{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFS120651 \u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E(Published November 2024, replacing January 2022)\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ECanoeing is a way of travelling over water through the use of a canoe, a small craft which is propelled through the use of a paddle. The canoeing permit refers to open canoeing, a craft that does not have a deck enclosing the occupant(s) and which was designed to be paddled using a single bladed paddle, usually from a kneeling position. Kayaking and closed cockpit canoes are covered by the kayaking permit scheme. Open canoes can also be propelled using a pole, sail or motor.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EUse of a sail, with the exception of an improvised sail, is covered by the dinghy sailing permit scheme, and use of a motor by the power boating permit scheme. Canoeing Permits can also include Coracles (oval shaped craft).\u00A0\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003ESince March 2024, it has been a requirement that for \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/standup-paddleboarding-sup/\u0022 title=\u0022Standup Paddleboarding (SUP)\u0022\u003Estand-up paddleboarding activities\u003C/a\u003E requires a separate permit from canoeing. Which is appropriate for the environment and class of water\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EWhat is a canoeing permit?\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe adventurous activity permit scheme is designed to ensure that only people with the relevant skills and experience lead adventurous activities for the young people. Therefore all activities classed as adventurous can only be lead by someone holding the appropriate permit. Additionally young people (under 18) can take part in adventurous activities for themselves with personal activity permits.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EA canoeing permit is required for all canoeing taking place except in class C water. Definitions of water classifications can be found in POR.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ELevels of Permit\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ECanoeing permits can be issued for any class of water. Each class of permit can be further restricted (such as through tidal, non-tidal, group size, geographical location etc) to end up with an individual permit to the level of the competence and requirements of an applicant.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ETypes of Permit\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThere are three types of permit available for canoeing. These are:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPersonal\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u2013 Allows a young person (under 18) to take part in canoeing with others with a personal canoeing permit.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELeadership\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u2013 Allows the permit holder to lead canoeing for a single group.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESupervisory\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u2013 Allows the permit holder to remotely supervise more than one canoeing group.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EPermit Limitations\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELeadership\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u2013 If you have permit to lead canoeing then you can look after a maximum of eight canoes or 12 people (whichever is less) at a time, subject to any restrictions on your permit, and need to remain on the water with these canoes at all times.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPersonal\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E \u2013 If you hold a personal canoeing permit you can go canoeing with others who hold a personal canoeing permit. It does not allow you to go canoeing with anyone not holding a canoeing permit.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESupervisory\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u2013 If you hold a permit to supervise canoeing then you can supervise up to three groups. All supervised groups should have means to communicate with the permit holder who will need to be in or have immediate access to a rescue craft (this may be another canoe) and be in a position to provide prompt assistance if required. You remain responsible for all the groups you are supervising, but can designate someone with the appropriate skills to be the leader of each group.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EDesignations\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EWhen supervising groups from a distance the holder of a canoeing supervisor permit needs to designate a leader for each group. This designation lasts only for the current activity while the permit holder is supervising.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EPeople designated as group leaders should have the necessary skills and be responsible enough to lead a group safely in the craft and on the class of water being paddled. There is no problem with making young people group leaders if they are up to the role, and it can be used as a useful development tool.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EFurther Definitions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022ScoutBullet\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe types of water are defined below:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022ScoutBullet\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECanoe Open Inland\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E \u2013 Canoeing on inland non-tidal waters including rivers of less than British Canoeing grade 1.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022ScoutBullet\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECanoe River\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/strong\u003E\u2013 Canoeing on inland non-tidal moving waters of British Canoeing grade 1 and above.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022ScoutBullet\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECanoe Sea\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u2013 Canoeing on tidal waters (including tidal inland waters) where there is no intent of doing activities in the surf.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThose holding a permit for B1 in any of the above types of water may also operate in the other types of water on B1 waters.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[{"gridType":"callToAction","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","buttonText":"Canoeing Assessment Checklist","buttonLink":{"name":"AC120902 Canoeing Nov 2024","id":null,"url":"https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk//media/w03kb45a/ac120902-canoeing-june-2025.docx","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":{"value":"002f6c","label":"002f6c"},"alignment":"left"},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9a-activities/9a7-adventurous-activities-permit-scheme/#9.7\u0022 title=\u00229a.7 Adventurous activities permit scheme\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9.7\u0022\u003ERule 9a.7\u003C/a\u003E Adventurous Activities Permit Scheme\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9a-activities/9a8-adult-groups-undertaking-activities/#9.8\u0022 title=\u00229a.8 Adult groups undertaking activities\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9.8\u0022\u003ERule 9a.8\u003C/a\u003E Adult Groups Undertaking Activities\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/9b5-water-based-activities/#9b.5.1\u0022 title=\u00229b.5 Water based activities\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.5.1\u0022\u003ERule 9b.5.1\u003C/a\u003E Water Activities - General\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/9b5-water-based-activities/#9b.5.2\u0022 title=\u00229b.5 Water based activities\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.5.2\u0022\u003ERule 9b.5.2\u003C/a\u003E Life Jackets and Buoyancy Aids\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/9b5-water-based-activities/#9b.5.3\u0022 title=\u00229b.5 Water based activities\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.5.3\u0022\u003ERule 9b.5.3\u003C/a\u003E Classification of Waters\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/9b5-water-based-activities/#9b.5.4\u0022 title=\u00229b.5 Water based activities\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.5.4\u0022\u003ERule 9b.5.4\u003C/a\u003E Activities on Class C Waters\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/9b5-water-based-activities/#9.b.5.5\u0022 title=\u00229b.5 Water based activities\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9.b.5.5\u0022\u003ERule 9b.5.5\u003C/a\u003E Boats\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/9b5-water-based-activities/#9b.5.6\u0022 title=\u00229b.5 Water based activities\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.5.6\u0022\u003ERule 9b.5.6\u003C/a\u003E Charter Vessels\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Rules relating to canoeing","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9a-activities/9a1-preparation-generic-rules-and-definitions-for-all-activities/\u0022 title=\u00229a.1 Preparation, generic rules and definitions for all activities\u0022\u003ERule 9a.1\u003C/a\u003E All Activities\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9a-activities/9a6-use-of-external-centres-and-instructors/#\u0022 title=\u00229a.6 Use of External Centres and Instructors\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#\u0022\u003ERule 9a.6\u003C/a\u003E Use of External Centres and Instructors\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"General activity rules","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/?orderBy=title%20asc\u0026amp;category=Adventure\u0022\u003EActivities A-Z\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/?category=Adventure\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?category=Adventure\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/activity-permit-scheme/\u0022 title=\u0022Activity Permit Scheme\u0022\u003EActivity Permit Scheme\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/waterways/\u0022 title=\u0022Waterways\u0022\u003ENational Directory of Waters\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.britishcanoeingawarding.org.uk/scouts/\u0022\u003EBritish Canoeing and the Scouts working together infographic\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Additional information","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Learn more about the permits required for canoeing. ","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"15 July 2023","reviewDate":"15/12/2020","redirectUrl":"","id":50037,"nodeName":"Canoeing","title":"Canoeing","type":"contentPage","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Canoeing","headerSubTitle":"","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"ffe627","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[]},"subHeader":"Learn more about the permits required for canoeing. ","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC81MDAzNyJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/canoeing/"}