The trip planning acronym PADDLE stands for which set of items?

• A. People, Area, Distance, Duration, Logistics, Emergency
• B. Plan, Activity, Date, Distance, Logistics, Escape
• C. Position, Area, Distance, Duration, Logistics, Emergency
• D. Purpose, Area, Distance, Duration, Logistics, Emergency

Answer: (D)

PADDLE is a trip-planning framework for paddling that covers six essential elements you should clarify before you go: the purpose of the trip, the area you'll cover, the distance you expect to travel, the duration of the trip (including daily time on the water), the logistics you must arrange (gear, food, permits, shuttle, communication), and the emergency plans or contingencies you’ll have if conditions change or someone is injured. This setup keeps you focused on why you’re going, where you’ll go, how far and how long you’ll be out, what support and gear you need, and how you’ll handle problems. Other wordings might include terms like planning steps, dates, or other concepts like position or escape, which don’t match this established framework, so they don’t fit the intended acronym.