ACA Trip Planning & Leadership Flashcards

What is the purpose of a 'float plan' before a paddling trip?

Answer: A record left with a responsible person detailing the trip route, participants, and expected return time

A float plan left with a trusted contact enables search and rescue to be activated quickly if the group does not return as expected.

What is the recommended ACA student-to-instructor ratio for a beginner flatwater kayaking class?

Answer: 6:1

ACA guidelines recommend a maximum of 6 students per instructor (6:1) for beginner flatwater kayaking to ensure adequate supervision and instruction.

Before leading a group on a new river section, what should an ACA instructor always do?

Answer: Scout the route, review gauge data, and assess hazards in advance

Pre-trip scouting, reviewing current water levels via gauge data, and hazard assessment are essential instructor responsibilities before bringing students to an unfamiliar section.

What does 'reading water' mean in river trip planning?

Answer: Observing the river's surface features to identify currents, hazards, and routes before paddling

Reading water means interpreting surface patterns — such as eddies, waves, and hydraulics — to understand what the current is doing and choose a safe line.

What is a 'shuttle' in the context of a paddle trip, and how does it affect trip planning?

Answer: Moving vehicles from the put-in to the take-out so paddlers can do a one-way trip

A shuttle involves leaving vehicles at both the starting point (put-in) and ending point (take-out) so the group can complete a one-way river run.

When selecting a put-in and take-out for a student group, what is the most important safety consideration?

Answer: Ease of water access, manageable current at the launch, and safe egress for all skill levels

Safe access and egress points are critical — difficult put-ins and take-outs cause accidents before and after the paddling itself.