# Solo Kayak Control

Part of the Whitewater Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/whitewater/guide/index.md)

*4. Calm-Water Skill Building*

> **4.** Option C—Solo Kayaker. Do ALL of the following strokes and techniques on calm water: **Solo Kayaker**

Work through each child requirement below in order. Kayaks reward subtle edging, torso rotation, and quick support strokes, so this branch is about building clean control before the river adds noise and pressure.

## What You'll Complete

- **[Req 4c1 — Kayak Directional Control](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/whitewater/guide/req4c1/)**: Practice draw, rudder, and sculling draw strokes that help a kayaker place the boat precisely.
- **[Req 4c2 — Bracing a Kayak](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/whitewater/guide/req4c2/)**: Practice high and low braces that keep the kayak upright when the hull gets knocked over.

> **Tip**
>
> A kayak often feels forgiving right up until it suddenly is not. Calm-water brace practice gives you reactions you can trust later when the water gets busy.

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- Previous: [Bracing a Solo Canoe](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/whitewater/guide/req4b2/index.md)
- Next: [Kayak Directional Control](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/whitewater/guide/req4c1/index.md)