Whitewater

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[[Image:2705c.gif|thumb|Whitewater]]
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{{Merit Badge header|Welding|Wilderness Survival}}
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== Merit badge requirements ==
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{{Infobox_MeritBadge_Green
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|name= Whitewater
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|image= 2705c.gif
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|caption= Whitewater
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|subject= Whitewater
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|status= Elective
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|created= 1987
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|discontinued= N/A
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|requirements revision= 2006
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|pamphlet revision= 2005
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|field= Sports
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|id= 125
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|quote=Canoeing or kayaking through whitewater rapids can be a thrilling experience. Safe whitewater fun requires each participant to understand the the equipment and techniques and to have a firm respect for the power of nature's waterways.
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}}
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{{Merit Badge introduction}}
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<br>
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{{National Outdoor Badge|Aquatics| an option}}
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{{reqs||merit badge }}
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<br>
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:1. Do the following:
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== Notes ==
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::a. Review with your counselor the first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while working on the Whitewater merit badge, including hypothermia, heat reactions, dehydration, insect stings, blisters, bruises, cuts, and shoulder dislocation.
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::b. Identify the conditions that must exist before performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a person. Explain how such conditions are recognized.
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::c. Demonstrate proper technique for performing CPR using a training device approved by your counselor.
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:2. Do the following:
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{{Merit Badge Notes}}
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::a. Review and compare BSA Safety Afloat and the American Whitewater safety guidelines and demonstrate your understanding of these principles by answering questions from your counselor.
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::b. Identify and explain the use and importance of safety equipment on moving water. Include in your explanation a discussion about throw ropes, whistles, and how to choose and properly fit PFDs (personal flotation devices) and helmets.
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:3. Before doing requirements 4 through 13 earn the Canoeing merit badge if you will be using a canoe to earn this merit badge. If you will be using a kayak, earn the Kayaking BSA Award.
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:4. Do ONE of the following:
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::a. If you are completing these requirements as a tandem canoeist, demonstrate basic canoe-handling skills by completing the Scout gate test within 160 seconds while paddling tandem with a buddy. Then demonstrate the following strokes: cross forward, cross draw, bow pry, Duffek, high brace, and low brace,
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::b. If you are completing these requirements as a solo canoeist, demonstrate basic solo canoe-handling skills by completing the Scout gate test within 160 seconds. Then demonstrate the following strokes: cross forward, cross draw, stern pry, Duffek, high brace, and low brace.
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::c. If you are using a kayak to complete these requirements, demonstrate basic kayak-handling skills by completing the Scout gate test within 160 seconds. Demonstrate the following strokes: Duffek, high brace, low brace, and sculling draw. Then do the following:
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:::1. Move the kayak forward in a reasonably straight line for 10 yards.
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:::2. Move the kayak sideways to the right and to the left.
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:::3. Pivot 360 degrees to the right and left.
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:::4. Stop the kayak.
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:5. Do the following:
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::a. Explain the importance of scouting before committing to running a rapid, and discuss good judgment when evaluating a stretch of river or a particular rapid.
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::b. Explain the terms ''downstream V, riffle, strainer, eddy, eddy line, pillow, ledge, bend, shallows, falls, low-head dam, current, rock, drop, horizon line, wave, standing wave, hydraulic,'' and ''sleeper.''
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::c. Explain how to scout and read a river while ashore and while afloat, and discuss the importance of hazard recognition.
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::d. Demonstrate your ability to read the river where you are practicing and demonstrating your whitewater skills.
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:6. Explain the International Scale of River Difficulty and apply the scale to the stretch of river where you are practicing and demonstrating your whitewater skills. Identify the specific characteristics of the river that are factors in your classification according to the International Scale.
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:7. Explain the importance of communication during every whitewater outing. Explain and then demonstrate using the following river signals: "Run right," "Run left," "Run down the center," "Stop," "Are you OK?" and "Help!"
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:8. Do the following:
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::a. Explain the differences between flatwater and whitewater canoes; identify the advantages and special uses for kayaks and decked canoes in running water. Identify the different materials used in modern whitewater canoe construction and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
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::b. Describe the various types of kayaks and how they differ in design, materials, and purpose.
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::c. Identify the advantages and special uses for kayaks and decked canoes in moving water.
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::d. Discuss the construction, safety, and functional features of paddles used in whitewater activities.
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:9. Discuss the personal and group equipment necessary for a safe whitewater outing and how and why it is used. Explain how to pack and protect these items.
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:10. Wearing the proper personal flotation device (PFD) and being appropriately dressed for the weather and water conditions, perform the following skills in moving water in a properly equipped whitewater craft of your choice (tandem canoe, solo canoe, or solo kayak). If a tandem canoe is used, the skills must be demonstrated from both the bow and stern positions.
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::a. Launch and land.
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::b. Paddle forward in a straight line.
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::c. Backpaddle.
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::d. Sideslip, both sides.
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::e. Ferry upstream and downstream.
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::f. Eddy turn.
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::g. Peel out.
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:11. Explain and demonstrate:
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::a. Self-rescue and procedures when capsized in moving water, including a wet exit if necessary
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::b. Safe rescue of others in various whitewater situations situations using a throw rope.
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::c. Portaging - when and how to do it.
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::d. The whitewater buddy system using at least three persons and three craft.
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:12. Discuss the use of inflatable boats on moving water. Discuss the use of inflatable rafts on moving water. In your discussion, explain the special safety precautions that should be taken when using an inflatable raft and the risks of "tubing" on moving water.
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:13. Participate in a whitewater trip using either a canoe or kayak on a Class I or Class II river. Help to prepare a written plan specifying the route, schedule, equipment, safety precautions, and emergency procedures. Determine local rules and obtain permission from landowners and land managers in advance. Explain what steps you have taken to comply with BSA Safety Afloat and the American Whitewater safety guidelines. Execute the plan with others.
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''Source: 2007 Boy Scout Requirements (33215)''
 
