Stand Up Paddleboarding Award
Stand up paddleboarding is a fun way for Scouts to enjoy time on the water. Many Scouts first try it at camp or during a unit outing. At first glance, the board looks unstable. Once you step on it, you quickly learn it is easier than expected. With a little practice, most Scouts gain confidence and feel comfortable standing and paddling.
This activity fits well into aquatics programs used by Scouting America. It builds balance, focus, and awareness. Scouts learn to read water conditions and think ahead. Paddleboarding works well on lakes and calm areas. It can also be adapted for moving water and ocean settings with the right training and supervision.
I first tried paddleboarding at summer camp. I expected to fall right away. Instead, I found myself standing and moving across the water. That feeling surprises many Scouts. It helps them trust their skills. It also shows them they can learn new things with patience and effort.
The Stand Up Paddleboarding Award gives Scouts clear goals. Each requirement builds on the last one. Scouts start with safety and swimming skills. They then learn equipment, strokes, and rescue skills. By the end, Scouts can paddle with control and confidence. The award encourages safe habits that last beyond camp.
This award can be earned by Scouting America members, Venturers, Sea Scouts, and Explorers, and adult leaders in these programs.
Safety Rules That Keep Everyone Smiling
Safety always comes first when Scouts are on the water. Before working on this award, Scouts review the Safety Afloat policy. These rules guide how activities are planned and run. They cover supervision, skill level, equipment, and weather. Following these rules helps prevent accidents and keeps activities organized and calm.
The swimmer test is required before other skills are taught. Scouts must show they can swim a full distance without stopping. They also must float and rest at the end. This test proves that a Scout can handle unexpected falls into deep water. Paddleboards are stable, but falling off is part of learning.
Supervision matters at every step. A trained instructor watches Scouts as they practice. Scouts stay within set boundaries on the water. The group stays together, and no one paddles alone. These rules are used across Scouting America aquatics activities and help leaders respond quickly if help is needed.
Safety planning also includes checking conditions. Wind, storms, and water temperature all matter. Leaders adjust plans when conditions change. Scouts learn that good decisions keep activities fun. Knowing when to stop or move closer to shore is part of being responsible on the water.
One Board Does Not Fit Every Pond
Different water settings require different safety thinking. Lakes are often where Scouts begin paddleboarding. Even lakes can change quickly with wind and weather. Scouts learn to stay close to shore and avoid boat traffic. They also learn to watch for sudden gusts that can push boards off course.
Moving water adds new challenges. Rivers and streams have currents that affect balance and steering. Scouts learn how current changes speed and direction. They also learn to avoid obstacles like rocks and fallen trees. Proper training is required before paddleboarding in these areas.
Whitewater requires advanced skills and strict limits. Only trained Scouts with proper gear should try it. Fast water can flip boards quickly. Scouts learn why helmets and special leashes are needed. Many units choose calmer locations, which still provide a good learning experience.
Ocean settings bring tides, waves, and currents. Open ocean paddleboarding requires strong planning and local knowledge. Surf zones can knock a Scout off a board without warning. Scouts learn why some leashes work better in certain settings. Understanding the environment helps Scouts choose safe locations.
Gear That See You Through
Stand up paddleboarding gear is simple, but each part matters. The board has a nose, tail, deck, and fin. The deck pad helps with grip. The fin helps the board track straight. Scouts learn to point out these parts and explain their purpose before getting on the water.
The paddle also has key parts. These include the blade, shaft, and handle. Scouts learn how to hold the paddle correctly. The blade angle matters for smooth strokes. A paddle that fits the Scout makes balance easier and reduces strain on arms and shoulders.
Life jackets are required at all times while paddleboarding. Scouts review which types work best for this activity. A proper fit keeps the jacket from riding up. Scouts practice adjusting straps and checking size. Wearing a life jacket becomes a normal habit, not a special rule.
Leashes keep the board close after a fall. Different leashes work better in different water settings. Scouts learn when to use a straight leash and when to avoid one. Knowing how to choose and wear a leash helps prevent separation from the board during a fall.
The Art Of Standing Up And Staying Up
Scouts begin by learning how to carry a paddleboard safely. Boards can be awkward and catch the wind. Carrying them the right way prevents drops and injuries. Scouts also learn how to enter the water from shore or a dock while staying in control of the board.
Paddling often starts on knees. This lowers the center of balance and helps Scouts feel stable. From there, Scouts learn how to stand in a neutral position. Feet stay shoulder width apart. Knees stay slightly bent. Looking forward instead of down helps with balance.
Falling off the board is expected. Scouts practice falling away from the board to avoid injury. They learn to keep hold of the paddle. After falling, Scouts practice remounting the board calmly. This skill builds confidence and reduces fear of falling.
Basic paddle strokes come next. Scouts learn forward and back strokes for movement. Sweep strokes help turn the board. Draw strokes move the board sideways. Each stroke is practiced slowly. Good technique helps Scouts paddle with less effort and more control.
