Swiftwater Rescue Technician Practice Test

Ferrying a boat at a 45-degree angle to the current vector is effective for maintaining control and navigating while minimizing the impact of the current on the boat's trajectory. This angle allows the force of the current to assist the boat across the river or body of water rather than pushing it downstream too far. By positioning the bow of the boat at a 45-degree angle to the current, paddlers can counteract the downstream movement and steer a straight path across the flow.

Choosing an angle of 30 degrees may not provide enough effective parallel movement across the current, which could result in being pushed downstream more than intended. Angling at 60 degrees could cause an increased risk of the boat being swept downstream, making it harder to reach the desired destination safely. Lastly, a 90-degree angle directly against the current would make it nearly impossible to make forward progress, as the current would push the boat sideways or downstream without moving forward. Thus, the 45-degree angle strikes a balance between effectively using the current to assist navigation while maintaining control and stability.