Basic River Equipment Quiz - Santa Fe Rafting and Taos Rafting

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What does "PFD" stand for? Why is it not called a "Life Jacket"? Bonus if you recall a funny 'guide joke' that we use to refer to PFDs...*

A Type III PFD is intended for where rescues can happen quickly such as lakes and rivers. Explain the difference between a whitewater specific PFD and one that may be used for water skiing.*

How many pounds of flotation does a typical Type III PFD have?*

8 lbs
16 lbs
25 lbs
30 lbs

Kokopelli uses a specific type of Type 3 Whitewater PFD, known as a "High Float" PFD. How many LBS of flotation does it have?*

8 lbs
16 lbs
25 lbs
30 lbs

PFDs lose their flotation over time; they become waterlogged, degrade under UV light, and the air inside the closed cell foam escapes. Under normal commercial use, how much flotation do you think an average PFD loses in a year?*

10%
18%
25%
32%

How can you tell when a customer's PFD is fitting them correctly? Check all that apply.*

At Kokopelli, we always ask for permission before touching a customer (including children), their PFD, or move about any areas of their body. When making adjustments, we do not "man-handle" them, yank on their straps, or make assumptions about their personal space.

The customer says it fits good.
All the buckles are buckled.
It's loose enough to hang on their body out of the way of their arms, chest, and neck.
The customer can hook their thumbs under the shoulder straps and lift without sliding on their torso.
The straps are loose enough so the customer can still breathe.
You've done a visual inspection, asked for permission to tug, tighten or lift their PFD.

Not wearing, or improperly wearing a PFD accounts for as many as 95% of fatalities in paddlesports. What is the quickest, most efficient, and generally the most comfortable way, to get a customer suited up on their PFD?*

Think in terms of 3-5 steps.

Your buddies want to go rafting with you and they have their own gear. One shows up with a bicycle helmet with a rearview mirror and the other with a climbing helmet. They insist their helmets will be fine on class III, but you know otherwise and must convince them why their helmets are bad choices. What would you tell them about their choice of helmets?*

Do you have any questions on basic rafting equipment the instructor(s) can address tomorrow?*

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Guide School - Basic Equipment Quiz