Kayaking BSA Award

One of the fun things Boy Scouts get to do at many summer camps is kayaking. When I am at Boy Scout camp, I always try to find some time to go kayaking on the lake.  There is no merit badge specifically for kayaking like there is for canoeing or rowing on a lake, but there is the Kayaking BSA award.

Several scouts from our troop have earned this award.  This award can also be used to fulfill requirement 3 for the Whitewater merit badge if they will be using a kayak to meet the other requirements.

Kayaking BSA Award Requirements

1. Before fulfilling the following requirements, successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.
2. Do the following:
   1. Describe various types of kayaks and how they differ in design, materials, and purpose.
   2. Name the parts of the kayak you are using for this exercise.
   3. Demonstrate how to choose an appropriately sized kayak paddle and how to position your hands.
3. Do the following:
   1. Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe trip afloat.
   2. Demonstrate how to select and properly fit a PFD.
   3. Explain the importance of safety equipment such as PFDs, air bags, grab loops, and helmets.
4. Demonstrate your ability to aid yourself and others in the event of a capsize:
   1. Capsize your kayak in water at least seven feet deep, perform a wet exit if necessary, and swim the boat to shore.
   2. With assistance, if needed, ready the capsized craft for use.
   3. Show how to approach a capsized paddler in your kayak and tow him to shore.
   4. While upright in your kayak, right a capsized kayak, empty it of water, and assist the paddler aboard without returning to shore.
5. As a solo paddler, demonstrate the following:
   1. Entering and launching a kayak from shore or dock
   2. Landing or docking and exiting a kayak
   3. Forward stroke
   4. Sweep stroke
   5. Reverse sweep
   6. Draw stroke
   7. Rudder stroke
   8. Back stroke
6. As a solo paddler, do the following:
   1. Paddle forward in a reasonably straight line.
   2. Move the kayak sideways to the right and to the left.
   3. Pivot 360 degrees to the right and left.
   4. Stop the kayak.