Learn the Art of Rowing

Rowing combines strength, coordination, and an understanding of water safety. Scouts will learn the parts of a rowboat and oar, practice essential rowing techniques, and develop the skills needed to safely operate a boat on the water.

Instruction includes boat handling, basic first aid, knot tying, and rescue procedures. Scouts will practice swamping a rowboat, returning it to shore, and completing a rowing rescue by bringing a buddy safely back to shore.

Prepare Before Class

Scouts should read the Rowing Merit Badge pamphlet and practice the required knots before attending. Be prepared to answer questions, discuss rowing safety, and demonstrate knot-tying proficiency.

The merit badge counselor may email additional prerequisites or discussion assignments approximately one week before class.

Additional Rank Advancement Opportunities

Some Second Class and First Class Safety Afloat and boating requirements may be completed during the course. Scouts interested in these opportunities should bring their Scout handbook so applicable requirements can be reviewed and signed off.

Before You Arrive: Required Preparation & Safety

Rowing involves physical activity, swimming ability, and hands-on rescue exercises. Scouts and parents should review these requirements before registering to ensure participants are ready for a safe and successful day at Allatoona Aquatics Base.

Annual Health and Medical Record

Every Scout must bring a printed, completed, and parent- or guardian-signed Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A and B). Incomplete forms must be corrected before class begins, and Scouts cannot participate without the required documentation.

Download the Annual Health and Medical Record

Swimmer Classification Required

Rowing Merit Badge is not a learn-to-swim class. Scouts must successfully complete the Scouting America Swim Classification Test and qualify as a Swimmer before participating in rowing activities.

The Swimmer test includes:

• Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth and return to the surface.
• Swim 75 yards using one or more strong forward strokes, such as crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke, or trudgen.
• Continue for 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke.
• Complete the full 100 yards continuously, including at least one sharp turn.
• After completing the swim, demonstrate the ability to rest by floating.

Important: Scouts should be comfortable swimming in lake water, including areas where they cannot see the bottom. Dog paddling does not satisfy the required stroke standard. Scouts who cannot qualify as Swimmers will not be permitted to participate in rowing activities.

Required Footwear

Closed-toed shoes are mandatory for everyone at Allatoona Aquatics Base, including Scouts, parents, and visitors. Flip-flops, sandals, and Crocs are not permitted. Closed-toed water shoes are recommended for rowing activities.

Rowing Rescue & Waterfront Safety

Scouts will practice swamping a rowboat, recovering it, and completing a supervised rowing rescue. Participants should be prepared to enter the water during these exercises.

Properly fitted, approved personal flotation devices (life jackets) must be worn as directed. All Scouts must follow the buddy system, instructor directions, and established waterfront safety procedures.

What to Bring

• Printed and signed Annual Health and Medical Record, Parts A and B
• Closed-toed water shoes suitable for rowing activities
• Appropriate swimwear and a towel
• Change of dry clothing
• Refillable water bottle and sunscreen
• Packed lunch and snacks — food is not sold at the base
• Hat and weather-appropriate clothing
• Rowing Merit Badge pamphlet and completed prerequisites
• Scout handbook, if seeking additional rank requirement sign-offs

Check-In & Arrival

Check-in begins at 8:00 AM at the Main Pavilion. Please arrive on time with all required forms and supplies.

Allatoona Aquatics Base
200 Lovingood Drive
Woodstock, GA 30189

Follow posted camp directions, observe the 12 MPH speed limit, and remember that pets are not permitted.

Put Your Rowing Skills to the Test

Earning the Rowing Merit Badge requires Scouts to demonstrate practical boat handling, rowing techniques, knot tying, and water safety skills. Participants must also demonstrate their ability to respond to boating emergencies through supervised rescue exercises.

The merit badge may be completed in one day, weather permitting, if all requirements are successfully demonstrated. Scouts who need additional practice or cannot complete every requirement may receive partial completion and finish the remaining work later.

Prepare for Success

Review the official requirements, practice your knots, and arrive ready to participate in on-the-water instruction. Careful preparation and active participation will help you make the most of the course.

Registration & Important Policies

Advance registration is required, and class sizes are limited. Review the current event schedule and registration instructions before selecting a class.

Class Changes & Cancellations

Under the published event policy, final payments and attendance numbers are due 10 days before the event. Substitutions and class changes are not permitted after this deadline.

Refund Policy

Cancellations made at least 12 days before the scheduled class qualify for a full refund. Cancellations within 11 days of the event are not guaranteed a refund and are subject to Council discretion.

All class changes, cancellations, and refund requests must be submitted by email. Requests cannot be accepted by telephone.

Email: aacaquaticsmbdays@gmail.com

Every Stroke Builds Confidence!

Develop your rowing technique, strengthen your boating skills, and learn how to respond safely on the water. Get ready to earn your Rowing Merit Badge at Allatoona Aquatics Base!

Registration Contact

↑ Back to Top