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Requirements January 1938 until June 1952

            To obtain this Merit Badge, a Scout must first have met the Merit Badge tests for Swimming and must:

1. Make a kneeling pad and use it throughout paddling tests.  Discuss the advantages of the kneeling position.

2. In deep water and without losing contact with the canoe, jump out and climb in again without shipping water.

3. Accompanied by the examining Counselor who will paddle in the stern:

(a) Launch and board a canoe properly from pier or shore (from both if possible.)

(b) With single paddle, over at least a 100-yard course and return, show proper form in executing the following strokes in bow position:

1. Bow stroke
2. Diagonal draw
3. Back water
4. Reverse sweep
5. 1/4 sweep stroke turning canoe toward shore
6. Bow rudder
7. Cross bow rudder

Change paddle to other side and repeat above tests.

(c) Make proper landing.

4. Alone in a canoe, using double paddle (without drip cups) paddle a straight course for one quarter mile; make a right turn and return to vicinity of start; stop; execute a left pivot turn; and make proper landing.

5. Alone in a canoe, using single paddle while paddling out over a 200-yard course and returning, demonstrate tow kneeling positions for one man cruising and correctly execute the following on one side going out and on the other side coming back:

(a) J. stroke
(b) Full sweep
(c) Outside pivot turn
(d) Draw stroke
(e) Push over
(f) Sculling stroke

6. Fully dressed - (Wearing clothing usually worn in canoeing in his territory according to season of year):

(a) Capsize canoe in deep water about 50 yards from landing place.

(b) Right it and stow paddle and kneeling pad.  Get in and paddle with hands or with paddle for 25 yards.

(c) Disrobe, secure clothing to thwarts, go overboard, and, holding with one hand, swim and tow swamped canoe to shore.

(d) Properly land emptied canoe and put it away (with assistance, if necessary).

7. A companion has capsized his canoe off shore and is clinging to it quietly.  Come alongside in another canoe, and while safeguarding companion, empty swamped canoe by drawing it upside down across the gunwales of rescue canoe, then launch and steady it while companion climbs aboard.

8. (a) Discuss contents of your favorite emergency canoe repair kit and explain how to use it in repairing a one-inch hole through canvas and planking.

(b) Explain emergency method of repairing a paddle shaft broken 3 inches above the blade.

(c) Discuss the proper length for a bow line (painter), how to place it correctly and its various uses.  Show how to use it with another piece of line in making a bridle for towing.

9. Discuss wood, lengths, shape, and parts of both single and double-bladed paddles.

Requirements June 1952 until June 1953

1. With a companion of about your weight and using a canoe not less than 14 feet in length:

a. Launch and get in the canoe properly from pier or shore (both if possible), giving directions to your companion.

b. Using a single-blade paddle while kneeling on one or both knees, in the bow position, paddle 100 yards, turn and paddle back, showing proper form in the following strokes:

            Bow Stroke                   Reverse Sweep

            Diagonal Draw              1/4 Sweep Stroke

            Push Over

c. Change paddle to other side and repeat requirement b.

d. While your canoe is afloat, properly change places with your companion who will now paddle in the bow.  On one or both knees, paddle 100 yards and return, showing ability to keep canoe on straight course.

e. Make a proper landing.

2. While alone in canoe, using a single-blade paddle, paddle over a 100 yard course and return, demonstrating two kneeling positions for one man, and correctly do the following on one side going out, and on the other side coming back:

            a. J Stroke                     c. Push Over

            b. Draw Stroke              d. Stopping

3. While fully dressed:*

a. Capsize a canoe in deep water and about 50 yards from landing place.

b. Right it and stow paddle and kneeling pad.  Get in and paddle with hands or paddle, for 25 yards.

c. Disrobe, secure clothing to thwarts, go overboard, and, holding on with one hand, swim and tow or swim and push swamped canoe to shore.

d. Properly land emptied canoe and put it away (with assistance if necessary.)

4. Using double-blade or single-blade paddle, assist a man who has capsized his canoe and is clinging to it.  Empty it as explained in the Merit Badge Pamphlet and steady it while man climbs aboard.

5. Discuss contents of a good emergency canoe repair kit, and explain how to use it in repairing a one-inch hole in canvas.

*Wear clothing usually worn in canoeing in your territory according to the season of year.

Requirements June 1953 until January 1965

1. With a companion of about your weight and using a canoe not less than 14 feet in length:

a. Launch and get in the canoe properly from pier or shore (both if possible), giving directions to your companion.

b. Using a single-blade paddle while kneeling on one or both knees, in the bow position, paddle 100 yards, turn and paddle back, showing proper form in the following strokes:     

            Bow Stroke                               Reverse Sweep

            Diagonal Draw                          1/4 Sweep Stroke

            Push Over

c. Change paddle to other side and repeat requirement b.

d. While your canoe is afloat, properly change places with your companion who will now paddle in the bow.  On one or both knees, paddle 100 yards and return, showing ability to keep canoe on straight course.

e. Make a proper landing.

2. While alone in canoe, using a single-blade paddle, paddle over a 100 yard course and return, demonstrating two kneeling positions for one man, and correctly do the following on one side going out, and on the other side coming back:

            a. J Stroke                     c. Push Over

            b. Draw Stroke              d. Stopping

3. While fully dressed:*

a. Capsize a canoe in deep water and about 50 yards from landing place.

b. Right it and stow paddle and kneeling pad.  Get in and paddle with hands or paddle, for 25 yards.

c. Disrobe, secure clothing to thwarts, go overboard, and, holding on with one hand, swim and tow or swim and push swamped canoe to shore.

d. Properly land emptied canoe and put it away with assistance if necessary.

4. Using double-blade or single-blade paddle, assist a man who has capsized his canoe and is clinging to it.  Empty it as explained in the Merit Badge Pamphlet and steady it while man climbs aboard.

5. Discuss contents of a good emergency canoe repair kit, and explain how to use it in repairing a one-inch hole in canvas.

*Wear clothing usually worn in canoeing in your territory according to the season of year.

*A Second Class Scout must first qualify for First Class Scoutcraft requirement 5

5. GO SWIMMING

SWIMMING* - Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe swim.  Jump feet first into water over your head in depth.  Swim 50 yards.  During the swim, stop, make a sharp turn, level off and resume swimming.