Explore waterways under your own paddle

Paddling is one of our most popular OAS streams. Kayaks, canoes — even rafts built by the unit — take youth members onto creeks, lakes and rivers across our region and beyond.

What the stream covers

• Paddle strokes and boat control
• Capsize drills and rescue skills
• Water safety and reading conditions
• Journeying and navigation on flat water
• Moving water skills as experience grows
• Care of craft and equipment

Early stages to advanced stages

Early stages focus on staying safe and comfortable — fitting a life jacket, getting in and out, and paddling in a straight line. Advanced paddlers journey further, handle gentle rapids, perform rescues and help instruct younger members on the water.

Why it matters

Paddling builds water confidence, coordination and calm under pressure. Capsizing and recovering teaches resilience better than any lecture. And because paddling is done in crews and pairs, communication and trust grow naturally every session.

How units deliver Paddling

Units access paddling through region equipment, pool sessions and flat-water days close to home. Qualified paddling leaders supervise all sessions and help youth members progress at their own pace, from first splash to confident journeyer.

Try this

If you’ve paddled before: what’s one thing you’d do differently next time? If you haven’t: what would you want to learn first?

Stage badges

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