ACA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ACA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What should instructors emphasize about wildlife interaction? → Avoid contact, maintain distance, and never feed wildlife
2. What is a 'hydraulic' (also called a 'hole') in river hydrology? → A recirculating feature where water flows back upstream after dropping over an obstacle
3. What is the function of a 'painter line' (or bow line) on a canoe? → Securing the canoe to a dock, tree, or vehicle, and assisting in rescue and lining
4. What is feathering in paddle technique? → Turning the paddle blade during the recovery to reduce wind resistance
5. What is 'Leave No Trace' and why is it important? → It promotes minimal impact practices to protect the environment
6. Which ACA policy requires instructors to report incidents involving student injuries? → Incident Reporting Policy
7. What causes a 'pourover' on a river? → Water flowing over a completely submerged rock creating a hydraulic below
8. Which rescue method should an ACA instructor attempt FIRST when a paddler swims in a rapid? → Throwing a rescue bag
9. According to ACA standards, what is the maximum recommended student-to-instructor ratio for a basic kayak class? → 6:1
10. What is 'wading rescue' and when does ACA recommend it over swimming rescue? → Wading is used in shallow, moderate current where the rescuer can maintain footing safely
11. What is the advantage of a drysuit over a wetsuit for ACA cold-water instruction? → Drysuits keep the paddler completely dry and allow thermal layering
12. How can an instructor adapt to different learning styles? → By using a mix of visual, auditory, and hands-on techniques
13. What is the role of an ACA instructor regarding environmental stewardship? → To promote and model responsible environmental behavior
14. In ACA instructional design, what does 'progressive skill building' primarily mean? → Introducing increasingly complex skills that build upon previously learned foundations
15. Why is it important to pre-position safety swimmers or kayakers at a rapid before running it with students? → To ensure rescuers are in place to assist if a student swims
16. Why is it important for an ACA instructor to inspect equipment before every paddle session? → To identify worn or defective equipment that could fail during the session
17. When sequencing skill instruction in an ACA kayak course, which principle should guide the order of topics? → Introduce skills from simple and safe to complex, with each skill building on the previous
18. In ACA program design, why are reflection activities included after on-water paddling sessions? → They deepen learning by encouraging students to process and internalize their experiences
19. Why is lesson planning important in coaching paddling? → To ensure consistency, structure, and goal-oriented instruction
20. Which PFD type is most commonly recommended for recreational kayaking and canoeing? → Type III — Flotation Aid
21. What type of blade shape is generally preferred for whitewater kayaking and why? → Short, wide blade for quick, powerful strokes
22. What is the recommended paddle length for a beginner kayaker who is 5'8" using a touring kayak? → 220 cm
23. Why is dynamic risk management important during on-water instruction? → It helps instructors assess and respond to changing conditions in real-time
24. What does ACA recommend as the first step when designing a new paddling program? → Defining the target audience, skill level, and desired learning outcomes
25. What is the environmental benefit of using established launch sites? → They reduce erosion and habitat destruction
26. What does 'Type III' refer to on a US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD)? → Flotation aid for calm inland water activities
27. What is the primary purpose of a forward stroke in paddling? → To propel the boat forward efficiently
28. How can an instructor build student confidence? → By allowing mistakes and building on small wins
29. During a capsize in a closed cockpit kayak, what is the ACA-recommended first action? → Attempt a wet or hand roll before wet-exiting
30. 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