Kayaking Glossary & Terms

A.C.A

American Canoe Association

ABEAM

To the right, or at right angles to the center of a craft

ABOARD

On, or in, the boat

ACCESS or ACCESS POINT

The place on the shore of a lake or river where you put in or take out

ACTIVE BLADE

When using a double, or kayak, blade, that blade which is in the water at any given time

AFLOAT

Floating. Not stuck on a rock or sandbar

AFT

Toward the rear, or stern, of the boat

AGROUND

Stuck-usually on a shoal or rock-when you didn’t intend to be

AHEAD

Forward-as in the nautical phrase “Full speed ahead.”

AIR LOCK

The pressure of air that holds water inside an overturned canoe if you attempt to lift it straight up

ALONGSIDE

“Hey, bring your boat up alongside this rock.”

ANCHOR, SEA

Your largest kettle tied to the end of a 20-foot rope and tossed over the stern when you are being driven by a heavy tail wind in a running sea

ANKLE DEEP

The water level when you get out of the canoe to haul it across a sand bar

ASTERN

Toward the rear, behind, or in back of your canoe

Back Face

 the convex side of the paddle blade.

BACK FERRY

Paddling the canoe backward at an angle to the current when crossing a stream laterally

Backband

 An adjustable brace that provides support in the lower lumbar region that encourages a neutral to aggressive posture. Helps encourage a better posture by rolling the hips forward

BACKCOUNTRY

Distant wilderness invaded by those with a sense of adventure

BACKPADDLE

Paddling backward to slow or reverse the forward motion of a canoe

BAIL

To empty water from a craft by scooping it out with anything from a sponge to a tin can

BAILER

Anything used to bail out a canoe. One of the most effective is an old plastic bottle with the bottom cut off

Ballast

 Weight in the kayak such as paddlers and gear increases kayak stability.

BEAM

Width of a canoe when measured at its widest point

BEAM ENDS

A canoe tipped on its side is said to be “on her beam ends.”

BEAR OFF

To push off from shore or an obstruction.

BEARING

A direction with respect to either a compass point, such as north, or to the craft

BEAVER TAIL PADDLE

A paddle with a narrow blade

BEFORE

What lies ahead; in front of

BELOW

Downriver

BENT SHAFT PADDLE

Paddles with the blade at an angle to the shaft for greater efficiency in paddling on  flat water

BERRY BREAK

What happens when you pass bushes loaded with delicious berries on a long, hot, difficult portage

BILGE

When a hull is cut in a cross section, the bilge is the point of maximum curvature between the bottom and the side of the canoe below the waterline

BILGE PUMP

a hand or foot pump used to remove water thatcollects in the bilge.

BLADDER

An air bag inside a kayak which adds to the buoyancy of the craft in the event of a capsize

Blade

 The end of a paddle (either canoe or kayak) that provides the “catch” in a paddle stroke. The Blade has a back face (convex) and power face (concave). Blade shapes for kayak paddles are typically asymmetrical or symmetrical, though most modern blade shapes are asymmetrical. Asymmetrical blades catch the water near the end of the blade early in stroke placement, whereas symmetrical catches along the entire length of the blade throughout the entire stroke. Canoe paddles are symmetrical and utilize only one blade with a t-grip on an opposing end

BOIL

Where current foams upward when it is deflected by obstructions under the water

BOTTOM

The part of the boat that is under the water

BOW

The front or extreme forward end of the boat

Bow Draw

 a correction stroke used to pull the front of the kayak or canoe to the side toward the paddle blade.

BOW SEAT

The seat located at the front end of a boat

BOW-IN

With the bow forward

BOW-PADDLER, BOWMAN, BOW PERSON

The person who paddles in the bow

BRACE

A stroke used somewhat like an outrigger to stabilize a canoe. The brace may be a high or low brace. The usual reference is to “throw” or “hang” a brace

BRACING

 A stroke used to provide support and prevent the boatfrom capsizing. See “high brace” and “low brace.”

