Kayaking and the Trail to Eagle
Kayaking is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Kayaking Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 7 main requirements for Kayaking. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Explain the hazards you may encounter while kayaking and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
- b.Review prevention, symptoms, and first-aid treatment for injuries that could occur while kayaking.
- c.Discuss the Scouting America Safety Afloat policy.
- 2
Before doing requirements 3 through 9, successfully complete the Scouting America swimmer test.
- 3
Identify the parts of the kayak and paddle you are using.
- 4
Demonstrate how to choose a paddle of the correct size.
- 5
Demonstrate the following strokes: forward, reverse, draw, and sweep.
- 6
Demonstrate a wet exit.
- 7
Paddle a kayak in a straight line for at least 100 yards.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Kayaking Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Kayaking, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Kayaking is usually earned summer camp or outdoor event. Summer camp and merit badge weekends are the most common places to finish it.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 2 weeks for a challenging badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 10 Kayaking requirements for you.
Kayaking Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Kayaking merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Kayaking is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Kayaking merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Kayaking in about 2 weeks, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Kayaking merit badge?
Kayaking is most often earned summer camp or outdoor event. Any registered merit badge counselor for Kayaking can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Kayaking merit badge have?
Kayaking has 7 main requirements with 3 sub-requirements, for 10 items in total.
