# Kayaking Merit Badge Requirements

- Eagle-required: No
- Category: Sports
- Official requirements: https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/kayaking/
- Pamphlet: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/Pamphlets/Kayaking.pdf
- Last synced from scouting.org: 2026-03-29
- Overview: https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/kayaking/index.md
- Digital Resource Guide: https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/kayaking/guide/index.md

Learn kayak safety, paddling techniques, strokes, rescues, and navigation. Master equipment care and complete water trips to earn this merit badge.

## Requirements

- **1** *Hazards, Injuries & Safety Afloat* (Do all) Do the following:
  - **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.
  - **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.
  - **1.c** Review the Scouting America Safety Afloat policy. Explain to your counselor how this applies to kayaking.
- **2** *Swimmer Test Readiness* 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** *Life Jackets & Rescue Equipment* (Do all) Do the following:
  - **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.
  - **3.b** Review the importance of safety equipment such as a signal device, extra paddle, sponge, bilge pump, flotation bags, and throw bag.
- **4** *Kayak Parts, Design & Care* (Do all) Do the following:
  - **4.a** Name and point out the major parts of a kayak.
  - **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.
  - **4.c** Explain the care, maintenance, and storage of a kayak.
- **5** *Paddle Skills & Paddle Care* (Do all) Discuss the following:
  - **5.a** Correct methods for the use of a kayak paddle
  - **5.b** Parts of a paddle
  - **5.c** The care and maintenance of a paddle
- **6** *Capsize Recovery Skills* (Do all) Using a properly equipped kayak with an open cockpit, a sit-on-top, or an inflatable kayak, do the following:
  - **6.a** Safely capsize and perform a wet exit.
  - **6.b** Reenter the kayak with assistance from a buddy boat.
  - **6.c** Demonstrate a kayak-over-kayak rescue.
  - **6.d** Demonstrate the HELP position.
  - **6.e** Capsize the kayak, swim it and the paddle to shore, and empty water from the kayak with assistance if needed.
- **7** *Essential Kayak Strokes* (Do all) As a solo paddler, use a properly equipped kayak to demonstrate the following:
  - **7.a** Forward stroke
  - **7.b** Backstroke
  - **7.c** Forward sweep
  - **7.d** Reverse sweep
  - **7.e** Draw stroke
  - **7.f** Stern draw
- **8** *Maneuvering with Control* (Do all) As a solo paddler, use a properly equipped kayak to demonstrate the following:
  - **8.a** Paddle a straight line for 15 to 20 boat lengths using appropriate strokes while maintaining trim and balance of the kayak.
  - **8.b** Spin or pivot from a stationary position 180 degrees (half circle) to the right and left within two boat lengths.
  - **8.c** Move abeam to the right 10 feet and to the left 10 feet.
  - **8.d** Stop the boat in one boat length.
  - **8.e** While maintaining forward motion, turn the kayak 90 degrees to the right and left.
  - **8.f** Move the kayak backward three to four boat lengths using appropriate and effective reverse strokes.
  - **8.g** Paddle the kayak in a buoyed figure 8 course around markers three to four boat lengths apart.