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== Notes ==
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== Requirement resources ==
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{{Merit Badge Requirement resources}}
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'''1. First Aid:'''<br>
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'''1a'''. [[Hypothermia]] - [[Heat Reactions]] - [[Dehydration]] - [[Insect Stings]] - [[Blisters]] - [[Bruises]] - [[Cuts]] - [[Shoulder Dislocation]]
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'''1b, 1c'''. [[CPR]]
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{{First Aid Links}}
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'''2a'''. The [[Safety Afloat]] materials are included in the [[Media:{{PAGENAMEE}}.pdf|{{PAGENAME}} Worksheet]].
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* [http://www.scouting.org/healthandsafety/gss/gss02.aspx#p BSA American Whitewater Guidelines] - [http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start American Whitewater safety guidelines]
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'''2b'''. [[PFD]], [http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/personal+flotation+device.html How to choose a proper PFD]<br>
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{{Swimming Links}}
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'''3'''. [[Canoeing|Canoeing Merit Badge]] - [[Kayaking BSA]]<br>
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'''4'''. [http://www.kayak-adventures.org/documents/CFKABoyScoutMeritBadgeRequirementswinter.pdf Kayak Adventures] A good explanation of the required gate test.<br>
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'''5b'''. [http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/rivers/glossary.phtml Glossary of River Terminology], [http://www.expertvillage.com/video/25088_kayak-gear-terms-one.htm Terminology], [http://www.expertvillage.com/video/25089_kayak-gear-terms-two.htm More Terminology]<br>
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'''5c'''. [http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Read-the-River-When-Kayaking-33246771 How to read the river when kayaking]<br>
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'''6'''. [http://www.mmadventure.com/rafting/river_grade.htm International Scale of River Difficulty]<br>
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'''7'''. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npeJBoA1Z34 Paddle signals for whitewater canoeing], [http://www.whitewater.org.nz/safety_river_signals.php River Signals]<br>
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'''4-13'''<br>
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*[http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River_view_ Whitewater River Database] - [http://www.wetdawg.com/pages/white_tips_display.php?t=32&c=3 Terminology] - [http://extremz.com/main/archive/water/raftingtermuag00.htm More terms] - *[http://www.whitewater.org.nz/safety_river_signals.php River Signals]<br>
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*[http://www.expertvillage.com/video/9260_beginning-canoeing-kayaking-safety-precautions.htm Canoe & Kayak Basics:] [http://www.expertvillage.com/video/9251_beginning-canoeing-kayaking-lifejacket.htm Canoeing Basics: PDFs] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video/9252_beginning-canoeing-kayaking-paddles.htm Paddles] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video/9262_beginning-canoeing-kayaking-safely-get-in-canoe.htm Getting In/Out] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video/9279_beginning-canoeing-kayaking-how-to-paddle.htm Paddling] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video/9287_beginning-canoeing-kayaking-starting-off.htm On The Water]<br>
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*[http://www.expertvillage.com/search.htm?s=whitewater ExpertVillage.com Whitewater Lesson Videos:] [http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/1582_river-reading.htm Whitewater Canoeing Lesson Videos] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/1582_river-reading.htm Safety ] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/1482_canoeing-gear.htm Gear] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/1492_canoe-maneuvers.htm Solo]<br>
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*[http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/1583_whitewater-kayak.htm Whitewater Kayaking Lesson Videos] - - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/170_kayaking.htm Kayaking Basics] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/1581_kayak-gear.htm Gear & Terminology] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/671_beginning-canoeing-kayaking.htm Kayaking Basics] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/1581_kayak-gear.htm Gear] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/1874_kayak-waves.htm Playing in Holes] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/1586_creeking-stroke.htm Stroke Tips]
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== Related awards ==
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<!-- --------------------------------------------------------------- -->
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<!-- Note similarities with other award requirements here such as: -->
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<!-- * [[other award]] requirement ## -->
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<!-- --------------------------------------------------------------- -->
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{{Aquatic Awards Links}}
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{{Sports Awards Links}}
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== See also ==
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<!-- Note similarities with other articles here such as: -->
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<!-- * [[other article]] -->
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{{Merit Badge See also}}
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== Help with these requirements ==
 
