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 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: 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

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??