Kayaking Merit Badge Requirements

Requirements

1. # Copy link to requirement 1
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 1.a
      Explain to your counselor the hazards you are most likely to encounter while participating in kayaking activities, including weather and water-related hazards, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 1.b
      Review prevention, symptoms, and first-aid treatment for the following injuries or illnesses that can occur while kayaking: blisters, cold-water shock and hypothermia, heat-related illnesses, dehydration, sunburn, sprains, and strains.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 1.c
      Review the Scouting America Safety Afloat policy. Explain to your counselor how this applies to kayaking.
2. # Copy link to requirement 2
   Before doing requirements 3 through 8, successfully complete the Scouting America swimmer test. Note: See the Swimming merit badge pamphlet for details about the Scouting America swimmer test.
3. # Copy link to requirement 3
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 3.a
      Review the characteristics of life jackets most appropriate for kayaking and understand why one must always be worn while paddling. Then demonstrate how to select and fit a life jacket for kayaking.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 3.b
      Review the importance of safety equipment such as a signal device, extra paddle, sponge, bilge pump, flotation bags, and throw bag.
4. # Copy link to requirement 4
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 4.a
      Name and point out the major parts of a kayak.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 4.b
      Review the differences in the design between recreational, whitewater, and sea or touring kayaks. Include how length, width, stability, and rocker are involved in the design of each type.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 4.c
      Explain the care, maintenance, and storage of a kayak.
5. # Copy link to requirement 5
   Discuss the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 5.a
      Correct methods for the use of a kayak paddle.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 5.b
      Parts of a paddle.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 5.c
      The care and maintenance of a paddle.
6. # Copy link to requirement 6
   Using a properly equipped kayak with an open cockpit, a sit-on-top, or an inflatable kayak, do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 6.a
      Safely capsize and perform a wet exit.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 6.b
      Reenter the kayak with assistance from a buddy boat.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 6.c
      Demonstrate a kayak-over-kayak rescue.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 6.d
      Demonstrate the HELP position.
   5. # Copy link to requirement 6.e
      Capsize the kayak, swim it and the paddle to shore, and empty water from the kayak with assistance if needed.
7. # Copy link to requirement 7
   As a solo paddler, use a properly equipped kayak to demonstrate the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 7.a
      Forward stroke
   2. # Copy link to requirement 7.b
      Backstroke
   3. # Copy link to requirement 7.c
      Forward sweep
   4. # Copy link to requirement 7.d
      Reverse sweep
   5. # Copy link to requirement 7.e
      Draw stroke
   6. # Copy link to requirement 7.f
      Stern draw.
8. # Copy link to requirement 8
   As a solo paddler, use a properly equipped kayak to demonstrate the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 8.a
      Paddle a straight line for 15 to 20 boat lengths using appropriate strokes while maintaining trim and balance of the kayak.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 8.b
      Spin or pivot from a stationary position 180 degrees (half circle) to the right and left within two boat lengths.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 8.c
      Move abeam to the right 10 feet and to the left 10 feet.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 8.d
      Stop the boat in one boat length.
   5. # Copy link to requirement 8.e
      While maintaining forward motion, turn the kayak 90 degrees to the right and left.
   6. # Copy link to requirement 8.f
      Move the kayak backward three to four boat lengths using appropriate and effective reverse strokes.
   7. # Copy link to requirement 8.g
      Paddle the kayak in a buoyed figure 8 course around markers three to four boat lengths apart.