All awards
Whitewater Rafting Award
All programs
2019 requirements, effective August 1, 2019
Requirements
1.
Before doing the following requirements,
successfully complete the BSA swimmers test.
2.
Do the following:
a.
Name the parts of a whitewater raft
b.
Describe differences between a paddle raft and
an oar powered raft.
c.
Explain the importance of perimeter lines used
on whitewater rafts
d.
Demonstrate how to choose an appropriate size
paddle,
e.
Demonstrate how to select and properly fit a life
jacket.
f.
Demonstrate how to select and properly fit a
helmet.
g.
Discuss the use of throw ropes in rescuing
overboard paddlers.
h.
Discuss common river hazards including rocks,
strainers, broaching, standing waves, hydraulics
and foot entrapment.
3.
Explain the importance of safety equipment used in
whitewater rafting including throw ropes, helmets
and life jackets. Also discuss appropriate clothing
and footwear for a whitewater rafting trip.
4.
Under proper supervision and appropriate conditions
safely do the following:
a.
Lift, carry, launch and land an inflatable raft,
with help, on calm or slow-moving water.
b.
Sit in a raft as a paddler with proper foot
position.
c.
Swim a Class I rapid while wearing a life jacket,
helmet and attire appropriate for the water
temperature. Demonstrate defensive and
aggressive swimming positions as possible.
d.
Re-enter a raft from the water, with assistance if
needed
5.
While on calm or slow-moving water, demonstrate
the following strokes in an inflatable raft with at least
one other paddler and on command of a qualified
paddle captain:
a.
Forward
b.
Back
6.
While on moving water up to Class I, demonstrate
the following maneuvers with at least 3 other
paddlers in an inflatable raft and on the command of
a qualified paddle raft captain:
a.
Turn left
b.
Turn right
c.
Paddle forward in a straight line for 50 feet.
d.
Back paddle reasonably straight for 15 feet.
7.
While on moving water up to Class I, demonstrate
the following maneuvers with at least 3 other
paddlers in an inflatable raft and on the command of
a qualified paddle raft captain:
a.
A front or a back ferry.
b.
A shallow or a wide eddy turn.
c.
A shallow or a wide peel out
8.
Participate in a whitewater rafting trip in up to Class
III whitewater with a qualified paddle raft captain in
each raft using a minimum of two rafts and for at
least one hour's duration.