== External links ==
== External links ==
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http://www.wilderness-voyageurs.com
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<!-- Add general information links here (no advertisements) -->
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<!-- use this format: * [http://somelink.com description] -->
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*[http://www.KernRafting.com Kern River]
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*[http://www.whitewater.org.nz/safety_river_signals.php River Signals]
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*[http://www.wilderness-voyageurs.com Wilderness Voyageurs]
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*[http://www.noc.com NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center), NC]
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*[http://www.youghrivertrail.com Yough River Trail]
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*[http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/ohiopyle.aspx]
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[http://www.noc.com NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center), NC] and [http://www.noc.com/group_boyscouts.html NOC's Boy Scout program page]
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=== Merit Badge-specific Programs ===
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*[http://www.KernRafting.com Kern River Outfitters] Kern River. Only 3 hours from LA, 5 hours from San Diego. ''California''.
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*[http://www.americanwhitewater.com/boy-scout-whitewater-merit-badge.htm American Whitewater Expeditions] American River. ''California''.
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*[http://www.eaglerafting.com/boyscouts.asp Eagle Rafting] Two day program on the Kern River. ''California''.
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*[http://www.raftinfo.com/featured/California W.E.T. River Trips] Six day program combines Whitewater badge with 50-miler Award. Also offers the opportunity for Climbing, Kayak, and Bird Study. ''California''.
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*[http://www.raftecho.com/groupcorporate-rafting/boy-scouts/index.php Echo Canyon River Adventures] One day program on the Royal Gorge or Arkansas Rivers. ''Colorado''.
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*[http://www.inaraft.com/boy-girl-scout-america.htm Wilderness Aware] Online training, and customizable trips from an Eagle Scout owned outfitter. ''Colorado''.
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*[http://www.kentuckywhitewater.com/scouting.htm Kentucky Whitewater] ASM-led one day program, including Kayak BSA award. ''Kentucky''.
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*[http://www.neoc.com/content/4033/_Girl_Scouts/ New England Outdoor Center] One and two night canoeing and whitewater programs. ''Maine''.
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*[http://www.noc.com/group_boyscouts.html NOC's Boy Scout program page] One, two, and three day programs for whitewater, canoeing, and flyfishing. ''North Carolina''.
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*[http://www.laurelhighlands.com/activities/meritbadge.html Laurel Highlands River Tours] One or two day merit badge programs on the Youghiogheny River. ''Pennsylvania''.
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*[http://www.wilderness-voyageurs.com/scouts.htm Wilderness Voyageurs] Registered MBCs offer whitewater and climbing badges. ''Pennsylvania''.
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*[http://www.acefunyaks.com/boyscouts.html Ace Funyaks] One day program on the Ocoee River. ''Tennessee''.
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* [http://www.raftandkayak.com/ Olympic Raft and Kayak] Custom Scout trips on the Hoh River. ''Washington''.
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*[http://www.wildandscenic.com/aboutus.html Wild and Scenic River Tours] Customizable Scout outings in the Mt. Baker area. ''Washington''.
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*[http://www.awrafts.com/whitewater_rafting/whitewater_rafting_boy_scouts.php Appalachian Whitewaters] Two day merit badge program. ''West Virginia''.
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*[http://www.raftsiberia.com/trips/info/boyscouts.html Raft Siberia] 50-miler whitewater trips. ''California, Idaho, and Utah.''

