Paddle Onward

Paddle Onward, a Webelos Elective Adventure

The Webelos Cub Scout handbook says,”Getting out on the water and paddling around is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and go places that you can only get to with a paddle craft. The boundary waters of Minnesota, the shoals of the Florida Keys, and countless rivers and lakes across the United States are available to only those who choose to paddle there. In this Adventure, you can choose a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board to complete the requirements.”

Read on for the requirements and ideas you can use 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 paddle board.
3. Review Safety Afloat.
4. Demonstrate how to choose 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. Demonstrate how to enter and exit a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board safely.  
7. Discuss what to do if your canoe or kayak tips over or you fall off your stand-up paddle board. 
8. Learn how to pick a paddle that is the right size for you. Explore how the paddle craft responds to moving the paddle.
9. Have 30 minutes or more of canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board paddle time.