Resource Library·Merit Badge

Kayaking

Elective merit badge — requirements, troop progress, and nothing shelved yet (be the first to suggest something).Official BSA page ↗Workbook (PDF) ↗

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Requirements

From the official BSA merit badge pamphlet — wording is paraphrased here. Confirm against the current pamphlet for sign-off.

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MB
For the whole badge
1
1a
Explain kayaking hazards (weather, water); anticipate, prevent, mitigate, respond
1b
Review first aid: blisters, cold-water shock/hypothermia, heat illness, dehydration, sunburn, sprains
1c
Review Safety Afloat and explain how it applies to kayaking
2
Successfully complete the Scouting America swimmer test before reqs 3-8
3
3a
Review kayaking life jackets; demonstrate selecting and fitting one
3b
Review safety gear: signal device, spare paddle, sponge, bilge pump, flotation, throw bag
4
4a
Name and point out the major parts of a kayak
4b
Compare recreational, whitewater, and sea/touring kayak designs (length, width, stability, rocker)
4c
Explain kayak care, maintenance, and storage
5
5a
Discuss correct methods for using a kayak paddle
5b
Discuss the parts of a paddle
5c
Discuss paddle care and maintenance
6
6a
Safely capsize and perform a wet exit
6b
Reenter the kayak with assistance from a buddy boat
6c
Demonstrate a kayak-over-kayak rescue
6d
Demonstrate the HELP position
6e
Capsize, swim kayak and paddle to shore, empty the water
7
8
8a
Paddle a straight line 15-20 boat lengths with trim and balance
8b
Spin 180 degrees right and left within two boat lengths
8c
Move abeam 10 feet right and 10 feet left
8d
Stop the boat in one boat length
8e
Turn 90 degrees right and left while maintaining forward motion
8f
Move backward 3-4 boat lengths with reverse strokes
8g
Paddle a buoyed figure-8 course around markers 3-4 boat lengths apart