Paddling
Paddling is a great way to experience nature and the outdoors – a totally different perspective from the water.
A variety of options exist in the Scout program to try out some new skills – canoeing, kayaking, sea kayaking and stand up paddle boarding to name a few.
How to make it happen
How to find a Paddling Leader?
For an up to date list of endorsed Paddling Leaders in your district click here
Paddling Activities for Beginners
Beginner Options
Come & Try Paddling – West Lakes
Saturday, 7 September 2024
This half day event allows Scouts, Venturers & Rovers with limited or no paddling experience to come out learn about paddling sit-in kayaks & canoes and have some FUN. Youth will be taught various paddling strokes.
Suitable for: Scouts, Venturers & Rovers
OAS Paddling Focus: Stage 1-4
Come & Try Paddling – Karkana District Event
Saturday, 28 September – Sunday, 29 September 2024
A paddling event for Joeys to Rovers in the Karkana District, to be held at Clare. Youth can get out and have some fun experiencing kayaks and canoes. Youth are taught the basics of what they need to get ready for paddling and parts of a boat before getting out on the water.
OAS Paddling Focus: Stage 1-2
Suitable for: Joeys to Rovers
Contact: BC.paddling@sa.scouts.com.au
Come & Try Paddling – Torrens District Event
Saturday, 30 November 2024 (Possibly Sunday, 1 December 2024 also)
Districts will be allocated a day where groups of cubs and joeys can get out and have some fun experiencing canoes and sit on top kayaks for a two hour session. Youth are taught the basics of what they need to get ready for paddling and parts of a boat before getting out on the water.
OAS Paddling Focus: Stage 1-2
Suitable for: Joeys & Cubs
Activities will be advertised on the Scouts SA Paddling Teams Facebook page, Scouts SA All Leaders Update and MyScout when open for registration.
Contact: ABC Paddling Events at abc.paddling-events@sa.scouts.com.au
Paddling Activities for Intermediate and Advanced
Intermediate & Advanced Paddling Opportunities
Rakali – Paddling Adventure
October, Date TBA
A multiday paddling journey suited to advanced flatwater paddlers. Journey includes paddling for multiple days of 15km or more. Youth will need reasonable experience with light weight camping and a high level of paddling skills.
Suitable for: Scouts, Venturers and Rovers
Pre-requisites include completion of:
- OAS Paddling Stage 3 and actively working on Stage 4, PLUS
- An overnight paddling journey. Rakali – Overnight is a great opportunity to gain experience required. Paddling logbook may be required at registration.OAS Paddling Focus: Stage 4-5
Rakali is the Ngarrindjeri’s name for a native water loving mammal. It is often also referred to as a water-rat and scientific name is Hydromys chrysogaster, which translates as “golden-bellied water mouse”. The Rakali is at home both in the water and on the land, which is where we see all Scouts enjoying their paddling during the day and camping at night.
Garden Island
Sunday, 24 November 24
A full day paddling between 7-10 km at beautiful Garden Island exploring Mangrove creeks and the ships graveyard. Day includes learning how to pack for a journey, capsizing and rescues (weather dependant).
Suitable for: Scouts 13 ½ up, Venturers, Rovers
Pre-requisites:
- OAS Paddling Stage 2, PLUS several short paddles such as the Paddling Teams West Lakes Come and Try or a Scout unit short paddling activity such as SuperSplash.
Contact: ABC Paddling Youth Support at abc.paddling-youthsupport@sa.scouts.com.au
Scouts SA Watercraft Hire
The following are some options for youth members, noting that Activity Standards and Procedures apply to all paddling activities.
Roonka Water Activities Centre
Located at the Roonka Scout Property (10Kms North of Blanchetown on the Murray River), Weanie Waves (sit-on kayaks suitable for Joeys), Canoes and Kayaks are available for hire
Costs:
- $15.00 Weeniewave (Sit on top kayak) For billabong use only
- $25.00 Single kayaks
- $35.00 Double sit in kayaks or Canoes
- All boat hire includes paddles and PFD/life jacket
Pricing covers up to 24 hours hire
Contact: roonkabookings@sa.scouts.com.au
Visit here
Scout Groups in Your Area
Plenty of Scout Groups in South Australia have watercraft to support our Youth Program, so ask around. If you are unsure, please use the contact details below.
