This program was formerly known as “Paddlesports Safety Facilitator” and was officially re-branded as “Smart Start for Safe Paddling” in October 2025.

Trip Preparation and Planning

1. You can leave a boat or board on the roof of your car unsecured as long as you plan to come back.

   1. True
   2. False
   3. It doesn’t matter

2. How do you test that your boat is securely strapped / tied down to your car?

   1. Make sure the straps are tight
   2. Make sure the ends of the straps are tied off
   3. Push the side of the boat and rock it back and forth
   4. All of the above

3. Planning the paddling route for a trip involves:

   1. Obtaining the weather forecast
   2. Deciding on a distance the group can paddle
   3. Discussing local water hazards
   4. Establishing intermediate meeting points on the route
   5. All of the above

4. What information should be included in a float plan?

   1. The local weather forecast for the day
   2. Phone number of local emergency services
   3. People going on the trip and the gear they brought
   4. Timeline of when group will depart and when they plan to be back
   5. All of the above

5. Prior to each paddling trip, a float plan should be:

   1. Filed with the U.S. Coast Guard
   2. Mailed to the state police
   3. Given to a local marine patrol officer
   4. Left with a relative or friend
   5. Displayed on the windshield your car

6. When dressing for paddling, in which order should environmental factors be considered:

   1. Current weather conditions, water temperature, weather forecast
   2. Weather forecast, current weather conditions, water temperature
   3. Water temperature, weather forecast, current weather conditions
   4. Water temperature, current weather conditions, weather forecast

7. It is safe to paddle __________.

   1. While drinking alcohol
   2. Alone
   3. In poor visibility conditions
   4. While wearing a properly fitted life jacket

8. Paddlers should __________.

   1. Take a dry set of clothes
   2. Take a supply of food and snacks
   3. Take a water bottle and remain hydrated
   4. All of the above

9. To avoid hypothermia:

   1. Dress in wool or synthetic layers
   2. Wear tight fitting cotton clothing
   3. Stay hydrated and drink warm liquids if available
   4. Insulate your head, neck, and hands
   5. A, C, and D

   Life Jacket Knowledge

10. All group members should be wearing life jackets. A life jacket should fit:

    1. Loosely so swimming is easier
    2. Casually to keep from overheating
    3. Snugly and securely
    4. Lightly so it can be pulled overhead easily

11. A threadbare, worn or discolored life jacket should be __________.

    1. Washed and reused
    2. Destroyed and/or disposed
    3. Given away to a friend
    4. Returned to the manufacturer

12. What are U.S. Coast Guard life jacket requirements for adult paddlers?

    1. One per boat
    2. One per person
    3. Two per boat
    4. These regulations do not apply to paddlers

    General Paddling Knowledge

13. When entering or exiting a kayak or a canoe, or getting onto and moving to a standing position on a SUP, __________.

    1. Keep your upper body centered over the craft
    2. Float the craft in the water
    3. Use the paddle for secondary support
    4. All of the Above

14. To increase stability while paddling:

    1. Point your craft into the wave or wake
    2. Keep your weight centered and craft appropriately trimmed
    3. Continue to paddle smoothly
    4. All of the above

15. When you hear thunder:

    1. Wait to see if there is any lightning before getting off the water
    2. Get off the water and monitor the weather
    3. Seek shelter underneath a tall tree, in a gulley, or in a shallow cave
    4. Remove your life jacket and sit on it

16. How will a boat or board perform if it is loaded beyond its capacity?

    1. It will be easier to stop
    2. It will have better steering
    3. It will be harder to control
    4. It will be faster

17. Which of the following is true about low head dams?

    1. They are easily spotted from upstream
    2. They can be safely approached from downstream
    3. They should be avoided both above and below
    4. They have a strong backwash above the dam

18. Which of the following is most likely to occur during the initial shock when falling into cold water?