BROACH

Broadside to any obstacle-wind, waves, current, or rocks; usually the prelude to an upstream capsize. Don’t broach!

BULKHEAD

A partition under the forward and aft decks inside which flotation blocks are attached

C to C Roll

 A roll technique that has the paddler extend the paddle out perpendicular to the boat. The C to C describes the curled body position when the hip snap is executed and when the roll is finished. The first C (turn this C on its side so it looks like a U) is when the paddler extends his body upwards underwater from the side of the boat . The second C refers to the shape of the body in the finished position when the boat is upright.

C-1

A one-man covered canoe in which the paddler may kneel or sit. At one time C-1s were made with the bow and stern higher than the middle, but this is no longer standard practice. While a C-1 looks much like a kayak, it has a larger volume and rides higher

C-2

A two-man covered canoe

CANADIAN CANOE

In Europe an open canoe is referred to as a Canadian or North American Indian canoe

CAPSIZE

What happens when you are gobbled up in whitewater, or flipped by a combination of wind and waves, or-well, it shouldn’t happen

CAT HOLE

What you dig at least 200 feet from camp and water when there are no outhouses. Bury the toilet paper, too

Catch

 the first part of any paddle stroke is referred to the catch, a properly executed catch seats the blade in the water effectively and will have minimal aeration when the stroke is executed.

CFS

The flow of water measured in cubic feet per second. A cubic foot contains about 8 gallons of water

CHANNEL

A stretch of passable water through shallows or among obstructions

CHART

A map especially prepared for navigation

CHINE

Where the curving sides of the hull gradually merge into the bottom

CHUTE

A fast current where part of a stream is compressed and flows between two obstructions

Cleat

 A fitting used for tying lines to. Often attached to the deck of a kayak, they have two protruding horns. We also use them to park our paddles in place when resting.

CLOSED BOAT, COVERED CANOE

Any kayak or C-1 or C-2 where the deck is not detachable but built as an integral part of the craft

COAMING

A rim around a kayak or C-1 or C-2 cockpit to which a spray skirt is attached

COCKPIT

 the opening in the kayak deck in which the paddlersits.

CONSENSUS

When the leader can’t decide how to handle a problem

Correction Stroke

 any paddle stroke taken to adjust the angle or veer of the kayak, any number of different strokes can be used as corrective strokes forward sweeps, back sweeps, forward strokes, bow draw, side draw, stern draw,

Course

 Intended direction for a vessel to travel.

CREST

The summit of a standing wave

CURLER

A steep wave, usually at the base of a drop or chute, that curls back onto its upstream side

DEAD RECKONING

A way of figuring your position based upon the influence of such things as currents and wind upon your projected course and anticipated speed

DECK

The triangular piece of material, usually metal or wood, to which the gunnels are attached at the bow and stern. A deck may also be the entire top covering built as an integral part of a kayak, C-1, or C-2

DEFILADE

A depression in the ground; where you foolishly pitched your tent just before it rains

DEPTH

The depth of a canoe measured from gunnel to bottom amidships

DOUBLE-BLADE PADDLE

A paddle with a blade at each end, used mostly in kayaks but occasionally favored by some canoeists

DOWNRIVER RACE

A race, usually including whitewater, over a long distance on a river

Downstream

 direction of the current

Downstream “V”

 describes the shape of the current when it passes between two obstacles. The V points downstream and could be further delineated by wave trains.

DRAFT

The depth of water necessary for a craft to float; the distance between the waterline and the bottom of the keel

DRAG

The resistance to forward motion. Drag may be decrease by use of special waxes

DRAW or DRAW STROKE

A stroke in which the blade is placed well out from the canoe and pulled directly toward the side of the canoe; designed to move the craft sideways

Dry bag

 A waterproof bag kayakers use to protect the items they bring with them.

