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
	Kayaking Trip #5 – 7 miles. We kayaked at Lake Powell, once again kayaking Antelope Canyon. When we reached the end of the canyon, which was closer than our last Lake Powell adventure, we did the same hike as before, and then headed back in the dark in order to get some beautiful sunset pictures. 7/11/2024

 

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 27 miles and completed this badge one time.