Paddle Craft

Paddle Craft, an Arrow of Light Elective Adventure

The Arrow of Light Cub Scout handbook says, “Using a paddle craft is one of the oldest forms of transportation. The Pesse Canoe is the oldest known boat. It was constructed sometime between 8040 B.C.E. and 7510 B.C.E., making it about 10,000 years old. And it still floats! This proves that if you take care of your equipment, it can last a long time.“

Read on to discover this adventure’s requirements and fun ways to complete them!

Requirements:

1. Before attempting requirements 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 for this Adventure, you must pass the BSA swimmer test.
2. Pick a paddle craft you’ll use to complete all requirements: canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard.
3. Review Safety Afloat.
4. Demonstrate how to identify and properly wear a life jacket that is the correct size.
5. Jump feet first into water over your head while wearing a life jacket. Then swim 25 feet wearing the life jacket.
6. Discuss how to enter and exit a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard safely.
7. Discuss what to do if your canoe or kayak tips over or you fall off your stand-up paddleboard.
8. Learn two paddle strokes: power stroke and sweep.
9. Have 30 minutes or more of canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard paddle time.