Putting Skills To The Test And Laughing About It Later
After learning skills, Scouts paddle a short course under supervision. The course helps Scouts use what they have learned. Paddling in a straight line tests control. Stopping within one board length teaches planning. Scouts learn that small paddle changes can make a big difference.
The figure eight adds turning practice. Scouts must look ahead and adjust strokes. This builds awareness and balance. Moving sideways to the right and left adds another challenge. These movements help Scouts control the board in tight spaces near docks or shorelines.
Scouts also practice a simple self rescue. Lying on the stomach and paddling with hands shows how to move without a paddle. This skill helps if equipment is dropped. It also shows Scouts that calm actions matter more than speed during a problem.
By the end, Scouts feel proud of what they can do. They understand safety rules and water awareness. The Stand Up Paddleboarding Award gives them skills they can use again. Many Scouts return to paddleboarding on their own, ready for another day on the water.
Stand Up Paddleboarding Award Requirements
- Review the Scouting America Safety Afloat policy. Explain to your instructor how this applies to stand up paddleboarding.
- Before fulfilling other requirements, successfully complete the Scouting America swimmer test: Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.
- Explain safety considerations for stand up paddleboarding in the following environments: lake, moving water, whitewater, open ocean, ocean surf.
- Review the characteristics of life jackets most appropriate for stand up paddleboarding and understand why one must always be worn while paddling. Then demonstrate how to select and fit a life jacket for stand up paddleboarding.
- Describe the appropriate type of leash to wear in different water venues.
- Name and point out:
- The major parts of a stand up paddleboard
- The parts of a paddle for stand up paddleboarding
- Discuss:
- The different types of stand up paddleboards
- How to correctly size and hold a paddle for stand up paddleboarding
- Using a properly outfitted stand up paddleboard, demonstrate the following:
- How to safely carry a stand up paddleboard
- How to safely paddle away from a dock or shoreline (on knees)
- How to stand and balance on a board in the neutral position
- How to appropriately fall off a board
- How to remount the board
- Forward stroke
- Back stroke
- Forward sweep
- Reverse sweep
- Draw stroke
- One self-rescue technique—lay on your stomach and paddle with your hands
- With supervision from your instructor, paddle a course that involves:
- A straight line for 25 yards and stop within one board length
- A figure 8
- Moving abeam to the right 10 feet and to the left 10 feet
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Stand Up Paddleboarding Award?
The Stand Up Paddleboarding Award is an aquatics award offered by Scouting America. It recognizes Scouts who learn how to paddleboard safely and with control. Scouts must show swimming ability, safety knowledge, and basic paddling skills. The award focuses on safe habits that can be used at camp or on unit outings.
Who can earn the Stand Up Paddleboarding Award?
This award can be earned by Scouting America members, Venturers, Sea Scouts, and Explorers, and adult leaders in these programs.
Do Scouts have to be strong swimmers?
Scouts must pass the BSA swimmer test before starting other requirements. This shows they can handle deep water and recover after a fall. Paddleboards are stable, but falling in is normal. Swimming skill adds an important safety layer.
Why is a life jacket required at all times?
A life jacket helps keep a Scout safe after a fall. It provides support while remounting the board. It also helps in cold or rough water. Wearing one is a standard rule for paddleboarding in Scouting activities.
What kind of water can Scouts paddleboard on?
Scouts often start on calm lakes or ponds. Other settings include moving water and ocean areas with proper training. Each setting has different risks. Instructors explain these differences before Scouts enter the water.
What skills do Scouts have to demonstrate?
Scouts show how to carry a board, launch, stand, and paddle. They learn several basic strokes and how to fall safely. Scouts also practice getting back on the board. These skills help build confidence and control.
Do Scouts paddle alone during the award?
No, Scouts are always supervised. Activities follow Safety Afloat rules. Scouts stay within set areas and remain in sight of the instructor. This helps leaders respond quickly if help is needed.
How long does it take to earn the award?
The time varies by Scout and setting. Some Scouts complete it over several sessions at camp. Others work on it during unit activities. The focus is on learning skills well, not rushing through requirements.
Standing Tall On A Floating Board
The Stand Up Paddleboarding Award helps Scouts learn how to enjoy paddleboarding in a safe way. It starts with safety rules and swimming skills. These steps help Scouts feel prepared before getting on a board. Paddleboarding may look hard, but most Scouts learn quickly. Balance improves with practice. Confidence grows with each try on the water.
Scouts learn about equipment that supports safe paddling. They practice fitting a life jacket and using a leash. They learn the parts of the board and paddle and why each part matters. Simple skills like carrying the board and launching from shore are practiced first. These steps help Scouts avoid mistakes and stay calm during learning.
Time on the board focuses on control and awareness. Scouts practice standing, paddling, turning, and stopping. Falling off the board is expected, so Scouts learn how to fall safely and climb back on. A short paddling course helps Scouts use these skills together. By the end, Scouts understand how preparation and practice make water activities safer and more fun.
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