DRY SUIT

A lightweight, totally waterproof suit; usually worn in cold weather over heavy clothing

DUFFEK TURN

A compound stroke normally used for entering aneddy. Also see High Brace.

Ebb

An outgoing current created by a falling tide. See “flood” and “slack”.

EDDY

A current at variance with the main current, and where the main current either stops or reverses its flow upstream; caused by rocks, obstructions, or the bends in a river or stream. Once avoided as dangerous, eddies now are routinely used in maneuvers and for rest stops

EDDY HOPPING

Using eddies to maneuver upstream or downstream

EDDY LINE

The boundary between a downstream and an upstream current

EDDY TURN

A dynamic maneuver used to enter or leave an eddy

ENDER

 A play boating maneuver where the kayaker allows the bowof his boat to be sucked into a hole, standing the kayak up onend, until the buoyancy of the boat sends it shooting back up inthe air.

FACE

The side of a blade pushing against the water

FALLS

A sudden drop in which the water falls free for at least part of the way

FAULT

What can go wrong, will go wrong. In tandem canoeing, it’s always your partner’s FAULT

FEATHER

To turn the paddle so that the blade is parallel to the current or wind and the resistance is reduced

Feather

Paddle blades oriented at different angles to minimize drag created by head winds.

FERRY

To move a boat laterally across a current

FIBERGLASS

Glass threads formed into matting or fabric and used with special resins to form a covering of high strength-to-weight ratio for a canoe or kayak

FLATWATER

Calm river water without rapids; lake water

Flood

 An incoming current created by a rising tide. See “ebb” and “slack”.

FLOORBOARDS

Slats placed in the bilge of a wooden canoe to protect the ribs

FLOTATION

Styrofoam or air bags placed in a canoe or kayak to help keep the craft afloat in the event of a capsize

FOLDBOAT

Ingeniously designed kayaks or canoes made of a rubberized fabric with a collapsible wooden frame; can be packed into carry bags for transportation

Following sea

Waves that overtake a kayak from from astern. See “seas”.

FOOT BRACE

a peddle-like foot rest, normally found in seakayaks, that provides greater maneuvering control through a skegor rudder.

FORWARD FERRY

Paddling with the canoe at a downstream angle to the current and crossing laterally

Forward Stroke

 while the kayaker may be able to move his boat in a straight line with a wide range of paddle maneuvers, the Forward Stroke may best be thought of as an efficient way of accelerating the kayak in a direct path. Efficient acceleration or forward strokes tend to be close to the boat with a vertical or nearly vertical paddle shaft. Powerful strokes enter the water far towards the front of the boat, at or past the toes, with the entire paddle blade anchored firmly in the water. Unless linked to another stroke (such as a stern draw), recovery takes place somewhere between the knees and the hips. The paddler may consider that a firm and constant “grip” or anchor in the water with the paddle lends much more power than simply focusing on a fast stroke rate. As with any strokes, many variables come into play to affect actual execution. water depth, obstructions, speed required, and necessity of linking or combining strokes. However, all strokes can gain efficiency if the paddler focuses on engaging core muscles to move the boat itslelf rather than just moving the paddle

FREEBOARD

The part of the canoe that rides above the waterline

FREIGHTER

Canoe with large carrying capacity; often used in wilderness regions as a work craft

GAUGING STATION

A permanent device measuring the level of water at a given point

GEAR

Everything you carry in your canoe, from food to foolish items; something you always wish you had more of in camp and less of on a portage

GIRTH

The circumference of the hull at its widest section

GRAB LOOP

A loop of rope on the bow or stern of a kayak which is useful for grabbing on to in an upset

GRADIENT

The degree of inclination of a riverbed, usually described as the number of feet the river drops per mile

GRIP

The top of a paddle. The two most popular shapes are the pear grip and the T grip. The former is used for general canoeing; the latter is favored by whitewater canoeists

GUNNEL

The section along the top of the canoe from stern to bow where the sides meet; a strip along the top of the canoe’s sides

Gunwale

 The rails or side edges of a kayak, often marked by a seamline on fiberglass kayaks.

