Whitewater Merit Badge

Whitewater and the Trail to Eagle

Whitewater 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.

Whitewater Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 12 main requirements for Whitewater. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

1
Do the following:
1. a.Explain the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in whitewater activities.
2. b.Review with your counselor the prevention, symptoms, and first-aid treatment for injuries or illnesses that could occur while participating in whitewater activities.
3. c.Discuss with your counselor the Scouting America Safety Afloat policy and the American Whitewater safety guidelines.
2
Do the following:
1. a.Demonstrate an understanding of the following river features by drawing lines to show the flow of water.
2. b.Describe how waves form including standing waves and wave trains.
3. c.Explain how to tilt or edge the boat without leaning your body.
4. d.Explain when, why, and how you should scout a river while ashore.
3
Before doing requirements 4 through 12, earn the Canoeing merit badge if you will be using a canoe or the Kayaking merit badge if you will be using a kayak.
4
Do ONE of the following options: Option A: Tandem Canoeist, Option B: Solo Canoeist, or Option C: Solo Kayaker.
5
Do the following:
1. a.Explain the International Scale of River Difficulty.
2. b.Identify the specific characteristics of the river that are factors in your classification.
3. c.Discuss how the level of flow changes a river from one class to another.
6
Explain the importance of communication during every whitewater outing. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to use the American Whitewater Universal River Signals.
7
Do ONE of the following: describe the various types of canoes used on moving water, or describe the various types of kayaks used on moving water.
8
Review the personal and group equipment necessary for a safe whitewater outing.
9
Demonstrate your ability to read a Class II section of river.
10
Wearing a proper life jacket, perform the following skills in moving water in a properly equipped whitewater craft: launch and land, paddle forward in a straight line, backpaddle, ferry upstream and downstream, eddy turn, and peel out.
11
Explain and demonstrate the following to your counselor: self-rescue when capsized, proper use of a throw rope, proper technique for receiving a throw rope, portaging, and the whitewater buddy system.
12
Participate in one or more whitewater trips using either a canoe or kayak on a Class I and/or Class II river.

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 Whitewater Merit Badge

1. Get a blue card and a counselor

Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Whitewater, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.

2. Plan around the setting

Whitewater 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 demanding 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 22 Whitewater requirements for you.

Whitewater Merit Badge FAQ

Is the Whitewater merit badge required for Eagle Scout?

No. Whitewater 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.