed alone
- To satisfy ACA permit requirements for river access
Correct answer: To assess current water level and flow conditions, which affect difficulty and safety
Gauge height and CFS data from USGS or local gauges tell the leader how much water is flowing, directly affecting rapid difficulty, strainer hazards, and overall safety.
Question 3: What is the ACA's recommended approach for paddling in a group in moving water?
- Paddle in a tight cluster so everyone is visible
- Use a lead paddler, evenly spaced group, and sweep with everyone in visual contact (Correct answer)
- Allow strong paddlers to move ahead and wait downstream
- Pair students with instructors only at rapids
Correct answer: Use a lead paddler, evenly spaced group, and sweep with everyone in visual contact
The ACA recommends a lead paddler setting the pace, consistent spacing, and a sweep paddler at the rear so the entire group remains in visual contact.
Question 4: What should an ACA instructor communicate during a pre-trip safety briefing?
- Only the route and expected time on the water
- Hazards, emergency signals, group procedures, rescue protocols, and gear requirements (Correct answer)
- Weather forecast and local wildlife to watch for
- Student rankings and who will lead each section
Correct answer: Hazards, emergency signals, group procedures, rescue protocols, and gear requirements
A complete pre-trip safety briefing covers hazards, hand signals, rescue procedures, group organization, and equipment requirements so students can respond appropriately to any situation.
Question 5: What is 'lining' a canoe, and when is it used in trip planning?
- Painting a decorative line along the gunwale
- Using ropes to guide an unloaded or lightly loaded canoe through a rapid from the shore (Correct answer)
- Tying multiple canoes together for group stability
- Attaching a fishing line to the bow for trolling
Correct answer: Using ropes to guide an unloaded or lightly loaded canoe through a rapid from the shore
Lining involves using bow and stern lines from shore to guide a boat through a hazard when paddling through is too risky — a portage alternative for manageable rapids.
Question 6: When planning a multi-day paddling trip, what is the primary purpose of documenting a medical information form for each participant?
- To satisfy ACA insurance requirements for group trips
- To ensure emergency responders and instructors have critical health information in case of an incident (Correct answer)
- To verify participants' paddling experience levels
- To collect payment and dietary preference information
Correct answer: To ensure emergency responders and instructors have critical health information in case of an incident
Medical information forms provide first responders with critical details like allergies, medications, medical conditions, and emergency contacts when a participant cannot communicate.
ACA ACA Trip Planning & Leadership 2
What is an 'eddy' in river paddling, and how is it used in trip planning?