Stage 1
- I have discussed what a wet suit does.
- I know what a Buoyancy Aid and Life Jacket are for.
- I can show where the bow and stern are in a kayak or boat.
- I understand why I should follow directions from an instructor .
- I can show the limits of where I may go each time I go afloat for paddling
- I know about the ‘Buddy’ system.
- I know why I should care for my wet suit, buoyancy aid and ‘cag’ after use.
- I know not go afloat if the wind is greater than Force 4.
- I know how to contact the emergency services.
- I have taken part in a short exercise afloat.
Stage 2
- I can explain what special clothing is to be worn while taking part in a water based activity.
- I can put on my own personal floatation device properly.
- Before I launch my boat, I can show where and when I am allowed to go.
- I have discussed ‘Weil’s’ disease and the precautions necessary to take in open water activities.
- I have drawn a poster demonstrating the safety rules for swimming.
- I have taken part in an activity on safe enclosed waters involving paddling a Canadian Canoe.
- I have discussed the appropriate action I should take in the case of a capsize.
- I have explained what impact I can have on local vegetation when launching and retrieving a boat.
- I know how to raise the alarm if I see somebody in difficulty on the water.
- I know what hypothermia is.
- I have taken part in an at least two activities afloat.
Stage 3
- I can explain the importance of wearing the right clothing and gear while afloat.
- I can show how to test a raft for secure construction.
- I know how to do CPR and place a victim in the recovery position.
- I know how to make use of a paddle while on a raft.
- I know what to do in the case of a capsize/ or raft breakup and the procedures to follow.
- I know how to tie and when to use the following knots; Round-turn-and-two-half-hitches, Figure of eight, Bowline, Reef Knot, Clove Hitch.
- I can tie a square lashing.
- I know how and where to get the latest weather forecast for the area I will be paddling in.
- I can make a recognised distress signal.
- I know that I should follow the instructions of the person in charge of the boat.
- I have taken part in making a simple raft for four people..
Stage 4
- I can explain why wearing the correct outer wear is important.
- I can assist in the launch and recovery of a raft.
- I know the safety precautions required for water based activities.
- I know the main points of ‘Leave No Trace’.
- I can work as part of a team to paddle a raft on a triangular course.
- I can demonstrate how to whip a ropes end and then show how to coil the rope.
- I know the Beaufort wind scale up to Force 6.
- I can demonstrate throwing a Throw Line to a casualty, preparing the rope for the throw and instructing the casualty to use the rope. Heave the causality to shore. This can be demonstrated in open water or a swimming pool.
- I have taken part in and logged at least four rafting activities.
- I have taken part in three activities on safe enclosed waters involving paddling a Canadian Canoe.
Stage 5
- A Scout seeking this award must be 10 years of age and be of a physical size that enables them to kayak.
- I know the difference between winter and summer kayaking.
- I can demonstrate an understanding of the basic safety rules of kayaking.
- I can demonstrate my ability to enter and exit a kayak correctly.
- I can demonstrate forward paddle, reverse paddle, and stop.
- I can show my ability to turn while stationary using forward sweep stroke, reverse sweep stroke and a combination of forward and reverse sweep strokes.
- I can demonstrate correctly and confidently the capsize drill.
- I can demonstrate how to take part in a kayak raft-up and explain its uses.
- I can demonstrate forward and reverse paddling in a kayak.
- I can demonstrate stopping in a kayak.
- I can demonstrate forward and reverse sweep stroke in a kayak.
Stage 6
- The Scout must successfully explain and demonstrate all techniques and skills at a level
higher than that required for the Stage 5. This includes previous paddling strokes learnt. - The Scout must demonstrate correctly the following new skills
- I can demonstrate an understanding of the basic safety rules of kayaking.
- Simple draw stroke, Low brace, Low brace Turn, Edging while the kayak is moving. Capsize drill.
- My ability to assist in a H rescue, and in an assisted X rescue.
Stage 7
- The Scout must successfully explain and demonstrate all techniques and skills at a level higher than that required for the Stage 6. This includes previous paddling strokes learnt.
- The Scout must demonstrate correctly the following new skills
- Forward ferry gliding, Reverse ferry gliding, Breaking in, Breaking out,
- (A) Eskimo rescue (B) Eskimo roll.
- I can demonstrate my understanding of the use of Defensive swimming.
- I can demonstrate my understanding of Eddies, Standing waves, V waves, Stoppers, and easy river routes i.e. the main flow down a Grade II rapid.
- I can demonstrate my understanding of good control (i.e. responding to various signals and commands).
Stage 8
- The Scout must successfully explain and demonstrate all techniques and skills at a level higher than that required for the Stage 7. This includes previous paddling strokes learnt.
- I can demonstrate High recovery, Sculling for support, Sculling draw, Draw stroke, Hanging draw, strokes.
- I can use water conditions available for the effective and efficient manoeuvering of a kayak.
- I can competently negotiate water obstructions i.e. Standing Waves, Stoppers, and an ability to utilize it to cross a river.
- I can negotiating bends where water flows under trees or against vertical riverbank.
- I can demonstrate the following strokes Forward ferry gliding (facing upriver), Reverse ferry gliding (facing downriver).
- I can demonstrate Breaking in accurately, Breaking out accurately.
- I can demonstrate that I am capable of selfrescue.
- I can demonstrate a curl rescue and/or TX rescue, and Stern carry.
- I can assist an unconscious casualty (method of righting an unconscious person in a capsized kayak)
- I can manoeuvere an empty kayak between two specified points.
- I can assist an incapacitate paddler in a kayak between two specified points.
- I can demonstrate how to use a throw rope to rescue a swimmer and have a practical knowledge of First Aid.
- I know about river grading, river route finding, types of GP kayaks and paddles, towing systems and methods, group control and awareness, signals and commands, personal equipment.
Stage 9
- I can demonstrate all techniques and skills at a level higher than that required for the stage 4 and at a standard necessary to deal competently with conditions likely to be encountered on Grade 4 & advanced White Water Rivers.
- I can demonstrate a thorough knowledge of safety precautions and procedures to be
adopted while with a group on Grade 4 & advanced White Water Rivers. - I can demonstrate an ability to assess a group’s competence to deal with conditions likely to be
encountered on Grade 4 & advanced White Water Rivers. - I can demonstrate an ability to command trust from a group of peers while on rivers of Grade 4
& advanced white water. - I can demonstrate the necessary skills to communicate effectively with other group members on Grade 4 & advanced White Water Rivers.
- I can deal efficiently with rescue situations likely to occur on Grade 4 & advanced White Water Rivers.
- I can demonstrate a constant awareness of other group members, their location on the river and within the group.
- I can demonstrate a sufficient knowledge of the river’s environs.
- I can demonstrate an ability to read white water to a high standard.
- I can present a suitable and correctly fitted out kayak and other appropriate equipment. It would
be expected that a Scout’s equipment be of a standard consistent with the responsibilities of
being part of a group undertaking a trip on a Grade 4 & advanced white water river.
