Girl Scouts Paddling Resources
Paddling with Girl Scouts
Paddling can give Girl Scouts meaningful opportunities to build confidence, learn new skills, and experience the outdoors together. This resource is designed to help volunteers understand Girl Scout paddling expectations and connect those expectations with ACA training, educators, and safety resources.
Before choosing a course, instructor, leader, guide, or outfitter, start with the activity itself. Consider who is participating, what type of paddlecraft you will use, where you plan to paddle, and what conditions you are likely to encounter. Girl Scouts encourages activities to progress from simpler experiences to more challenging ones as participants develop readiness and skills.
Safety expectations vary depending on the type of paddlecraft, participants’ grade levels, and the environment in which the activity takes place. Select your craft below to review the applicable Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints and identify the training, supervision, equipment, and experience appropriate for your outing.
Safety Activity Checkpoints, or SACs, provide guidance for planning and conducting Girl Scout activities, including expectations related to supervision, qualifications, equipment, first aid, emergency planning, and participant readiness. Paddling activities featured on this page require prior Girl Scout council approval and appropriate training, certification, or verified experience. Contact your council before finalizing activity plans.
Take a look at SAC Safety Standards, which discuss safety considerations for a multitude of outdoor recreation activities.
Canoeing
Please review GSUSA’s Safety Activity Checkpoints (SAC) for this activity.
Who can participate?
Daisies through Ambassadors, with restrictions based on grade level.
- Daisies: Flat water only, with an experienced adult in each canoe.
- Brownies: Flat water only, within swimming distance of shore.
- Juniors: Flat water within swimming distance of shore or Class I river sections.
- Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors: May participate in more advanced canoeing with appropriate instruction and supervision.
Where can they paddle?
Lakes, ponds, calm rivers, and moving water suited to participant experience. More advanced groups may paddle whitewater up to Class III. Whitewater above Class III is not permitted.
What ratio is required?
Maximum of 6 participants per instructor/leader, or up to 12 participants with an ACA instructor/leader and a qualified assistant. The instructor/leader’s certification may require a smaller group.
What qualification does the leader need?
An adult experienced in teaching and supervising canoeing, with knowledge of local conditions, and one of the following qualifications:
- ACA Canoe Instructor certification appropriate to the venue
- ACA Leader certification appropriate to the venue
- Girl Scouts Small Craft Safety Course with Canoe module
- American Red Cross Lifeguarding with Waterfront Module (flat water, near shore only)
- Documented experience accepted by the council
What safety equipment is needed?
Properly fitted USCG-approved life jackets for every participant; rescue whistles; a group throwable flotation device; instructor-carried tow line, throw bag, or rescue equipment; a rescue sling if needed; and canoe painters. Helmets are required in Class II or higher rapids or near sea caves. *GSUSA Safety Standards state that inflatable life jackets are not intended for participants under 16.
Also needed are suitable canoes and paddles, bailing equipment, appropriate clothing, and a waterproof first aid kit.
Kayaking
Please review GSUSA’s Safety Activity Checkpoints (SAC) for this activity.
Who can participate?
Brownies through Ambassadors.
- Brownies: Flat water only, within swimming distance of shore.
- Juniors: Flat water within swimming distance of shore or Class I river sections.
- Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors: May participate in more advanced kayaking with appropriate instruction.
Where can they paddle?
Lakes, ponds, calm rivers, and moving water suited to participant experience. More advanced groups may paddle whitewater up to Class III. Whitewater above Class III is not permitted.
What ratio is required?
Maximum of 5 participants per instructor/leader, or up to 10 participants with an ACA instructor/leader and a qualified assistant. The instructor/leader’s certification may require a smaller group.
What qualification does the leader need?
An adult experienced in teaching and supervising kayaking, with knowledge of local conditions, and one of the following qualifications:
- ACA Kayak Instructor certification appropriate to the venue
- ACA Leader certification appropriate to the venue
- Girl Scouts Small Craft Safety Course with Kayak module
- American Red Cross Lifeguarding with Waterfront Module (flat water, near shore only)
- Documented experience accepted by the council
What safety equipment is needed?
