Canoe Skills for the Delaware
River
Troop 368
Goals:
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Introduce you to canoe skills
Parts of a canoe/paddle
Paddle a canoe
Types of canoe strokes
Some things to look for on the river
How to safely get in, get out and perform a
T-rescue with a canoe
Needs to Canoe
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Pass BSA ‘Swimmers Test’
PFD (Provided by Troop)
Paddle (Provided by Troop)
Canoe (Provided by Troop)
Bag Lunch in waterproof container
Canteen with water – 2 quarts
Sun block
Eye glass/Sunglasses string
Water guns
What to wear?
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Bathing Suit/T-shirt
Shoes that can get wet/Aquasocks/Tevas
Rain Gear?
Sun block?
Hat?
BSA Safety Afloat
Boy Scout Boating Activities
• Qualified Supervision
– 2 adult leaders trained in Safety afloat/CPR, BSA Life Guard
• Physical Fitness
– Completed and an updated Health Form
• Swimming Ability
– Everyone must be a BSA ‘Swimmer’
• Personal Flotation Equipment
– Properly fitted US Coast Guard approved PFDs
• Buddy System
– Have a ‘Buddy Boat’
BSA Safety Afloat cont.
• Skills Proficiency
– Must have a skills training session
• Planning
– Float Plan – map of Canoeing area
– Local Rules – obtain permission to use private property
– Notification – Float plan to Council HQ (let them and parents
know where we are – just in case something happens)
– Weather
– Contingencies
• Equipment
– All equipment in good shape, fitted to canoer
BSA Safe Swim Defense
Boy Scout Swimming
• Qualified Supervision
– Experienced adult supervising all water activities
• Physical Fitness
– Evidence of Fitness from your Dr. – Medical Form
• Safe Area
– Inspect area for hazards and mark swim area
• Lifeguards on duty
– Trained Lifeguards on duty when anyone is swimming
BSA Safe Swim Defense cont.
• Lookout
– Someone viewing all swimmers
• Ability Groups
– Each swimmers ability is limited to the swimming area that
suits his ability
– Swimmer, Beginner, and non-Swimmer
• Buddy System
– Scouts never swim alone, swim with a buddy at all times
• Discipline
– Scouts respect the rules and follow directions from
Lifeguards
PFDs
• PFD = Personal Flotation Device or Life
Jacket
• PFDs Must be worn at all times on the
River.. No exceptions!!
• Our type Jacket style
– straps must be tightened
The canoe
The paddle
Paddles
• Choose the correct paddle size:
– Blade to the ground/The grip should be to your
chin
• Do not drag your paddle or paddle blade on
the ground.
• To push off – use your grip side.. NOT
YOUR blade side!!!
Bailers
• Get small amount of water out of your
canoe while canoeing
Waterproof containers
• Carry Lunch in a waterproof container:
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ZipBloc bags
Aquabag
Ammo box
Plastic bags tied with a rubber band/knot
• Anything in the canoe should be tied to the
thwarts.
Putting the canoe into the water
Getting into a canoe
Getting into a canoe cont.
Always kneel
Always kneel in a canoe – keeps your gravity
low and keeps the momentum going.
Paddle Stroke – “J” Stroke
• The “J” Stroke
Paddle Strokes – “Drawstroke”
Paddle Strokes – “Backstroke”
Paddle Strokes – “Pry”
Paddle Strokes – “Pushaway”
Paddling Art
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Use the whole blade of the paddle
Use your arms and not your back
Don’t let go until the stroke is complete
Long, smooth and steady strokes
Feather your paddle
Keep your momentum
Paddle Positions
• Paddler in the Stern (rear) steers and moves
the canoe
• Paddler in the Bow (front) moves the canoe.
Reading the River
Reading the River
Reading the River
Reading the River
Reading the River
Reading the River
Reading the River
Reading the River
Reading the River
Reading the River
Reading the River
Floating downstream
Legs faced down stream, use
your arms to steer. Do not
ATTEMPT TO stand up!!!
Rescue a Swimmer
Get back into the canoe
T-Rescue
T-Rescue cont.
Getting out of the Canoe
Things to Remember
• Always wear your PFD
• Always listen to your Guides/BSA
Lifeguards
• Never get in front of the lead canoe
• Feet downstream if you are in the water –
do not stand up.
• Have FUN!
Questions
• Any questions??