Kayaking BSA

Swimsuit / swim trunks emblem

Any youth or adult who is registered with a troop, crew, or ship and completes the requirements is eligible for a patch and recognition card, available from the local council service center. The completed award application should be handled as directed by the council Training, Aquatics, or other committee. Instruction for Kayaking BSA is to be conducted under safe conditions on calm water. Two to four hours in one or more sessions should suffice for instruction and practice. Paddle lengths and life jacket sizes should be adequate to fit all participants. Feathered blades are preferred, but blades at the same angle are allowed. Information and skills are discussed in Aquatics Supervision: A Leader’s Guide to Youth Swimming and Boating Activities, No. 34346, and the Kayaking merit badge pamphlet. All counselors must be trained in Safety Afloat. Any person with current training as a BSA Aquatics Instructor, a BSA Aquatics Supervision: Paddle Craft Safety kayak instructor or as a kayak instructor by the American Canoe Association may serve as a counselor for this award with the approval of the local council. A person with similar experience in kayaking skills, safety, and instruction may also serve as a counselor with council approval. Kayaking BSA is intended to provide Scouts and their leaders with an introductory experience to kayaking on lakes, ponds, slow- moving water, or calm ocean areas. Additional preparation is needed before a unit does extended kayak touring or takes trips on class I or above white water.

Swimsuit / swim trunks emblem – The Kayaking BSA patch is NOT worn on the uniform or the sash; it is worn on the left side of the swimsuit / swim trunks

Kayaking BSA Award

Upon successful completion, participants earn the Kayaking BSA patch along with their achievement card. Completion indicates the individual has experienced a valuable introduction to kayaking.

Kayaking BSA Requirements

Before fulfilling the following requirements, success- fully complete the BSA swimmer test.

Do the following:

Describe various types of kayaks and how they differ in design, materials, and purpose.

Name the parts of the kayak you are using for this exercise.

Demonstrate how to choose an appropriately sized kayak paddle and how to position your hands.

Do the following:

Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe trip afloat.

Demonstrate how to select and properly fit a life jacket.

Explain the importance of safety equipment such as life jackets, air bags, grab loops, and helmets.

Demonstrate your ability to aid yourself and others in the event of a capsize:

Capsize your kayak in water at least seven feet deep, perform a wet exit if necessary, and swim the boat to shore.

With assistance, if needed, ready the capsized craft for use.

Show how to approach a capsized paddler in your kayak and tow him to shore.

While upright in your kayak, right a capsized kayak, empty it of water, and assist the paddler aboard without returning to shore.

As a solo paddler, demonstrate the following:

Entering and launching a kayak from shore or dock

Landing or docking and exiting a kayak

Forward stroke

Sweep stroke

Reverse sweep

Draw stroke

Rudder stroke

Back stroke

As a solo paddler, do the following:

Paddle forward in a reasonably straight line.

Move the kayak sideways to the right and to the left.

Pivot 360 degrees to the right and left.

Stop the kayak.

Kayaking BSA – Forms, Links, and Resources

Aquatics Supervision – Leader's Guide – the Kayaking BSA award application is contained in the appendix.