Properly fitted USCG-approved life jackets; whistles; a group throwable flotation device; instructor-carried tow line, throw bag, or rescue equipment; and helmets in Class II or higher rapids or near sea caves. *GSUSA Safety Standards state that inflatable life jackets are not intended for participants under 16.
Suitable kayaks, double-bladed paddles, bailing equipment, weather-appropriate clothing, and a waterproof first aid kit are also needed. Participants using decked kayaks must practice wet exits before paddling.
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Please review GSUSA’s Safety Activity Checkpoints (SAC) for this activity.
Who can participate?
Juniors through Ambassadors.
- Juniors: Flat water only, within swimming distance of shore.
- Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors: May participate in more advanced SUP activities with appropriate instruction and supervision.
Where can they paddle?
Flat-water lakes, ponds, and calm rivers are appropriate starting locations. With qualified instruction and experience, participants may progress to rivers, surf, and other advanced environments.
Paddling is not permitted more than 1 mile from the nearest shore, and shipping lanes should be avoided.
What ratio is required?
Maximum of 5 participants per instructor/leader, or up to 10 participants with an ACA instructor/leader and a qualified assistant. The instructor/leader’s certification may require a smaller group.
What qualification does the leader need?
An adult experienced in teaching and supervising stand up paddling, with knowledge of local conditions, and one of the following qualifications:
- ACA SUP Instructor certification appropriate to the venue
- ACA Leader certification appropriate to the venue
- Girl Scouts Small Craft Safety Course with SUP module
- National Surf/SUP Schools & Instructors Association certification
- American Red Cross Lifeguarding with Waterfront Module (flat water, near shore only)
- Documented experience accepted by the council
What safety equipment is needed?
Properly fitted USCG-approved life jackets, except for the SAC’s SUP-surfing exception; rescue whistles; a group throwable flotation device; and instructor-carried tow line or throw bag. *GSUSA Safety Standards state that inflatable life jackets are not intended for participants under 16.
Boards, paddles, fins, and appropriate leashes are also specified. Coiled ankle leashes are listed for general SUP, straight leashes for surfing, and quick-release leashes for river SUP. Helmets are required for river SUP in Class II or higher rapids.
Packrafting
Please review GSUSA’s Safety Activity Checkpoints (SAC) for this activity.
Who can participate?
Brownies through Ambassadors.
- Brownies: Flat water only, within swimming distance of shore.
- Juniors: Flat water within swimming distance of shore or Class I river sections.
- Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors: May participate in more advanced packrafting with appropriate instruction.
Where can they paddle?
Lakes, ponds, calm rivers, and moving water suited to participant experience. More advanced groups may paddle whitewater up to Class III. Whitewater above Class III is not permitted.
What ratio is required?
Maximum of 5 participants per instructor/leader, or up to 10 participants with an ACA instructor/leader and a qualified assistant. The instructor/leader’s certification may require a smaller group.
What qualification does the leader need?
An adult experienced in teaching and supervising packrafting, with knowledge of local conditions, and one of the following qualifications:
- ACA Packrafting Instructor certification appropriate to the venue
- ACA Leader certification appropriate to the venue
- Girl Scouts Small Craft Safety Course with kayak module and familiarity with packrafting equipment
- American Red Cross Lifeguarding with Waterfront Module (flat water, near shore only)
- Documented experience accepted by the council
What safety equipment is needed?
Properly fitted USCG-approved life jackets; rescue whistles; a group throwable flotation device; instructor-carried tow line, throw bag, or other rescue equipment; and helmets for Class II or higher rapids or near sea caves. *GSUSA Safety Standards state that inflatable life jackets are not intended for participants under 16.
Suitable packrafts, double-bladed paddles, bailing equipment, hull repair kit, air pump, and appropriate clothing are also specified. Decked packraft users must practice wet exits.
Whitewater Rafting
Please review GSUSA’s Safety Activity Checkpoints (SAC) for this activity.
Who can participate?
Brownies through Ambassadors, with grade-specific river difficulty limits.
- Brownies: Class I–II rivers.
- Juniors: Class I–III rivers.
- Cadettes: Class I–IV rivers.
- Seniors: Class I–IV rivers.
- Ambassadors: Class I–IV rivers.
Where can they paddle?
