This award has been developed to introduce Scout-age children to basic boardsailing skills, equipment, and safety precautions; to encourage the development of skills that promote fitness and safe aquatic recreation; and to lay a skill and knowledge foundation for those who will later participate in more advanced and demanding activities on the water. Boardsailing BSA is well suited as a program feature for older Scouts at summer camp. The Boardsailing, BSA Patch is worn on the left side of the swim trunks.

Counselors

Any person recognized and certified as an instructor by Windsurfer International or the United States Boardsailing Association may serve as a counselor for this award with the approval of the local council. Contact your District Advancement Chairman for information.

A person trained and experienced in boardsailing skills and safety may serve as a counselor for this award in a Scout summer camp program under the direction and supervision of a currently certified Aquatics Instructor, BSA. All requirements must be completed as stated on this Boardsailing BSA application. The counselor should not omit, vary, or add requirements. The requirements should be taught and completed in the order in which they are presented on the application.

BSA guidelines for BoardSailing can be found in the Camp Program and Property Management, No. 90-920.

Recognition

Scouts completing the requirements will receive a swimsuit patch, No. 00249. A completed award application should be submitted to the local council by the counselor or unit leader.

Teaching Areas

Instruction must be conducted on a body of water meeting the criteria defined in the BSA guidelines for boardsailing. (See the "Aquatics" section of Camp Program and Property Management, No. 20-920.) A steady five- to seven-knot breeze is ideal for beginner practice. Initial water entry and practice should be on a gradual beach that meets Safe Swim Defense standards. The body of water should be free of other traffic, and be protected from shore and open water so that students are within fifty feet of assistance at all times during beginner instruction and practice.

Last Edited March 05, 2007