Placid Water Kayak 1 star Theory test.
Before you get in your boat, you should check to make sure it is safe. What should you look for? Make sure that the boat has front & rear buoyancy (normally polystyrene blocks); make sure that it hasn't got any holes in it; make sure that the seat is firmly attached.
What should you wear before going on the water in Autumn? Clothes suitable for the conditions: one or two thin thermal tops, windproof jacket, hat for example. Buoyancy aid.
On which side of the river or canal should you paddle? a) Left b) Right c) Any side you like. Right. Imagine that you are driving in France.
What should you do if you capsize a kayak? Don't let go of the boat - apart from anything else, it will help to keep you afloat.. If possible hang on to your paddles too. If the boat is upside down, don't try to turn it over or you will break the air lock. Get the boat to the side and empty it using the curl or tip & flip methods.
Why should you not canoe or kayak alone? The suggested minimum number in a group is three. If there is a serious injury, one stays with the casualty; one goes for help. On the canal, the quickest way to get help is go to one of the narrowboats and ask them to phone 999. Give the nearest bridge number or lock as a reference if you can.
List three signs of
hypothermia. A good tip is to watch out for:
'umbles': stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, and grumbles. These are symptoms
that show a gradual reduction in coordination of muscles and movement, and a
falling level of consciousness. Early ones are:
* shivering,
* tingling fingers and toes
* clumsiness.
In more severe hypothermia there may be slurred speech, illogical behaviour,
and-an 'I don't care' attitude.
What percentage of
England’s watrways are open to the public? a) 90% b) 80% c)
50% d) 2% Incredibly, only 2% of England's
waterways are open to canoeists. There is an active campaign to improve this
situation.
What are the main differences between a canoe and a kayak?
Kayak usually has a cockpit and is paddled with a doubled
bladed paddle. Canoe is usually open, and is paddled with a single bladed
paddle.
Why is it important to cover cuts before paddling? To avoid infections, particularly a rare but nasty lurgy called Weill's Disease (leptosrirosis), which is carried in rat urine.