Canoeing Merit Badge

Merit Badge Pamphlet       Workbook

Requirements

NOTE THAT SOME OF THE LINKS ARE USED MULTIPLE TIMES AS THEY HAVE INFORMATION THAT COVERS MULTIPLE POINTS.

Note that the Merit Badge Pamphlet has much of the information you will need, the links below are additional sources

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INTRODUCTION TO CANOEING

1. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while canoeing, including hypothermia, heat reactions, dehydration, insect stings, tick bites, and blisters. 
2. Do the following: 
1. Identify the conditions that must exist before performing CPR on a person. Explain how such conditions are recognized.
2. Demonstrate the proper technique for performing CPR using a training device approved by your counselor.   
3. Before doing the following requirements, successfully complete the BSA swimmer test: Jump feet first into water over the head in depth. Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.  Note, this is a prerequisite for Canoeing Merit Badge 
4. Discuss the following: 
1. The BSA Safety Afloat policy. Tell how it applies to canoeing activities. PDF   
2. The most common weather and water-related hazards encountered while canoeing and how to deal safely with each one. Canoe Safety  River Hazards  Weather hazards on a lake    
5. Do the following: 
1. Name and point out the major parts of a canoe. Parts of a canoe   Parts of paddle, canoe, 6 basic strokes  Parts of a canoe  Parts of a canoe - 2
2. Describe how the length and shape of a canoe affect its performance. Canoe shapes and designs
3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different materials used to make canoes.  Canoe materials   Choosing the right canoe
4. 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. Paddle type and sizing 
5. Demonstrate how to size correctly a paddle for a paddler in a sitting position and a kneeling position. Sizing a canoe paddle   (see chart below also)
6. Name the different types of personal flotation devices (PFDs), and explain when each type should be used.  Types of PFD   Types of PFD and fitting 
7. Show how to fit and test properly a PFD of correct size.Selecting PFD
8. Discuss the general care and maintenance of canoeing equipment. Canoe Maintenance 
9. 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.   Canoeing Equipment list   Packing canoe for overnight  Solo equipment 
10. Demonstrate how to load and secure equipment in a canoe.     Packing a canoe
11. Using appropriate knots, demonstrate how to secure a canoe to a rack on land, a vehicle, or a canoe trailer. Truckers' Hitch Knot
6. With a companion, wearing the proper PFD and appropriately dressed for the weather and water conditions, use a properly equipped canoe to demonstrate the following:Tandem canoe Basics Doubles Basics  Doubles Whitewater
1. Safely carry and launch the canoe from a dock or shore (both, if possible) .Launching and landing  Loading canoe at waters edge
2. Safely land the canoe on a dock or shore (both, if possible) and return it to its proper storage location.  Launching and landing
3. Demonstrate kneeling and sitting positions in a canoe and explain the proper use for each position. Sit or kneel?
4. Change places while afloat in the canoe. Switching places 
5. In deep water, exit the canoe and get back in without capsizing.  Deep water canoe re-entry   2 person self rescue
6. Capsize the canoe and demonstrate how staying with a capsized canoe will support both paddlers. Open Canoe self rescue Shake out swamped canoe
7. Swim, tow, or push a swamped canoe 50 feet to shallow water. In the shallow water, empty the swamped canoe and reenter it.
8. 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.  Canoe over canoe rescue 
7. With a companion, wearing the proper PFD and appropriately dressed for the weather and water conditions, demonstrate the following paddling strokes as both a bow and stern paddler: Canoe strokes and control  5 essential strokes
1. Forward stroke
2. Backstroke  Solo back stroke
3. Draw Side slipping  Draw stroke 
4. Pushaway 
5. Forward sweep   J stroke and sweep  Sweep strokes
6. Reverse or back sweep    Sweep strokes
7. For stern paddling only:- J-stroke  J stroke J stroke J stroke and sweep  Solo - J stroke  
8. Using the strokes in requirement 7, demonstrate the following tandem maneuvers 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.
9. Wearing the proper PFD and appropriately dressed for the weather and water conditions, demonstrate solo canoe handling:  Solo Basics  Solo Whitewater Solo - going straight J stroke and sweep Tandem canoe - paddling solo Solo canoe workshop Solo - bow draw, cross draw
1. Launch from shore or a pier (both, if possible). 
2. Using a single-blade paddle and paddling only on one side, demonstrate proper form and use of the forward stroke, backstroke, draw stroke, pushaway stroke, forward sweep, reverse or back sweep, and J-stroke. Repeat while paddling on the other side.
3. While paddling on one side only, paddle a 50-yard course making at least one turn underway and one reverse of direction. Repeat while paddling on the other side.
4. Make a proper landing at a dock or shore (both, if possible). Store canoe properly (with assistance, if needed).
5. In deep water, exit the canoe and then get back in without capsizing.
10. Discuss the following types of canoeing:
1. Olympic flatwater
2. Outrigger
3. Marathon
4. Freestyle
5. Whitewater
6. Canoe poling