Learn to Paddle with Confidence

Stand up paddleboarding combines balance, coordination, and paddling technique. Scouts will learn how to safely handle a paddleboard, develop effective strokes, and maneuver across calm water while building confidence and improving their skills.

Instruction begins with basic equipment and safety procedures before moving into hands-on practice on Lake Allatoona. Participants will learn how to paddle from a kneeling position, stand and maintain balance, and control their board using different strokes.

Skills You'll Practice

• Identifying the major parts of a paddleboard and paddle.
• Selecting and properly fitting a personal flotation device (life jacket).
• Understanding appropriate paddleboard leash use for different water environments.
• Carrying, launching, and handling a paddleboard safely.
• Paddling from a kneeling position and transitioning to standing.
• Maintaining balance and controlling direction using essential paddle strokes.
• Falling safely, remounting the board, and demonstrating self-rescue techniques.

Prepare Before Class

Scouts should review the official Stand Up Paddleboarding Award requirements and become familiar with Scouting America's Safety Afloat guidelines before attending.

Be prepared to discuss water safety, appropriate life jackets, paddleboard equipment, and the differences between paddling on lakes, moving water, whitewater, and ocean environments.

The SUP instructor may email additional prerequisites or discussion assignments approximately one week before class. Completing these preparations in advance allows more time for hands-on instruction.

Equipment & Instruction

Participants will learn to use appropriately outfitted paddleboards, paddles, and safety equipment during supervised instruction. Previous paddleboarding experience is not required, but Scouts must already be capable swimmers.

Before You Arrive: Required Preparation & Safety

Stand up paddleboarding requires swimming ability, balance, and careful attention to waterfront safety. Scouts and parents should review the following requirements before registering to ensure participants are prepared 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). Digital copies are not accepted. Incomplete forms must be corrected before class begins, and Scouts cannot participate without the required medical documentation.

Download the Annual Health and Medical Record

Swimmer Classification Required

Stand Up Paddleboarding 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 paddleboarding 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 swimming 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 paddleboarding 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 paddleboarding activities because participants will enter the water during launching, remounting, and recovery exercises.

Balance, Falling & Self-Rescue

Falling into the water is a normal part of learning to paddleboard. Scouts will practice how to fall safely, return to their board, and demonstrate self-rescue techniques under instructor supervision.

Participants must wear properly fitted, approved personal flotation devices (life jackets) while paddleboarding. Scouts must also follow instructor guidance on appropriate leash use, the buddy system, and established waterfront safety procedures.

Activities may be delayed, modified, or canceled because of severe weather, lightning, high winds, or unsafe water conditions.

What to Bring

• Printed and signed Annual Health and Medical Record, Parts A and B
• Closed-toed water shoes suitable for paddleboarding
• 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, sunglasses, and weather-appropriate clothing
• Completed instructor-assigned prerequisites, if applicable

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

Upon entering camp, continue past the Ranger's residence and equipment sheds. The Main Pavilion will be on your right, with parking nearby and overflow parking across from the lot entrance.

Observe the posted 12 MPH speed limit, follow camp staff directions, and remember that pets are not permitted.

Put Your Paddleboarding Skills to the Test

Earning the Scouting America Stand Up Paddleboarding Award requires participants to demonstrate basic paddleboarding skills, equipment knowledge, water safety awareness, and self-rescue techniques.

Scouts will practice safely launching and maneuvering a paddleboard, using essential paddle strokes, maintaining balance, and recovering after falling into the water.

Demonstrate Your Skills

Participants must demonstrate the required skills to the satisfaction of their instructor. Successful completion includes showing that they can safely handle a paddleboard, control their movement, and respond appropriately if they fall into the water.

Earn Your Recognition

The Stand Up Paddleboarding Award is a Scouting America aquatics recognition rather than a merit badge. Participants who successfully complete the requirements may earn the official award.

Scouts who need additional practice or cannot complete every requirement during class may need to finish the remaining skills at a later opportunity.

Build Skills for Future Paddling

The techniques learned through this award provide a foundation for continued paddleboarding and other paddlesports activities. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of safe equipment use, balance, and responsible recreation on the water.

Registration & Important Policies

Advance registration is required, and class sizes are limited. Before registering, confirm that your Scout meets the Swimmer classification requirement and is prepared to participate in supervised water activities.

Class Changes & Cancellations

Under the previously 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

The previously published policy provides a full refund for cancellations made at least 12 days before the scheduled class. 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

Stand Tall. Paddle Strong!

Find your balance, develop new paddling skills, and build confidence on the water. Get ready to earn your Stand Up Paddleboarding Award at Allatoona Aquatics Base!

Registration Contact

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