Whether you’re taking your first kayaking class or watching paddling videos online, understanding the basic terminology will help you navigate the world of kayaking more confidently. Here’s your essential guide to kayaking terms and phrases.
Basic Kayak Parts
Hull Components
- Hull: The bottom and sides of the kayak
- Bow: The front of the kayak
- Stern: The back of the kayak
- Deck: The top of the kayak
- Cockpit: The opening where you sit
- Coaming: The rim around the cockpit
- Gunwales: The upper edges of the sides of the kayak
Control and Comfort
- Footpegs/Footrests: Adjustable braces for your feet
- Thigh Braces: Padded areas that your thighs rest against
- Backband/Backrest: The support for your lower back
- Seat: The molded or padded area you sit on
- Skeg: A retractable fin that helps tracking
- Rudder: A movable fin for steering (usually foot-controlled)
Storage and Safety
- Bulkhead: Watertight compartment divider
- Hatch: Waterproof storage compartment
- Deck Lines: Ropes along the deck for holding or rescue
- Toggle: Carrying handle at bow and stern
- Bungee Cords: Elastic cords for securing gear
- Drain Plug: Removable plug for draining water
Paddle Terminology
Paddle Parts
- Shaft: The main body of the paddle
- Blade: The flat ends that pull through the water
- Power Face: The side of the blade that pulls water
- Back Face: The non-power side of the blade
- Ferrule: The joining mechanism for take-apart paddles
- Feather: The angle between paddle blades
Common Paddle Strokes
- Forward Stroke: Basic stroke for moving forward
- Sweep Stroke: Wide arc stroke for turning
- Draw Stroke: Pulling the kayak sideways
- Stern Draw: Turning stroke from the back
- Brace: Support stroke for stability
- J-Stroke: Corrective stroke to maintain straight line
Safety and Rescue Terms
Personal Equipment
- PFD: Personal Flotation Device (life jacket)
- Spray Skirt: Waterproof covering for cockpit
- Throw Bag: Rescue rope in deployable bag
- Bilge Pump: Manual pump for removing water
- Float Bags: Inflatable bags for buoyancy
Rescue Techniques
- Wet Exit: Escaping from capsized kayak
- Self-Rescue: Getting back in your kayak alone
- T-Rescue: Assisted recovery technique
- Roll: Technique to right capsized kayak
- Edging: Tilting the kayak on its side
- Bracing: Stability stroke to prevent capsizing
Water and Weather Terms
Water Conditions
- Eddy: Calm water behind obstacle
- Ferry Angle: Angle used to cross current
- Current: Water’s directional flow
- Rapids: Fast-moving, turbulent water
- Fetch: Distance wind travels over water
- Chop: Small, frequent waves
Weather-Related
- Beaufort Scale: Wind force measurement
- Lee: Sheltered side of land/object
- Windward: Side facing the wind
- Weather Cocking: Wind effect on tracking
Navigation Terms
Direction and Movement
- Heading: Direction kayak is pointing
- Bearing: Compass direction to destination
- Track: Actual path traveled
- Port: Left side of kayak
- Starboard: Right side of kayak
- Abeam: At right angles to kayak
Common Kayaking Phrases
Instructions You Might Hear
- “Paddle Up”: Hold paddle above head for attention
- “Put In”: Launch point
- “Take Out”: Exit point
- “River Right/Left”: Sides when facing downstream
- “Raft Up”: Group gathering on water
- “Break Out”: Exit current into eddy
Safety Commands
- “On Water”: Ready to paddle
- “All Clear”: Safe to proceed
- “Stay Together”: Group should remain close
- “Hold Position”: Stay where you are
- “Help/Emergency”: Call for assistance
Tips for Learning Terms
- Start with Basics
- Learn boat parts first
- Master paddle terminology
- Understand safety terms
- Practice Usage
- Use terms during preparation
- Communicate with other paddlers
- Ask questions when unclear
- Safety Priority
- Focus on rescue terms
- Learn weather vocabulary
- Understand warning signals
Remember, you don’t need to memorize all these terms at once. Focus on the most relevant ones for your type of kayaking and learn others as you progress in the sport.