Kayaking has become one of the fastest-growing paddlesports in the United States. An estimated nine million Americans enjoy this sport. The most popular style of kayaking is recreational kayaking, followed by touring/sea kayaking, and whitewater kayaking. This merit badge will introduce you to recreational kayaking and help prepare you for advanced paddlesports such as tour/sea and whitewater kayaking.

Scouting is partnering with Riversport in Oklahoma City for this exciting opportunity.  Scouts will be required to bring $80 for this event.  Lunch will be provided,  Riversport will provide all safety gear and kayaks.  Scouts may bring their own safety gear, ensure it is labeled, and is subject to inspection and acceptance by Riversport.  All Scouts will be required to have their parents sign a liability release to participate.  Scouts will be required to bring their BSA Medical Forms Parts A and B, and each participant must be classified as a swimmer and provide a statement to that effect.

Scouts have their choice of three sessions; you only need to choose one.  Please carefully review the attached schedule before choosing your session. Each session comes with a day pass to Riversport that the Scout can use to enjoy all Riversport activities.  Each session is limited to six Scouts.

As an example, if a Scout chooses the 2pm session, they can come to use all Riversport facilities when the park opens, have lunch as part of the Merit Badge group, then attend the Merit Badge at 2pm and still be able to enjoy Riverrsport until it closes.  Similarly, a 9am participant will earn the Merit Badge, enjoy lunch, and then be able to enjoy all Riversport activities for the rest of the day.

Scouts are encouraged to read the Merit Badge pamphlet to prepare, and to print and start filling out the Merit Badge workbook.  Both are attached.