Plan Paddling Skills | Stage 1

Paddling Ready: First Steps on the Water

This activity introduces Joey Scouts and Cub Scouts to the basics of paddling in a safe and fun way. Youth will learn how to dress for paddling, why Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are important, how to use the buddy system, and practise basic paddle strokes before heading out on the water.

This activity works best as part of a short series leading into a pool session and a paddling outing.

What you'll need

• Scout Hall or indoor space

• Selection of paddling clothing or images

• Makeshift paddles (rolled-up newspaper or padded sticks)

• Skateboards or wheely dollies

• Rope or tape to mark start and finish lines

• Paddle equipment for later outings (canoes, paddles, PFDs, helmets)

Activity

• 1. Preparing to Go Paddling (Group discussion)

  • Talk about where the paddling trip will be and what will happen

  • Explain why being prepared for water activities is important

  • Discuss:

    • Dressing to stay warm when wet

    • Having dry clothes to change into

    • Wearing shoes that can get wet

    • Bringing safe drinking water

  • Introduce what a PFD is and why we wear one

  2. Four Corners Safety Game

  • Label the four corners of the Hall as:

    • PFD

    • Cold water

    • Buddy system

    • Dressing for paddling

  • Read out paddling scenarios

  • Youth run to the corner that best matches the scenario

  • Ask a Scout from each corner to explain their choice

  • Reinforce key safety messages as a Group

  3. Roller Paddle Relay

  • Demonstrate how to hold a paddle using a T-grip

  • Explain the bow (front) and stern (back) of a canoe or kayak

  • Demonstrate a forward paddle stroke

  • Ask youth what happens if the stroke is done backwards

  • In Patrols, youth kneel on skateboards and “paddle” across the Hall

  • Each youth collects an item useful for a paddling trip and returns it to their Patrol

  • Patrols discuss why each item is important

  • Link equipment choices back to safety and cold water risks

  4. Optional Game or Review Activity

  • Repeat Four Corners with new scenarios, or

  • Play a short paddle-themed relay or quiz

Change the challenge level

• Make it easier by demonstrating strokes slowly and as a whole group

• Increase challenge by having older youth explain equipment choices

• Add teamwork rules such as Patrols needing to agree on items

• Introduce simple turning movements using opposite paddle strokes

Reflection