Req 4 — Pick Your Practice Track
4.
Do ONE of the following:
You must choose exactly one option from this requirement. This is the last big calm-water checkpoint before the badge shifts fully into reading rapids, rescue, and real river travel. Each option builds the stroke habits you will need once current starts pushing on the hull.
Your Options
- Req 4a — Tandem Canoe Control: Practice bow strokes, stern strokes, and braces used by a two-person canoe team. You will learn how tandem partners divide jobs and keep the boat responsive.
- Req 4b — Solo Canoe Control: Practice a full set of solo open-canoe control strokes plus braces. This path strengthens precision because one paddler must create both power and correction.
- Req 4c — Solo Kayak Control: Practice draw, rudder, sculling draw, and braces in a kayak. This path sharpens edging, support, and fast directional control in a decked boat.
How to Choose
Choosing your practice track
Match the track to the craft you will actually use for the badge
- Tandem canoe: Best if your whitewater work will happen in a two-person canoe where bow and stern jobs are different.
- Solo canoe: Best if you will paddle an open boat alone and need to combine steering, support, and power yourself.
- Solo kayak: Best if you will earn the badge in a kayak and want skills that match a lower, more connected hull.
- What you will gain: Each track teaches calm-water moves that become rescue-prevention skills once current is involved.