Skipper your own adventure

The Boating stream covers getting out on the water under sail or power. From dinghy sailing to powerboating, youth members learn boat handling, safety on the water and the seamanship behind every good skipper.

What the stream covers

• Sailing small boats and dinghies
• Powerboat handling and safety
• Knots, rigging and boat care
• Weather, tides and reading conditions
• Safety equipment and emergency procedures
• Navigation basics on the water

Early stages to advanced stages

Early stages focus on the essentials — wearing a life jacket, parts of a boat and staying safe as a crew member. As stages progress, young people take the tiller themselves, plan trips, handle bigger boats and support newer sailors as they find their sea legs.

Why it matters

Boating teaches responsibility fast. When you’re on the water, the wind and weather don’t wait — so young people learn judgement, calm decision-making and teamwork. It also builds genuine technical knowledge that can lead to recognised qualifications later in life.

How units deliver Boating

Boating happens at region water activities days, state events and specially organised unit days. Qualified skippers and activity leaders run the on-water program, so units don’t need their own boats or experts to get involved.

Try this

Learn three knots used on boats this month — and work out which job each one does best.

Stage badges

The OAS stages for this stream. Youth members wear their highest achieved stage with pride.