Established, rated whitewater rivers with conditions appropriate to the group. Only rivers that have previously been run and rated may be used. Participants must remain within the river difficulty limits for their grade.
What ratio is required?
Maximum of 6 participants per instructor/leader, or up to 12 participants with an ACA instructor/leader and a qualified assistant. The instructor/leader’s certification may require a smaller group.
What qualification does the leader need?
A qualified professional guide experienced in supervising rafting for the ages involved, familiar with the specific river, and following the American Whitewater Safety Code.
Qualifications and training may include ACA Rafting Level 4 or higher, International Rafting Federation Guide certification, swiftwater rescue training, and documented experience accepted by the council. Commercial outfitters may supply the trained guides.
What safety equipment is needed?
Properly fitted USCG-approved life jackets; helmets in Class II or higher rapids; rescue whistles; a group throwable flotation device; and guide-carried tow line, throw bag, or other rescue gear. *GSUSA Safety Standards state that inflatable life jackets are not intended for participants under 16.
Rafts must be appropriate for the group and feature at least four air compartments, securely attached D-rings, and snug hand lines. Properly sized paddles, spares, bailing equipment, a repair kit, and an air pump are also specified. A wetsuit or drysuit is called for when water temperature is below 70°F.
I Need Someone To Lead My Troop: Who Should I Look For?
The best-qualified paddlesports professional is not necessarily the person with the longest list of credentials; it is the person whose training and experience match your craft, participants, waterway, and intended activity. Girl Scouts specifically recommends considering an expert’s training, experience with similar conditions, rescue ability, group-management experience, and adherence to appropriate safety standards.
Remember: A higher ACA certification number or level does not simply mean “a better instructor.” Certification levels identify the technical skills and environmental conditions in which that educator has been evaluated. Choose the certification that matches the craft and waterway you plan to use.
ACA training and certification should be selected in consultation with the Girl Scout council and the applicable Safety Activity Checkpoints. Not every ACA course or certification independently satisfies every activity’s supervision requirements.
I want someone to teach my Girl Scouts paddling skills.
Look for an ACA Instructor.
See if your council has a list of pre-approved activity partners, vendors, or locations. Whenever possible, start with one of these. Click here to connect with your local council.
ACA Instructors are trained to teach paddling skills, safety practices, and rescue techniques. They can introduce beginners to canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding, help participants develop confidence, and provide opportunities to practice new skills.
Look for an instructor whose certification matches the type of paddling and water conditions you have planned.
Start your ACA Instructor search here, and choose the craft type from the discipline /options dropdown. Select any “Level” from the options presented.
I want someone to lead our troop on a day trip.
Look for an ACA Leader.
See if your council has a list of pre-approved activity partners, vendors, or locations. Whenever possible, start with one of these. Click here to connect with your local council.
ACA Leaders specialize in planning and managing group paddling experiences. Their training emphasizes trip preparation, group management, communication, decision-making, and safety. Rather than focusing on formal instruction, leaders help participants enjoy a well-organized paddling experience.
The ACA offers leadership certifications for different environments and levels of challenge, including the Community Paddlesports Leader for outings on protected waterways. More advanced leadership certifications prepare individuals for increasingly challenging day trips. Be sure to confirm that their qualifications meet your activity’s Safety Activity Checkpoints.
Start your ACA Leader search here, and be sure to select “River Leader” or “Coastal Leader” from the discipline options. Select any “Level” from the options presented.
I want someone to take us on a longer or more complex trip.
Look for an ACA Guide.
See if your council has a list of pre-approved activity partners, vendors, or locations. Whenever possible, start with one of these. Click here to connect with your local council.
ACA Guides are trained to plan and lead multi-day paddling adventures. Their preparation includes extended trip planning, navigation, group management, risk assessment, emergency response, and managing the additional challenges associated with longer excursions.
A Guide may be a good choice for an overnight canoe trip, a multi-day river adventure, or an expedition in a more remote environment. Choose someone with experience in the specific waterway and conditions you’ll encounter, and make sure the trip is appropriate for your Girl Scouts’ ages and abilities.
Start your ACA Guide search here, and be sure to select “River Guide” or “Coastal Guide” from the discipline options. Select any “Level” from the options presented.
What should I ask before choosing an instructor, leader, or guide?