Revision as of 18:43, October 27, 2012

Resources include the Whitewater merit badge worksheet Adobe Acrobat PDF, links, and cross-references to related badges and awards.  ◀Prev  -  Next ▶ 

Whitewater merit badge
Status: Elective
Created: 1987
Discontinued: no
BSA Advancement ID: 125
Requirements revision: 2006
Latest pamphlet revision: 2005

Contents

“ Canoeing or kayaking through whitewater rapids can be a thrilling experience. Safe whitewater fun requires each participant to understand the the equipment and techniques and to have a firm respect for the power of nature's waterways. ”


Whitewater merit badge is an option for the National Outdoor Badge for Aquatics.


Whitewater merit badge requirements

  1. Do the following:
    a. Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in whitewater activities and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
    b. Review with your counselor the prevention, symptoms, and first aid treatment for the following injuries or illnesses that could occur while participating in whitewater activities including cold-water shock; hypothermia; head, neck, and back injuries; heat-related illnesses; sunburn; dehydration; blisters; bruises; cuts; sprains and strains; shoulder dislocation; and submersion injuries.
    c. Discuss with your counselor the BSA Safety Afloat policy and the American Whitewater safety guidelines.
  2. Do the following:
    a. Explain the following river features: upstream V, downstream V, riffle, eddy, eddy line, pillow, ledge, bend, shallows, current, drop, horizon line, wave, standing wave, wave train.
    b. Explain when, why, and how you should scout a river while ashore and while on the river.
  3. Before doing requirements 4 through 12, earn the Canoeing merit badge if you will be using a canoe to earn this merit badge. If you will be using a kayak, earn the Kayaking merit badge. Then do the following:
    a. If you will be using a canoe to earn this merit badge, demonstrate strokes and maneuvers from the Canoeing merit badge to the satisfaction of your merit badge counselor.
    OR
    b. If you will be using a kayak to earn this merit badge, demonstrate strokes and maneuvers from the Kayaking merit badge to the satisfaction of your merit badge counselor.
  4. Do ONE of the following:
    a. If you are completing these requirements as a tandem canoeist, perform the following on calm water:
    1. Demonstrate the following strokes in the bow: cross forward, bow draw, cross bow draw, bow pry, Duffek, sculling draw, and sculling pushaway (reverse scull).
    2. Demonstrate the following strokes in the stern: stern draw, stern pry, sculling draw, sculling pushaway (reverse scull), and forward with stern pry.
    3. Demonstrate a high brace, low brace, and a righting pry.
    OR
    b. If you are completing these requirements as a solo canoeist, perform the following on calm water:
    1. Demonstrate the following strokes: cross forward, bow draw, cross bow draw, stern draw, pry, stern pry, Duffek, sculling draw, sculling pushaway (reverse scull), and forward with stern pry.
    2. Demonstrate a high brace, low brace, and righting pry.
    OR
    c. If you are completing these requirements as a solo kayaker, perform the following on calm water:
    1. Demonstrate the following strokes: Duffek, bow draw, rudder, and sculling draw.
    2. Demonstrate a high brace and low brace.
  5. Do the following:
    a. Explain the International Scale of River Difficulty and apply the scale to the stretch of river approved by your counselor.
    b. Identify the specific characteristics of the river that are factors in your classification according to the International Scale.
    c. Discuss how the level of flow changes a river from one class to another and what effects different flow rates have on the features of a river and its hazards.
