{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW253588785 BCX0\u0022\u003EFS120654\u202F(Published November 2024 replacing January 2022)\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EWhat is kayaking?\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW258548465 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW258548465 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW258548465 BCX0\u0022\u003EKayaking is a way of travelling over water through the use of a kayak, a type of canoe designed to be paddled from a sitting position using a double ended paddle. Kayaking within the permit scheme includes models generally referred to as closed cockpit kayaks and open cockpit kayaks, and also includes closed cockpit canoes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022SCXW258548465 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr class=\u0022SCXW258548465 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW258548465 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW258548465 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW258548465 BCX0\u0022\u003EUntil 31 March 2024\u202Fkayak permit holders may also lead stand-up paddleboarding activities, after this date they must be run by someone holding a stand-up paddleboard permit for the appropriate environment and class of water.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EWhat is a kayaking permit?\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW130674551 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW130674551 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130674551 BCX0\u0022\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\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW130674551 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW130674551 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130674551 BCX0\u0022\u003EA Kayaking permit is required for all kayaking taking place except in class C water. Definitions of water classifications can be found in POR.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\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 class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW193517683 BCX0\u0022\u003EKayaking permits can be issued for any class of water and type of craft. 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\u0026nbsp;\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\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW126079342 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW126079342 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW126079342 BCX0\u0022\u003EThere are three types of permit available for Kayaking. These are:\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW126079342 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW126079342 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW126079342 BCX0\u0022\u003EPersonal\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW126079342 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u202F\u2013 Allows a young person (under 18) to take part in kayaking with others with a personal kayaking permit.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW126079342 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW126079342 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW126079342 BCX0\u0022\u003ELeadership\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW126079342 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u202F\u2013 Allows the permit holder to lead kayaking for a single group.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW126079342 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW126079342 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW126079342 BCX0\u0022\u003ESupervisory\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW126079342 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u202F\u2013 Allows the permit holder to remotely supervise more than one kayaking group.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EPermit limitations\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW86552992 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW86552992 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW86552992 BCX0\u0022\u003EPersonal\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW86552992 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u202F\u003C/strong\u003E\u2013 If you hold a personal kayaking permit you can go kayaking with others who hold a personal kayaking permit. It does not allow you to go kayaking with anyone not holding a kayaking permit.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW86552992 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW86552992 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW86552992 BCX0\u0022\u003ELeadership\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW86552992 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u202F\u2013 If you have permit to lead kayaking then you can look after a maximum of eight kayaks 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 kayaks at all times. When on B1 waters a permit to lead kayaking also allows the permit holder to lead canoes.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW86552992 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW86552992 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW86552992 BCX0\u0022\u003EIf permits are held for a number of different types of canoes and / or kayaks, it is acceptable to take charge of group consisting of a mixture of these craft. The permit holder must be in a craft which is suitable for undertaking rescues of all the various boats within the group.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW86552992 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW86552992 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW86552992 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESupervisory\u202F\u003C/strong\u003E\u2013\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW86552992 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u202FIf you hold a permit to supervise kayaking 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 kayak) 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\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EDesignations\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW30769152 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW30769152 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW30769152 BCX0\u0022\u003EWhen supervising groups from a distance the holder of a kayaking supervisor\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW30769152 BCX0\u0022 lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW30769152 BCX0\u0022\u003Ey\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW30769152 BCX0\u0022\u003E 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\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW30769152 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW30769152 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW30769152 BCX0\u0022\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\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EFurther Definitions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003EThe types of water are defined below:\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003EKayak Open Inland\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u202F\u2013 Kayaking on inland non-tidal waters including rivers of less than British Canoeing grade 1.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003EKayak River\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u202F\u2013 Kayaking on inland non-tidal moving waters of British Canoeing grade 1 and above.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003EKayak Sea\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u202F\u2013 Kayaking on tidal waters (including tidal inland waters) where there is no intent of doing activities in the surf.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003EKayak Surf\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u202F\u2013 Kayaking where there is an intention of doing canoeing activities in the surf (this is only available on B2-A class waters).\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW164394539 BCX0\u0022\u003EThose holding a permit for B1 in any of the above types of water may also operate in the other types of B1 classified waters.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[{"gridType":"callToAction","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","buttonText":"Kayaking Assessment Checklist","buttonLink":{"name":"AC120919 Kayaking Nov 2024","id":null,"url":"https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk//media/0sji4kr4/ac120919-kayaking-may-2025.docx","newWindow":false,"target":"_blank"},"colour":{"value":"002f6c","label":"002f6c"},"alignment":"left"},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9-activities/#9a.7\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9a.7\u0022\u003ERule 9a.7\u003C/a\u003E Adventurous Activities Permit Scheme\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9-activities/#9a.8\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9a.8\u0022\u003ERule 9a.8\u003C/a\u003E Adult Groups Undertaking Activities\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/#9b.5\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.5\u0022\u003ERule 9b.5\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp; Water based activities\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERule 9b.5.2 Life Jackets and Buoyancy Aids\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERule 9b.5.3 Classification of Waters\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERule 9b.5.4 Activities on Class C Waters\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERule 9b.5.5 Boats\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERule 9b.5.6 Charter Vessels\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Rules relating to kayaking","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9-activities/#9.1\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9.1\u0022\u003ERule 9.1\u003C/a\u003E All Activities\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9-activities/rule-96-use-of-external-centres-and-instructors/\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9.6 Use of External Centres and Instructors\u0022\u003ERule 9.6\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":"Kayaking permits can be issued for any class of water and type of craft. Learn more about the levels of permit. ","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"14 July 2023","reviewDate":"15/12/2020","redirectUrl":"","id":45548,"nodeName":"Kayaking","title":"Kayaking","type":"contentPage","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Kayaking","headerSubTitle":"","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"ffe627","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[]},"subHeader":"Kayaking permits can be issued for any class of water and type of craft. Learn more about the levels of permit. ","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NTU0OCJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/kayaking/"}