Canoe Basic Training

These are the very basic of basic topics and points to get new Scouts and Adults ready for a Canoe Outing.  It is also more or less what is required for the Canoeing Merit Badge.

All Scouts and Adults attending an extended canoe outing, overnight outing or one on moving water MUST completed this training as a bare minimum. 

This is NOT enough training for an adult leader to be the lead or safety on an extended outing or an outing on moving water.

Disclaimer

There are significant dangers associated with both Open Water and Moving Water canoe outings.  Units undertaking a Scouting Adventure on either a large body of water or moving water need more than just the basic skills and knowledge required by the BSA to conduct such a trip safely.

Our Troop has several adults with extensive experience and professional training in watercraft use, sailing and whitewater.  If you are planning a Canoe trip and do not have an experienced adult leader able to assess flow rates, wind and "read water", you should reconsider a water outing until you have the proper resources and people to make your trip safe. 

We are happy to talk to you if you have questions. 

Campfire Canoe Talk

Swim Test

Before doing the following requirements, successfully complete the BSA swimmer test. Jump feet first into water over your head in depth, swim 75 yards or 75 meters in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards or 25 meters using an easy resting backstroke. The 100 yards or 100 meters must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.

Hazards

Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in canoeing activities and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.

First Aid

Review prevention, symptoms, and first-aid treatment for the following injuries or illnesses that could occur while canoeing:

• Blisters

• Cold-water shock + hypothermia

• Dehydration

• Heat-related illnesses

• Sunburn

• Sprains

• Strains

BSA Safety Afloat policy

Discuss the BSA Safety Afloat policy. Tell how it applies to canoeing activities.

1. Qualified Supervision.  21 years +

2. Personal Health Review

3. Swimming Ability

• • Anyone not classified as a swimmer may ride in a canoe as a buddy with an adult swimmer who is skilled in that craft.

4. Personal Flotation Equipment

5. Buddy System

6. Skill Proficiency

• Before embarking on a long float trip, paddlers should have either three hours of canoe training and supervised practice or should be able to successfully complete a 100-yard course and recover from a capsize.

Shore Talk

Canoe

Name and point out the major parts of a canoe.

Describe how the length and shape of a canoe affect its performance.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different materials used to make canoes.

 Discuss the following types of canoeing:

• Olympic canoe sprint

• Flatwater and river touring

• Outrigger

• Marathon

• Freestyle

• Whitewater

• Canoe poling

Paddle

Name and point out the parts of a paddle. Explain the difference between a straight and bent-shaft paddle and when each is best used.

Demonstrate how to size correctly a paddle for a paddler in a sitting position and a kneeling position.

Discuss with your counselor the characteristics of life jackets most appropriate for canoeing and tell why a life jacket must always be worn while paddling.

Demonstrate how to select and properly fit the correct size life jacket.

Discuss with your counselor the general care and maintenance of canoes, paddles, and other canoeing equipment.

Discuss what personal and group equipment would be appropriate for a canoe camping trip. Describe how personal and group equipment can be packed and protected from water.

Using the containers and packs from requirement 7a, demonstrate how to load and secure the containers and other equipment in the canoe.

Using appropriate knots, including a trucker's hitch, tautline hitch, and bowline, demonstrate how to secure a canoe to a vehicle or a trailer, or if thes e are not available, a rack on land.

Water Phase One - Tandem Canoeing

With a companion, use a properly equipped canoe to demonstrate the following:

Safely carry and launch the canoe from a dock or shore (both, if possible).

Safely land the canoe on a dock or shore (both, if possible) and return it to its proper storage location.

Kneeling and Sitting positions

Demonstrate kneeling and sitting positions in a canoe and explain the proper use for each position.

Change places while afloat in the canoe.

Tandem Paddling

With a companion, use a properly equipped canoe to demonstrate the following paddling strokes as both a bow and stern paddler:

• Forward stroke

• Backstroke

• Draw

Water Phase Two - Solo Canoeing

Solo canoe:

Launch from shore or a pier (both, if possible). 

Make a proper landing at a dock or shore (both, if possible)

Water Phase Three – Rescues and Getting Wet

With a companion, use a properly equipped canoe to demonstrate the following:

In deep water, exit the canoe and get back in without capsizing.

In deep water, rescue a swamped canoe and its paddlers by emptying the swamped canoe and helping the paddlers safely reenter their boat without capsizing.

Safely perform a controlled capsize of the canoe and demonstrate how staying with a capsized canoe will support both paddlers.

Swim, tow, or push a swamped canoe 50 feet to shallow water. In the shallow water, empty the swamped canoe and reenter it.

Wrap Up

Store canoe properly (with assistance, if needed)

Demonstrate how to load a vehicle or trailer and how to properly strap down a canoe