Canoeing and Kayaking

Canoeing and Kayaking are on-the-water activities participated in by Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts, and Venturers, who are members of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). For most Boy Scouts, their first experience with watercraft is with canoes or rowboats at their local Council camp. A typical Scout camp's "waterfront" will include one or more of the following: swimming, lifesaving, snorkeling, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, sailing, and much less frequently, water skiing.

Scout Resources

High Adventure Bases & Scout Camps

• Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases
• Boy Scouts of America
  • Find your local Scout Council

Advancement Requirements

• Able Sea Scout, requirement 17(i)
• Canoeing Merit Badge
• Kayaking BSA
• Whitewater Merit Badge

BSA Safety Guidelines

• Safe Swim Defense
• Safety Afloat
• Guide to Safe Scouting

External Links

• American Canoe Association
• American Whitewater
• USA Canoe/Kayak
• United States Canoe Association

Magazines

• Canoe & Kayak
• Paddler

Training Resources

• A SmartStart for Paddlers (4.7 meg Powerpoint)

Contributed by

Alex Cascione, BC-VQS