Costs: Vary depending upon local group procedures.
Contact: oas.support@sa.scouts.com.au
Suggested Locations
Please Note: Safety Standards and Procedures apply to all paddling activities.
Patawalonga, Glenelg North
Accessed from the Centre for Adventurous Activities, the Patawalonga is a great location for beginners.
Please Note: Rainfall and stormwater can affect water quality of the Patawalonga – Please refer to Page 4 of the EPA Patawalonga Water Quality Guidelines 
Garden Island, Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary.
With a resident pod of dolphins, a 10,000-year-old mangrove forest, and the Ships Graveyard Maritime Heritage Trail, the Port River around Garden Island and North Arm is one of the most interesting places to go kayaking close to Adelaide.
Roonka Water Activities Center
Located 10Kms North of Blanchetown on the Murray River, Roonka has both a safe enclosed Billabong suitable for all ages, together with easy access to the Murray River for short or longer trips.
SA Water Reservoirs
Some South Australian reservoirs are open for free kayaking and canoeing, with more opening for access across the year. The Warren and South Para Reservoirs are worth a look – see Reservoirs SA for further information.
Super Splash
An end of year relaxed event featuring a vast arrange of activities, including paddling trips along the Murray River
Suitable for: Venturers and Senior Scouts
Dates:
- TBA
Costs:
- TBA
Further Information: TBA
Contact: supersplash@sa.scouts.com.au
Further Reading
For further ideas, check out the following resources:
Paddling Trails South Australia – Paddle SA
7 Parks in South Australia to go Kayaking – National Parks
Trails and Locations for Canoeing and Kayaking on the Murray – Discover Murray River
Scouts SA Paddling Team
The Scouts SA Paddling Team provides adventurous and diverse opportunities to Scouts and Leaders of all backgrounds. We achieve this through a commitment to providing extensive training to recognised standards. The team comprises of adult leaders with a passion for paddling. The paddling team supports paddling at larger branch events, together with providing support to groups through the provision of training and advice, watercraft advice.
Completing a Canoe / Kayak Training course and becoming an endorsed paddling leader is a great way to support youth members to experience SA’s great paddling destinations, network with other paddling enthusiasts, and develop more advanced skills.
Contact Branch Commissioner (Paddling)
Amanda Lee bc.paddling@sa.scouts.com.au
Training and Skill Development
For Training Pathways, please refer to:
Canoe / Kayak Training Course
These courses provide skills across canoe or kayaking together with required core skills in camping, bushcraft and outdoor leadership to prepare for paddling adventures.
For further info, please refer to the Paddling Training FAQ
Flat Water Kayak and Canoe Training Courses – 2025
Safe Participant Course
Part 1: Glenelg – Saturday, 22 February 2025
Part 2: Garden Island – Sunday, 23 February 2025
Part 3: Glenelg – Sunday, 2 March 2025
Suitable for: Venturers 14+, Rovers & Adults
Pre-requisites:
- Nil
Trained Participant Course
Part 1: Online – Thursday, 20 March 2025
Part 2: TBA – Friday, 4 – 6 April 2025 (Overnight paddling trip).
Suitable for: Venturers 14+, Rovers & Adults
Pre-requisites:
- Safe Participant Course
Keep an eye on the All Leaders Update, MyScout and the Scouts SA Paddling Team Facebook page for updated information about events including when events open for registration.
Contact and Bookings bc.paddling@sa.scouts.com.au
Watercraft Registration and Survey Information
Scouts SA require the registration and annual survey of all watercraft used on scouting activities.
For further info, please refer to the Scouts SA Surveying Requirements.
Individual Canoe Registration form 
If you need to contact a District Surveyor, please email BC Paddling: bc.paddling@sa.scouts.com.au
| District | Canoe Surveyor |
| Adelaide Foothills | Brianna Dall |
| Beadell | BC Paddling |
| Heysen | Marcus Windle |
| Hills to Coast | Lewy Huffa |
| Karkana | BC Paddling |
| Limestone Coast | BC Paddling |
| Lones District | BC Paddling |
| Mawson | Mark Shaw |
| Ridley | Paul Leicester |
| Three Rivers | BC Paddling |
| Torrens | John Carr |
Paddling References