HATCH

Covering on the deck of a sea kayak beneath which foodand other gear can be stored in various compartments.

Heading

 The direction in which a kayak is pointing at a given moment.

HEAVY WATER

A huge flow of water through rapids marked by extreme velocity difference in currents and violent turbulence

HELMET

Plastic head protection worn by skiers, cyclists, roller bladers and whitewater canoeists

HIGH BRACE

A powerful, dynamic kayak or canoe stroke for entering or leaving an eddy. Also called the “Duffek stroke” because it was developed by Milovan Duffek of Czechoslovakia

HOLE

A dangerous and turbulent river feature, usually formedbehind large rocks or other obstructions. Normally to beavoided, a hole can suck a kayak beneath the water and hold it there. Playboaters, on the other hand, often seek out holes where they can pop “enders”.  See Enders.

HULL

The lower half of a kayak or closed canoe, or the main structure of an open canoe

HUNG UP

When a craft is caught on a rock

HYDRAULIC

An area of major current changes which in turn create problems normally associated with rocks. Also, the formation of a backflow at the base of a ledge where the current reverses itself

HYPOTHERMIA

The dangerous lowering of body temperature under wet, cold conditions. Can lead to death due to exposure

ICF

International Canoe Federation

INTERNATIONAL SCALE OF RIVER DIFFICULTY

Guidelines for ratingthe violence of a river’s rapids. Categories range from Class I,marred by light ripples, to Class VI, violent whitewater thatshould only be attempted by advanced paddlers

INWALE

The inside of the gunnel

K-1

A one-man kayak

K-2

A two-man kayak

KAYAK

A decked craft in which the paddlers sit with legs extended and propel the craft with a double blade paddle

Keel

 The centerline ridge that runs along the hull of the kayak from bow to stern that helps maintain a straight course and provides stability.

KEEL

A projection below the hull, running from stern to bow, which adds strength to the hull, protects it from damage, and helps the craft maintain straight movement, though the last is a result of the use of a keel, not the reason the keels are built into metal and wooden craft. Keels usually are found only on aluminum and wooden canoes

KEVLAR

A synthetic material five times stronger than steel; used in making aircraft tires and canoes of exceptional lightness and strength

KNEE BRACE

Supports attached to the canoe into which the canoeist may slide his knees to gain greater control

Knot

 A nautical mile-per-hour measure of speed equal to 1.15 statute miles per hour. See “nautical mile” is 6076 ft.  A stature mile is 5280 ft.

LAPSTRAKE

Construction of a wooden boat so that each longitudinal board overlaps the one below, like a clapboard house; also, clinker built

LASH

To make gear secure, usually with a rope

LAUNCH

To slide a craft into the water

LEAN

A deliberate tipping of the canoe as a maneuver in ferrying or to regain stability

LEDGE

Rock shelf which extends at right angles to the current and acts as a natural dam over which the water flows

LEE, LEEWARD

Away from the wind; downwind. Opposite of windward

LEFT BANK

The left side of the river when facing downstream

LIFE JACKET, LIFE VEST

A flotation device to provide buoyancy in the water. Wear one when canoeing! See also PFD

Line

 This is what landlubbers call a rope; the Rudder Line is used to raise or lower the kayak rudder.

LINING

The use of ropes, one fore and one aft, to maneuver an empty canoe downstream

LIVERY

Where you rent canoes and equipment

LONG-DISTANCE RACING

A term usually used for downriver races of at least 10 miles for senior canoeists and 5 miles for junior canoeists

Low brace

 A supportive stroke used to maintain stability in less extreme kayaking conditions.

