How to kayak
- 1Meet Safety Afloat first — swim test done, life jacket on and fitted, trained supervision, weather and gear checked.
- 2Fit the boat and paddle — a kayak that fits, a sized double-blade paddle, and (if sit-inside) a spray skirt you can release.
- 3Launch and seat yourself — get in low, seated with good posture, feet on the pegs, knees to the braces.
- 4Learn the strokes — forward for power (torso rotation, not just arms), reverse to slow or back, sweep to turn, and a stopping stroke.
- 5Practice the wet exit — deliberately capsize in shallow, supervised water, stay calm, release the skirt, and slide out, then do a self or assisted rescue back in.
- 6Carry safety gear — signal device, spare paddle, bilge pump or sponge, flotation, throw bag.
- 7Paddle within your water and training — flatwater first; touring and whitewater need specific training; head in early for weather.
When to use it
- Flatwater recreational kayaking, lake and calm-river trips, and the Kayaking merit badge.
- A gateway to touring/sea and whitewater kayaking (with advanced training).
- Building paddling confidence and self-rescue skills.
Common mistakes & safety
- All of Safety Afloat applies — no exceptions. Swim test, USCG-approved life jacket worn by everyone, trained supervision, weather check, seaworthy craft.
- The wet exit is the must-have skill. A sit-inside kayak means you can flip and be upside down — practice the wet exit until it's automatic so a real capsize is calm, not panic.
- Everyone wears a properly fitted life jacket — non-negotiable.
- Know your rescue gear and how to use it — a bilge pump, throw bag, and spare paddle only help if you've practiced with them.
- Paddle within your training and water. Recreational flatwater skills don't cover surf, current, or cold water.
- Get off the water for weather — wind and storms are dangerous in a small boat.
Going deeper
- Double blade = alternating power. The kayak's efficiency comes from paddling both sides in rhythm — power comes from torso rotation, not just the arms.
- Practice the wet exit on purpose. The scout who has flipped and exited calmly in practice won't panic when it happens for real.
- Sit-on-top vs. sit-inside. Sit-on-tops are self-draining and easy to remount (great for beginners); sit-insides are drier and faster but require the wet-exit skill.
Official source
Kayaking merit badge — Scouting America →Requirement wording is Scouting America's — described in our own words. The wet exit must be learned in-water under qualified supervision.