Kayaking

Below are the requirements I completed for the Kayaking Badge. There weren’t actually any distance requirements for the Kayaking Badge, but we set a goal to do at least 20 miles.
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Kayaking Trip #1 – 5 miles. We kayaked through Antelope Canyon as far as we could, and then we got out and hiked 3.5 miles down a slot canyon. Then we got back in our kayaks and kayaked back to the entrance in the dark.

8/6/2020

Kayaking Trip #2 – 3 miles. We kayaked around Castaic Lake for a couple of hours. The trip was pretty difficult because the wind was against us coming back. We made it though.

6/5/2021

One of the Kayaking requirements is to demonstrate the 6 basic kayaking strokes and some simple exercises. I completed all of them in this short video.
Kayaking Trip #3 – 7 miles. We kayaked around the Huntington Harbor for just over 7 miles. We started by exploring the area then set out against the strong wind. After about a mile against the wind, we turned and made amazing time getting back.

7/29/2021

The other active Kayaking requirement was to demonstrate how to exit and get back into a kayak, get back into a kayak with assistance, demonstrate the help position, and swim your kayak back to shore. I demonstrate all of these in this video.
Kayaking Trip #4 – 5 miles. We kayaked around the Huntington Harbor again, this time with my grandpa. We kayaked in a big circle, stopping at multiple small beach parks. At the second one, we took a short nap before returning our rented kayaks.

6/17/2022

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS COMPLETED

In addition to the above, I also researched all the following areas and then completed a verbal presentation/interview to demonstrate my knowledge and understanding for each of them:

  • Explain the most likely hazards you may encounter during kayaking activities and how to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
  • Review prevention, symptoms, and first-aid treatment for the following injuries or illnesses that can occur while kayaking: blisters, cold-water shock and hypothermia, heat-related illnesses, dehydration, sunburn, sprains, and strains.
  • Review the BSA Safety Afloat policy. Explain to your counselor how this applies to kayaking.
  • Successfully complete the BSA Swimmer Test.
  • Review the characteristics of life jackets most appropriate for kayaking and understand why one must always be worn while paddling. Then demonstrate how to select and fit a life jacket for kayaking.
  • Review the importance of safety equipment such as a signal device, extra paddle, sponge, bilge pump, flotation bags, and throw bag.
  • Name and point out the major parts of a kayak.
  • Review the differences in the design between recreational, whitewater, and
    sea or touring kayaks. Include how length, width, stability, and rocker are
    involved in the design of each type.
  • Explain the care, maintenance, and storage of a kayak.
  • How to use a kayak paddle.
  • Parts of a paddle.
  • The care and maintenance of a paddle.
  • In order to complete this badge, I need to kayak a total of 20 miles. I have now kayaked 20 miles and completed this badge one time.