MOLD

A form used to make a canoe. A female mold is said to produce a male canoe; a male mold to produce a female structure

MOUTH

Where a river empties into another body of water

Nautical mile

 Unit of distance equal to 6076.1 ft. Original intended to be one minute of latitude (1/24,000 of the circumference of the earth at the equator).

OFF SIDE

The side opposite to the side where the paddler is paddling

OPEN CANOE

The standard North American canoe

OUTFIT

To equip a canoe for a particular purpose

OUTFITTER

Commercial companies that supply all necessary equipment for wilderness travel

Outfitting

 outfitting can be the factory pieces that came with your boat; seat, thigh hooks, foot brace, backband. It can also be custom fit pieces of foam you have placed in the boat to make it fit you.

OUTSIDE BANK

The outside of a bend

OUTWALE

The outside gunnel

OVERBOARD

“Man overboard.”

PADDLE

The instrument used to propel a canoe through the water; it is not an “oar.”

Paddle blade

 The wide, flat end of a paddle; the only part of the paddle that is inserted into the water.

Paddle face

 The power face; the side of a paddle blade that pushes against the water.

Paddle shaft

 The section of the paddle that is gripped between the blades.

PAINTER

A rope attached either to the bow or stern, usually from 15 to 25 feet long

PEELING OUT

 Technique of leaving an eddy whereby the paddlerpoints his kayak upstream, plants a high brace, and lets the maincurrent swing him around and into the flow of the river.

PFD

Personal Flotation Device. The term now used by the U.S. Coast Guard to designate life jackets. Do not use any PFD that is not approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for a person of your weight

PICK POLE

A pole used to propel a canoe. Also called a “canoe pole.”

PILLOW

A gentle bulge on the surface of the water caused by an underwater obstruction. All such pillows have hard centers

PITCH

A sudden drop in, or steeper section of, a set of rapids

PIVOT

To turn sharply, or to pivot the craft around a point

PLAYING

Enjoying running a particular set of rapids several times

POOL

A stretch of river with little current

PORT

The left side of the canoe when facing the bow

PORTAGE

How you get your gear and boat across a stretch of land between two bodies of water. A solid reason why canoe-campers, like backpackers, attempt to reduce their gear to the lightest load possible

POWER FACE

The face of the blade which pushes against the water

PRY STROKE

A paddle stroke used to move the craft sideways, away from the paddle

PURCHASE

The application of power on a paddle to get leverage

PUT-IN

Where a canoe is placed in the water; a launching site; the start of a trip

QUARTERING

Running at an angle to the wind or waves; a technique for riding over waves at a slight angle to avoid burying the bow in a standing wave

RAPIDS

Waves, whitewater, haystacks, and similar contortions of water in a fast and turbulent stretch of river

READING THE WATER

Determining water conditions by the appearance of water formations; used in determining the appropriate route through rapids

RECOVERY STROKE

Not really a stroke, but getting ready for the next stroke

Reef

 A shallow area created by a submerged ridge of rocks or coral.

RESCUE PACK

A special pack in which is kept all rescue equipment

REVERSAL

Where the current curls back on itself; usually treacherous. May be caused by large obstructions, either on the surface or underwater. Reversals also may be known as souse holes, hydraulics, curlers, or back rollers

RIBS

Curved strips from gunnel to gunnel that form the shape of a wooden canoe hull; may also be used to add strength to the hull

RIFFLES

Light rapids where water flows across a shallow section of river

RIGHT BANK

The right side of the river when facing downstream

Rip

 A fast, turbulent stretch of water caused by conflicting currents and/or winds. See “weather rip” and “tide rip”.

RIVER LEFT

  The side of the river that is on the left when facing down stream.

