Plan Intro Paddling Skills | Stage 2

Paddling Skills: Building Confidence and Control on the Water

This activity helps Cub Scouts and Scouts build confidence and basic skills for paddling. Youth will learn how to plan a paddling trip, understand water safety and environmental care, practise paddle strokes and knots, and apply these skills during two supervised paddling outings.

This activity is designed to run over multiple sessions, including a Hall night and two paddling activities.

What you'll need

• Scout Hall or indoor space

• Whistle and chalk or tape

• Location map for upcoming paddling trip

• Rope for knot tying

• Printed paddling equipment diagrams

• Makeshift paddles (newspaper or padded sticks)

• Paddle craft, paddles, PFDs and helmets

• Safety throw rope, first aid kit and spare clothing

Activity

• 1. Captain Capsize Safety Game

  • Mark out a large canoe or kayak outline on the floor for each Patrol

  • Explain the key parts of a paddle craft

  • Call out paddling terms and safety scenarios

  • Youth perform the matching action

  • Revise key safety points at the end, including:

    • What to do if you capsize

    • How to contact emergency services

    • What to do if lost on the water

  2. Patrol Planning Discussion

  • Patrol Leaders lead a discussion using a map of the paddling location

  • Identify:

    • Where paddling is allowed

    • Areas to avoid and hazards

  • Discuss safety precautions including:

    • PFD use

    • Buddy system

    • Rescue equipment

    • Sharing the trip plan with a trusted person

  • Talk about environmental impacts and how to reduce them

  3. Draw and Label Paddling Equipment

  • Youth label a diagram showing essential paddling equipment

  • Identify missing items and add them to the diagram

  • Discuss why each item is important for safety

  • Link equipment choices back to the upcoming outing

  4. Knots for Paddling

  • Explain why knots are useful in paddling

  • Demonstrate and practise:

    • Bowline

    • Truckie’s hitch (optional challenge)

  • Practise tying knots to trees, posts or craft

  • Discuss real-life uses such as securing boats or equipment

  5. Paddle Stroke Pinball Game

  • Teach forward, backward and sweep strokes

  • Explain how sweep strokes help turn a paddle craft

  • Run the pinball-style game using paddle motions

  • Emphasise teamwork and communication

  6. Paddling Outings (2 sessions)

  • Take part in two supervised paddling outings

  • Before launching:

    • Fit and check PFDs

    • Review boundaries and safety signals

    • Discuss SunSmart behaviour

  • On the water:

    • Practise paddling in a straight line

    • Use forward, backward and sweep strokes

    • Play simple paddling games to build control

  • Complete a 25m swim wearing a PFD

  • After paddling:

    • Empty and clean craft

    • Remove debris and rinse with fresh water

Change the challenge level

• Make it easier by reducing stroke complexity

• Increase challenge by adding turning games or navigation tasks

• Ask higher Stage youth to help teach strokes or knots

• Turn paddling games into Patrol challenges

Reflection