Canoeing Scoutcraft Badge
Canoeing is about exploring the water, mastering the paddle and learning to handle a canoe or kayak with confidence. In the Canoeing Scoutcraft Badge, you will learn to choose and use equipment, stay safe on the water, control a craft, use different paddle strokes, manoeuvre around obstacles and respond to a capsize. Most importantly, you will spend time on the water developing practical skills, teamwork, confidence and a love of outdoor adventure. Badge
Badge Requirements
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- Prerequisite Knowledge and Training
Have passed the requirements for the following Scoutcraft Badge(s) and be prepared to demonstrate any of those requirements: - Discover Canoeing
Describe in your own words:- What canoeing involves and the different ways it can be enjoyed.
- How canoeing provides exercise, adventure and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
- Know Your Canoe and Equipment
- Identify the main parts of the canoe or kayak you are using and describe how each contributes to the safe handling and operation of the craft.
- Identify the equipment used for canoeing and describe the purpose of each, including:
- paddle;
- seat;
- rudder, where fitted;
- spray deck or splash cover, where applicable;
- buoyancy aid or lifejacket;
- appropriate clothing and footwear.
- Identify at least two different types of canoes or kayaks and describe how their design makes them suitable for different types of paddling.
- Put Safety First
Demonstrate safe canoeing practices:- Before launching, select and correctly wear a suitable buoyancy aid or lifejacket for the craft, activity and water conditions.
- Carry out a pre-paddling safety check of your craft, paddle and personal equipment, taking account of the planned activity and water conditions.
- Apply the buddy system during the paddling activity and demonstrate how you and your buddy would respond if a paddler or craft gets into difficulty.
- Follow the applicable safety and navigation rules for the waterway being used.
- Demonstrate Paddling Skills
Choose either Option A or Option B and demonstrate your ability to safely handle, manoeuvre and recover the craft.- Option A – Canadian Canoe
With a bow paddler, act as the stern paddler and demonstrate the required skills in a Canadian canoe.
- Safely launch the canoe and board from the bank or shallow water.
- Demonstrate correct paddling posture, grip and technique, including:
- Forward stroke;
- J-stroke;
- Backwater stroke;
- Emergency stop; and
- Draw stroke.
- Paddle at least 100 metres on a straight course while maintaining control of the canoe.
- Complete a slalom course around 8–10 buoys, using appropriate strokes to control and manoeuvre the canoe.
- Safely disembark and secure the canoe.
- In suitable controlled water and under appropriate supervision, demonstrate a capsize recovery appropriate to the craft and conditions, including righting and re-entering the canoe, recovering the paddlers and equipment, and returning safely to the bank.
- Option B – Single-Seater Kayak
Demonstrate the following in a single-seater kayak:
- Safely launch the kayak and board from the bank or shallow water.
- Demonstrate correct paddling posture, grip and technique, including:
- Forward stroke;
- Turning stroke;
- Emergency stop; and
- Draw stroke.
- Paddle at least 100 metres on a straight course while maintaining control of the kayak.
- Complete a slalom course around 8–10 buoys, using appropriate strokes to control and manoeuvre the kayak.
- Safely disembark and secure the kayak.
- In suitable controlled water and under appropriate supervision, demonstrate a capsize recovery appropriate to the craft and conditions, including recovering the paddler, kayak and equipment and returning safely to the bank.
- Option A – Canadian Canoe
- Build Your Paddling Experience
Complete a minimum of three hours of canoeing or kayaking on the water, in one or more sessions, and keep a log of your paddling experience.
For each session, record:- date;
- location;
- type of craft used;
- duration;
- approximate distance paddled, where practical;
- weather and water conditions; and
- a brief description of the activity or skills practised.
- The log must be verified by the supervising Scouter or suitably qualified canoeing instructor.
Recommended Age Range: The Canoeing Scoutcraft Badge is recommended for Scouts aged 11 to 14 years. The badge develops practical foundation skills in paddling, water safety, equipment handling and capsize recovery. These skills are appropriate for younger Scouts when taught progressively in controlled conditions and under suitable supervision, while the Swimming Scoutcraft Badge provides an essential foundation.
Badge Examiner: Training and examination for this badge should be conducted by a suitably qualified individual who has relevant experience or formal training in the specific field of expertise being assessed. The ideal examiner is a Troop Scouter, Assistant Troop Scouter, Rover Scouter or other Adult Leader with practical canoeing experience and the ability to supervise Scouts safely on the water. Where specialist skills are required, a qualified canoeing instructor, recognised paddle sport club instructor or suitably experienced Water Activity Licence holder should conduct or assist with the assessment. The examiner must be competent in water safety, canoe/kayak handling and capsize recovery
Note to the Examiner:
- Confirm that the Scout has successfully completed the Swimming Scoutcraft and Watermanship Scoutcraft Badges before commencing the assessment.
- Assess the Scout primarily through observation of practical skills. Demonstrations completed during normal Scouting activities, training sessions or recognised external canoeing courses may be accepted where they meet the badge requirements.
- Question the Scout to confirm understanding rather than relying solely on memorisation. Particular attention should be given to the Scout's ability to identify hazards, select and use appropriate safety equipment, apply the buddy system and respond appropriately to a capsize.
- All water activities must be conducted safely and in accordance with SCOUTS South Africa policies, applicable legislation and recognised canoeing or paddle sport safety standards. The Scout must personally complete all practical requirements.
- Capsize recovery is safety-critical and must be conducted only in suitable controlled water, with appropriate supervision, safety equipment and rescue support. The examiner must select a recovery method appropriate to the craft, conditions and Scout's ability. A deliberate capsize must never be conducted where conditions create unnecessary risk.
- The Scout must complete either the Canadian Canoe or Single-Seater Kayak option. Assessment should focus on safe and effective handling, paddling and recovery of the selected craft rather than unnecessary technical details of particular equipment.
- The three-hour paddling experience must be supported by the Scout's log, including the required session details. The log must be verified by the supervising Scouter or suitably qualified canoeing instructor.
Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.
Badge Requirements in printable PDF format
What You Need First
The following badges must be completed before undertaking this badge:
Next Steps - Where This Badge Leads
Completion of this badge is required for the following Scoutcraft and/or Interest Badges:
Last Update
August 2026
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