TROOP 201

KAMEHAMEHA DISTRICT

ALOHA COUNCIL

COUNSELOR: ALVIN CHAR

Requirements Summary.

_____ 1. Complete BSA swimmer test.

_____ 2. Demonstrate basic knowledge of canoeing theory (name parts of canoe, know canoeing terminology, kneeling/sitting positions, loading and securing equipment, etc.).Discuss the similarities/differences between canoeing and kayaking.

_____ 3-7. Acquire basic kayaking skills (carrying, launching, different paddling strokes, deep water reentry, water safety, etc.).

_____ 8. Learn about the care and maintenance of canoes/kayaks. Also discuss the swimmer assist and the difference between flatwater canoeing and whitewater kayaking/surfing.

BSA Swimmer Test. Jump feet first into water over your head in depth, and swim 75 yards, then swim 25 yards using an easy resting stroke.

a. Name and point out the major parts of a canoe and paddle. Draw arrows to link names and parts.

Canoe:

Starboard

Port

Foreward (Bow)

Aft (Stern)

Gunwale (pronounced "gunnel")

Thwarts

Windward

Leeward

Paddle:

Grip

Loom

Throat

Blade

Tip

Maximum Capacity = __________________________________________.

Freeboard = _________________________________________________.

Length = distance from bow to stern (avg. 16-18 feet; as short as 12 and as long as 36 feet).

Beam = _________________.

Painter = lines (ropes) secured to the bow and the stern of the canoe.

Kneeling Pads = pads that rest at the bottom of the canoe or secured to the paddler's legs.

Yokes = pads that are placed on thwarts to carry the inverted canoe on shoulders while portaging (carrying over land).

Bailers

Waterproof Containers

Shoes

Sitting Position. Disadvantage:

___________________________________________________________

Cruising Position. Kneel on both knees and rest buttocks against a thwart or forward edge of a seat.

Upright Kneeling Position. Paddler kneels on both knees.

High Kneeling or Racing Position. Same as cruising position except that the body is more erect (buttocks not resting on thwart or seat). Advantage: ___________________________________________________________

BSA Safety Afloat standards are:

(1) Qualified Supervision: BSA Lifeguard, Red Cross Advanced Lifesaving, or YMCA Senior Lifesaver. One adult supervisor for 10 people with minimum of 2 adults for any one group.

(2) Be Physically Fit.

(3) Swimming Ability. Complete BSA swimmer test. Jump feet first into water over your head in depth, and swim 75 yards, then swim 25 yards using an easy resting stroke.

(4) Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs). U.S. Coast Guard Type II or III PFDs must be worn.

(5) Buddy System. Not only does every individual have to have a buddy, every boat should have a _________________________.

(6) Skill Proficiency. All persons participating in a troop activity must be trained and practiced in craft-handling skills, safety, and emergency procedures. Example: if the troop were to plan a kayaking trip, then all scouts should have earned their canoeing/kayaking merit badge.

(7) Planning a Trip.

(a) ____________________

(b) ____________________

(c) ____________________

(d) ____________________

(e) ____________________

(f) ____________________

(g) ____________________

Trim = ______________________________________________________

Keel = ______________________________________________________

Ballast = weight that lowers the center of gravity and adds stability.

Listing = ______________. Always tie or secure items to prevent the load from shifting, causing the canoe to list, and possibly overturn (capsize).

a. Carrying. Purpose is to transport the kayak from where it is stored to where you want to launch it without __________________________________. Make sure that the ground you place the kayak on is flat and free of rocks, stakes, or other objects that could pose a hazard to you or the kayak. Avoid dragging the kayak on the ground. Use two people to carry the kayak whenever possible or use a "canoe cart" with wheels.

(1) Beach. Bow (front) is pointed in direction of waves. Sternman steadies the kayak. Bowman gets first and prepares to paddle. Sternman pushes off from the shallow water, gets in, and gives the command to "give way" (begin paddling).

(2) Pier. One person sits on the pier with feet in the kayak to hold the kayak close to the pier. The other person gets in. Keep your center of gravity low as you get into position.

(1) Power Stroke (move the kayak forward). The power stroke (in two-man canoeing, also called the "bow stroke"), is the simplest and most important stroke. The different parts of the stroke are: catch, pull (grab and hold; do not bend left elbow), feather, and recovery. Repeat.

(2) Reverse Power Stroke (stop, move back, slow and turn simultaneously). Begin with the blade flat on the water behind you.

(3) Sweep (turn more quickly than with a forward stroke). Plant the blade close to the kayak and push the water to the side).

(4) Low Brace (provide stability/recovery from imbalances). Back of blade flat to the water. After slap, twist blade knuckles up!) to exit water.

d. Deep Water Reentry. Turn the kayak right side up. The "Ocean Kayaks" are self-bailing (water automatically drains from bail holes in the bottom of the kayak). Reach across the beam and grab the gunwale on the opposite side of the kayak. Do a scissors kick and pull yourself up out of the water so that your thighs are resting on the near gunwale. While leaning into the kayak, do another kick, pull yourself in and roll over so that you land butt first into the bottom of the kayak. Hopefully, you can do this and end up facing in a foreward direction!!!

(1) Wear a Life Line. ___________________________________________.

(2) Wear a Wrist Paddle Leash. __________________________________.

(3) Practice Self-rescues. Learn and practice deep water reentries. Remember that it is harder to do with a fully-loaded boat or in rough water conditions.

Rinse of all equipment with freshwater and dry thoroughly, keep out of the sun (UV radiation), and store off the ground.

A canoe is not recommended for drowning rescues but can easily assist a tired swimmer.

(1) Call to the swimmer and ask if he/she needs assistance.

(2) If a positive response, talk to the swimmer to calm him down.

(3) Approach cautiously with your canoe. Stop 8-10 feet away and extend your paddle to the swimmer and instruct him to grasp the paddle.

(4) Now explain to the swimmer exactly what you want him to do. Tell him to move to the stern of your canoe and hold onto the gunwale without pulling down.

(5) Tow him by paddling to the nearest shore or shallow area.

When canoeing on moving water, the water is actually pushing you along. For this reason the paddle is not used for pulling yourself along, but instead is used almost exclusively for directing the course of the canoe and slowing forward momentum. The best preparation for learning whitewater skills is to become an accomplished flatwater canoeist. When you have reached that point, you can look forward to earning your Whitewater Merit Badge.