  6. Explain the importance of communication during every whitewater outing. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to use the following American Whitewater Universal River Signals, both visual and auditory: "Stop," "Are you OK?," "Help/emergency," "Run river right," "Run river left," and "All clear-come ahead."
  7. Do the following:
    a. Demonstrate your ability to read a Class II section of river approved by your counselor. Describe the most desirable paths or lines of travel as well as alternative routes and options. Point out how to use the existing water features to your advantage, and explain how to best avoid the hazards present.
    b. Wearing a proper life jacket and being appropriately dressed for the weather and water conditions, perform the following skills in moving water in a properly equipped whitewater craft of your choice (tandem canoe, solo canoe, or solo kayak). If a tandem canoe is used, the skills must be demonstrated from both the bow and stern positions.
    1. Launch and land.
    2. Paddle forward in a straight line.
    3. Backpaddle.
    4. Ferry upstream.
    5. Ferry downstream.
    6. Eddy turn.
    7. Peel out.
  8. Explain and demonstrate the following to your counselor:
    a. Self-rescue and procedures when capsized in moving water, including a wet exit if necessary
    b. Proper use of a throw rope to rescue a swimmer in whitewater
    c. Proper technique for receiving a throw rope as a swimmer
    d. Portaging - where portaging would be appropriate, and when and how to do it
    e. The whitewater buddy system using at least three persons and three craft
  9. Discuss the use of inflatable rafts on moving water. In your discussion, explain the special safety precautions that should be taken when using an inflatable raft and the risks of "tubing" on moving water.
  10. Participate in a whitewater trip using either a canoe or kayak on a Class I or Class II river. Help to prepare a written plan, specifying the route, schedule, equipment, safety precautions, and emergency procedures. Determine local rules and obtain permission from landowners and land managers in advance. Explain what steps you have taken to comply with BSA Safety Afloat and the American Whitewater safety guidelines. Execute the plan with others.


The official source for the information shown in this article or section is:
2018 Boy Scout Requirements, 2018 Edition (BSA Supply SKU #641568)

View the change list (history) of these requirements. The text of these requirements may be locked. In that case, they can only be edited by an administrator.
Please note any errors found in the above requirements on this article's Talk Page.


Notes

Worksheet A FREE workbook for Whitewater is available here! Adobe Acrobat PDF
with the maps, charts, links, diagrams, and checklists you need!
Or click here to print just the Whitewater requirements. 		meritbadge.org has PDF and DOC versions of
Boy Scout merit badge workbooks, Webelos workbooks,
Cub Scout workbooks, and Nova Award workbooks.


Requirement resources

1. First Aid:
1a. Hypothermia - Heat Reactions - Dehydration - Insect Stings - Blisters - Bruises - Cuts - Shoulder Dislocation 1b, 1c. CPR

2a. The Safety Afloat materials are included in the Whitewater Worksheet.

2b. PFD, How to choose a proper PFD

3. Canoeing Merit Badge - Kayaking BSA
4. Kayak Adventures A good explanation of the required gate test.
5b. Glossary of River Terminology, Terminology, More Terminology
5c. How to read the river when kayaking
6. International Scale of River Difficulty
7. Paddle signals for whitewater canoeing, River Signals
4-13

Related awards

Aquatic-related awards
Sports-related awards

See also

Boy Scout portal
Venturing portal
General Merit Badge information


External links

Merit Badge-specific Programs

Retrieved from "http://www.meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Whitewater"
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