Troop 368

Canoe Skills for the Delaware River

Goals:

• 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• 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?

• 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 DefenseBoy 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:• 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

• 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??