Before committing to an activity, make sure the individual or organization is the right fit for your group by verifying their qualifications. If there’s no suitable pre-approved activity partner:
- Verify that instructors are credible.
- Review the related Safety Activity Checkpoints chapter. Confirm that the vendor’s safety protocols are aligned.
- Check for inclusiveness. When possible, choose vendors that demonstrate inclusive practices and can accommodate the needs of all participants.
- Review insurance coverage. Vendors should carry general liability insurance (typically at least $1 million) and auto liability coverage if vehicles are used. Vendors should be willing to discuss and confirm liability insurance or provide a certificate of insurance (COI) if requested.
- Handle contracts carefully. Follow your council’s guidelines for written contracts. This may include verifying insurance coverage and submitting contracts for council signature before they are finalized.
Always review the applicable Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints and confirm any council-specific requirements before making arrangements. ACA certification is an excellent indicator of professional preparation, but not every certification automatically satisfies every Girl Scout activity requirement. Click here to connect with your local council.
Transitioning from Red Cross Small Craft Safety to ACA Smart Start
The American Red Cross discontinued its Small Craft Safety certification program in 2018, leaving many youth organizations, summer camps, and outdoor educators seeking an alternative for foundational paddling safety training. Although the credential is still referenced in some Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints, it is no longer available to new participants. The American Canoe Association (ACA) offers the Smart Start for Safe Paddling Certification as a comparable training option for individuals who want to introduce others to safe paddling practices.
Previously known as the ACA Paddlesports Safety Facilitator (PSF) certification, Smart Start prepares participants to share essential paddling safety knowledge, including equipment selection, basic paddling skills, rescue principles, and safe decision-making for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The certification provides an accessible pathway for Girl Scout volunteers, camp staff, and youth program leaders who want to build their paddling safety knowledge and introduce these concepts to others.
How Do I Become a Smart Start for Safe Paddling Facilitator?
Becoming an ACA Smart Start for Safe Paddling Facilitator is a great option for Girl Scout troop leaders, volunteers, and camp staff who want to introduce others to essential paddling safety concepts. The certification process combines classroom learning with practical paddling and rescue skills, helping participants develop the knowledge and confidence to share foundational safety information with beginner paddlers.
The certification process includes:
- Find a certification course. Connect with an authorized ACA educator who offers Smart Start for Safe Paddling Facilitator Certification. Courses may be organized for individuals or groups of Girl Scout volunteers and camp staff.
- Complete the general knowledge module. Learn essential concepts related to paddling equipment, life jackets, waterway hazards, trip planning, group management, and rescue principles.
- Complete a discipline-specific module. Choose canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or multiple disciplines based on your interests and the activities you plan to support. These modules include practical demonstrations of basic paddling, safety, and rescue skills.
- Demonstrate your knowledge and abilities. Successfully complete the required practical skill evaluations and written examination.
- Receive your ACA certification. Once all certification requirements have been met, eligible ACA members can receive their Smart Start for Safe Paddling Facilitator credential.
Who can teach it? This course may be offered by currently certified ACA:
- ACA Level 3 Instructors (or higher)
- ACA Level 1 and 2 instructors with a Smart Start for Safe Paddling Endorsement
- ACA Leader Trainers (or higher)
- ACA Guide Trainers (or higher)
- ACA Level 1 (or higher) Instructor Trainer or Instructor Trainer Educator
Who is eligible? Certification candidates must be at least 16 years old, meet ACA’s Essential Eligibility Criteria, and hold current ACA membership. The general knowledge module requires a minimum of four hours, with at least one additional hour for each discipline-specific module.
Once certified, facilitators can introduce beginner paddlers to essential safety knowledge through land-based educational activities, making this an accessible way to bring paddling education into Girl Scout meetings, camps, and other youth programs.
Ready to get started? Explore the ACA’s Smart Start for Safe Paddling resources or contact the ACA Education Department at sei@americancanoe.org for assistance finding or organizing a certification course.
Still Not Sure? We Can Help.
You do not have to become an expert in paddlesports certification terminology to plan a great experience. If you are unsure what ACA training, certification, or educator best fits your activity, we can help you understand the options and identify a pathway that supports your Girl Scouts, your volunteers, and the waterway you plan to explore.