RIVER RIGHT

  The side of the river that is on the left when facing down stream

ROCK GARDEN

A navigable waterway filled with rocks; requires constant maneuvering by the canoeist

ROCKAGATOR

A sullen rock hiding in the rapids which the bow paddler failed to detect until after it reached up and smacked the canoe, sometimes hard enough to cause a capsize or hangup

ROCKER

The upward sweep of the keel toward the bow and stern. The more pronounced the rocker, the easier the boat is to pivot

ROCKOPOTAMUS

A huge, sleepy rock over which water flows in a gentle pillow so unobtrusively that no one recognizes it until the boat slides to a stop atop it

Roll

 a maneuver that will right a kayak after it has been turned upside down. There are many types of rolls, most of which were developed for sea kayaking, (see Greenland Rolls) The most common rolls used in whitewater kayaking are the C to C, the Sweep Roll, Hands Roll and the Back Deck Roll. The open boat or canoe roll is typically done with a Low Brace Roll.

Rudder

 The vertical fin mounted on the stern of the kayak that is used to steer the boat

RUNNING

To sail with the wind; in canoeing, to hoist a jury sail and let the wind sweep the craft along

SCOUTING

To inspect an unknown stretch of water on foot before attempting it

Sculling

 A supportive stroke characterized by a side to side movement of the paddle using quick changes of power face angles. Can also be used as a “draw stroke” technique.

SCULLING STROKE

A figure-eight stroke with the paddle in the water at all times; used for fine adjustments, or when necessary to keep the paddle in a ready position when running a tricky set of rapids

Seam

 The inch-wide line along the gunnels of a fiberglass kayak where the deck and hull are joined together.

Seas

 Steep or choppy waves that are created nearby from wind and dissapate quickly when the wind abates. Also called wind waves.

SHAFT

The handle of the paddle between the grip and the blade on a canoe paddle and between the blades on a kayak paddle

SHEER

The fore and aft curving sides of a hull

SHOAL

Shallows caused by a sand bar or sand bank, especially those which may be exposed at low water. Swift current shoals are also known as riffles

SHOE KEEL

A wide, flat keel used on river canoes

SHUTTLE

The art of maneuvering cars and boats from put-in to take-out points

Skeg

 A small fin mounted on the stern keel that provides increased tracking in windy conditions on rudderless kayaks.

SKIN

The covering of a craft; may be fiberglass, canvas, or a sheath placed over a fiberglass or wooden canoe to protect the craft from chafing

Slack water

 A brief period of stillness (or slower currents) that occurs when at the transition from ebb to flood or back again. See “ebb” and “flood”.

SLALOM

A race in which crafts are maneuvered through a series of gates

SMOKER

A single violent set of rapids

Solo kayak

 A one-person kayak, also known as a single kayak.

SPOON

The curved shape of some types of kayak paddle blades

SPRAY COVER

A fabric deck used to enclose open canoes when running whitewater. Also called a “spray deck.”

SPRAY SKIRT

A garment worn by the kayakers which attaches to the spray cover to keep water out of the craft

SQUALL

A quick, driving gust of wind or rain

SQUARE STERN

A canoe with the stern cut off to provide a “transom” for attaching a motor

Stability

 A measure of how difficult it is to capsize. The kayaks used by Sea Quest are designed to be very stable.

STANDING WAVE

Perpetual waves which remain in one place; may be caused by decelerating current when fast water meets slower-moving water, or by obstructions

STARBOARD

The right side of the canoe when facing the bow

STEM

The curved outer section of the frame which forms the extreme forward and stern sections of the canoe

STERN

The rear of the boat

STERN PADDLER

The person who paddles from the rear of a two-man canoe or C-2

STRAINER

Brush or trees which have fallen into a river, usually on the outside of a bend. Current may sweep through, but the obstruction will stop a craft. Can be deadly

Strait

 A broad expanse of water that separates two large land masses. See “channel”.

STROBE LIGHT

A flashing light fitted to a sea kayak as awarning signal to other boats in the area.

STROKES

The various movements used by the paddler to control the direction and speed of the craft

SURFING

The act of “riding” a wave front, either on the oceanor in whitewater rapids.

