Boating Proficiency

The Guide to Safe Scouting requires that "Anyone engaged in recreational boating using human-powered craft on flatwater ponds or controlled lake areas free of conflicting activities should be instructed in basic safety procedures prior to launch, and allowed to proceed after they have demonstrated the ability to control the boat adequately to return to shore at will".

Troop 54 canoeing participants will demonstrate this as described in Canoeing merit badge requirement 8. Do the following tandem maneuvers in a canoe while paddling on opposite sides and without changing sides. Repeat after switching positions and paddling sides:

1. Pivot or spin the canoe in either direction.
2. Move the canoe sideways or abeam in either direction.
3. Stop the canoe.
4. Move the canoe in a straight line for 50 yards.

Troop 54 kayaking participants will perform a similar demonstration. Do the following maneuvers in a kayak:

1. Pivot or spin the kayak in either direction.
2. Move the kayak sideways or abeam in either direction.
3. Stop the kayak.
4. Move the kayakin a relatively straight line for 50 yards.
5. Demonstrate a wet exit from a kayak.

Troop 54 rowing participants will perform the following demonstraton. Do the following maneuvers in a rowboat:

1. Launch.
2. Row in a straight line for 50 yards. Stop, make a pivot turn, and return to the starting point..
3. Backwater in a straight line for 10 yards. Make a turn under way and return to the starting point.
4. Land your craft.

Page updated 9/14/10.