SWAMP

When a boat is accidentally filled with water

Sweep Roll

 in a sweep roll the paddler rolls the kayak while the paddle sweeps an arc on the surface of the water

Sweep Stroke

a wide arcing stroke that when done correctly is very effective for initiating turns.

Swells

 Large rounded waves formed in the ocean by the consolidation of many smaller wind waves (which are called “seas”). Swells can travel across the world and create surf on shore.

SWIMMER

  The person who is in a swamped boat or falls out of the boat and is in the water.

Take Out

 Where the river-journey ends.

TAKE-OUT

Where you end your trip; the take-out point

Tandem kayak

 A two-person kayak, also know as a double kayak.

TECHNICAL PASSAGE

A route through a rock garden in which considerable maneuvering is required for safe transit

THROAT

Where the paddle shaft flares into the blade

THROW LINE

An emergency rope used to throw out to a boat in trouble

THWART

The cross braces which stretch from gunnel to gunnel to strengthen an open canoe

TICKS

Peer for them every night wherever your hair grows

Tide rip

 Something of a misnomer that should be called a “current rip” as they have nothing to with tides! A so-called tide rip can form when strong currents collide or otherwise conflict to create patches of rough, choppy water. Severe rips can develop whirlpools and other interesting features and are often used as play areas by experienced sea kayakers.

TIP

The end of the paddle blade opposite the shaft

TOAST

The nip of brandy everyone in your party salutes you with after they haul your flipped canoe out of the water

TONGUE

The V of smooth water which indicates a safe passage between two obstructions

TOP SIDES

The part of the hull above the water

TRIM

The angle at which a boat rides in the water. A boat may be trimmed so it rides even, down at the stern, or down at the bow

TRIP LEADER

The person in charge

Triple kayak

 A three-person kayak, often used by families with children. Adventure racing teams prefer them as they are the fastest of all sea kayaks.

TROUGH

The bottom between two waves

TUMBLEHOME

The curving inward of the upper section of the canoe. This produces a canoe narrower at the gunnels than at the bulging sides. An aid in keeping open canoes dry

TUMPLINE

A strap which slips around either the chest or fore- head to help support a heavy pack

UNDERWAY

Moving, at last

VHF RADIO

 Very High Frequency radio. Use on sea kayaks to getcurrent weather conditions and other information. Can also beused to send out distress calls in an emergency.

WAKE

The temporary trail in the water behind the boat; also called the “wash.” Beginning boatists should peek occasionally at their wake to see if it is a straight line, which indicates good directional control

WATERLINE

The line of water on the side of the boat when it is afloat. The waterline will vary with the load

WATERSHED

The entire region drained by a single river

Wave crest

 The summit of a wave, opposite of the trough.

Wave trough

 The depression between two wave crests.

Weather RIP

 A rough area of water caused by winds and currents flowing in the opposite direction of each other which increases the surface friction and raises waves.

WEIR

A low dam used to divert water; frequently built by commercial eel-trap operators to catch eels and confuse boatists

WET EXIT

 Bailing out of a capsized kayak when rolling is notan option.

WET SUIT

A garment made of neoprene foam which insulates canoeists, kayakers, and scuba divers against the chill of cold water. Essential for cold-water boating to avoid hypothermia

WHITEWATER

A long stretch of foaming waves and rapids. Also called “wild water.”

WHITEWATER PADDLE

A paddle with a large blade with square tips, and a T-shaped grip for canoes, for kayaks a shoter paddle with larger blades

WINDWARD

The direction from which the wind is blowing; into the wind. Opposite of leeward

WRAPPED UP or WRAPPED AROUND

Said of a canoe or kayak which has slammed sideways into an obstruction with sufficient force to physically bend it in a horseshoe shape around the rock

YAW

When a boat swerves from its course

YOKE

Cushioned shoulder blocks that clamp onto the gunnels or midthwart of a canoe to make portaging by one person easier