| Some
Terminology |
| Access point
|
A location where water craft
can be launched or landed
|
| Aground
|
Bottom of boat stuck on rocks
sand logs etc
|
| Amidship
|
The centre area of a boat
|
| Astern
|
Behind the boat
|
| Backpaddle
|
To paddle backwards to slow
a boat or to stop it
|
| Bail
|
Removing water from a boat
with a sponge, tin can, plastic scoop etc
|
| Beam
|
The width of a boat a its widest
point
|
| Bilge
|
The interior of a boat below
the waterline
|
| Blade
|
The flat section of a paddle
|
| Boil
|
Water swelling upwards, usually
upon striking an underwater object
|
| Bottom
|
The underwater section of a
boat
|
| Bow
|
The front end of a boat
|
| Bow Person
|
The front paddler of a tandem
boat
|
| Brace
|
A paddle stroke used to stabilise
a boat
|
| Broach
|
To turn broardside to
oncoming waves or curent
|
| Buoyancy
|
The ability to float. May be
enhanced by the instllation of tyre
tubes foam blocks or air bags
|
| Capsize
|
To tip over
|
| Carry
|
A portage where a boat and
or gear is carried around a section of unnavigable water
|
| Centre of Gravity
|
The point of resolution of
downward forces or weight within a boat, including cargo and
paddlers
|
| Channel
|
The course through which the
bulk of a stream flows also the navigable route amoung obstructions
|
| Chine
|
The curving section of a canoes
sides where they blend or merge into the bottom
|
| Chute
|
A fast section of water, often
where it is compressed between obstructions and dropping faster
than adjacent currents
|
| Classification
|
A rating applied to a stream
or section of current describing its navigability
|
| Combination Stroke
|
A blending of two or more basic
strokes
|
| Confluence
|
The point where two or more
streams join
|
| Course
|
The route chosen in paddling
your boat
|
| Crest
|
The top of a wave, in lake
or sea paddling a whitecap
|
| Cross-current
|
Water moving at an angle to
the main current
|
| Cross-draw
|
A draw stroke where a paddler
switches sides without changing thwe position of his hands
|
| Deck
|
Covering on the top of a canoe
kayak
|
| Depth
|
The depth of a canoe kayak
measured vertically amidship from
the bilge to gunwale height
|
| Displacement
|
The
volume of water displaced by a boat, its cargo & paddlers
|
| Double Blade
|
Paddle with a blade at each
end used to propel a kayak and some canoes
|
| Dowstream
ferry
|
Back paddling while a canoe
is at an angle to the current, which then propels the canoe
to one side
|
| Draft
|
Depth of water needed to
float a canoe, or the vertical distance between the waterline
and the keel line
|
| Drag
|
Resistance caused by friction
between the water and hull
|
| Draw Stroke
|
The flat part of the paddle
blade is drawn directly towards the canoe to pull it sidewards
|
| Drift
|
Moving with the current or
wind without the assistance of paddles
|
| Drop
|
A sudden pitch or unusually
sharp dip in a section of rapids
|
| Dry Pack
|
Same as wet pack, a waterproof
bag that keeps clothing or other items dry
|
| Duffek
stroke
|
A high brace stroke especially
useful when entering or leaving an eddy. Also known as a high
brace
|
| Eddy
|
A section of current, downstream
of a major obstruction, where the water flows upstream, often
used as rest stop
|
| Eddy hopping
|
Paddling from eddy to eddy,
usually to scout what lies ahead
|
| Eddying out
|
A 180-degrees turn
in direction from the main current into an eddy. Entering
an eddy
|
| Eddy line
|
A
fine line between a swift downstream current and the circulating or
upstream current within the eddy
|
| Even keel
|
Properly trimmed to float
in a level position
|
| Face
|
A
paddle blades surface. The power face is the one drawn against
the water. Also refers to the sloping face of a wave
|
| Falls
|
Free falling water, at least
part way, over an obstruction. Heavy rapids are also called
falls
|
| Fast water
|
Generally conceded to mean
rapids, but can be applied swiftly flowing water without obstructions
|
| Feather
|
To bring the paddle forward
with one edge leading thus reducing resistance to the water
|
| Fend
|
To push off, as from a dock
or beach
|
| Ferry
|
Angling the canoe so that
the current, striking the canoes upstream side drives the
craft towards the sure
|
| Flare
|
A canoe design in which the
beam is somewhat greater than the gunwales than at the waterline
|
| Flat water
|
Lake water or river section where no rapids exist. Sometimes
a misnomer, since wind can create large waves on so called
flat water sections
|
| Flotation
|
Usually foam built into a
canoe to keep it afloat when swamped. Additional flotation
may include airbags, foam blocks, even inner tubes
|
| Following sea
|
Waves that overtake a canoe
from astern
|
| Fore
|
Toward the bow, or front
of a canoe
|
| Forward stroke
|
The basic or cruising stroke
for propelling a canoe forward
|
| Freeboard
|
The vertical distance between
the water and the gunwales measured amidship
|
| Freighter
|
Large canoe used for carrying
heavy loads
|
| Gate
|
Poles hung from overhead
wires for a slalom course
|
| Gauging station
|
Streamside station that automatically
measures water flow in cubic metres per second
|
| Grab line
|
A line attached to each end
of a canoe in case of a capsize
|
| Gradient
|
The average rate of drop
in a river, generally express in meters per kilometer
|
| Grip
|
Top of a canoe paddle, shaped
to fit the hand, which controls the pitch of the blade
|
| Gunwale
|
Also known a gunnel.
Strips along the top of a canoes side extending from bow to
stern, providing longitudinal rigidity
|
| Hanging stroke
|
The high brace stroke and
its variations, during which the paddler leans out over the
gunwale and literally hangs the paddle as the blade is pressured
against the water
|
| Haystacks
|
Standing waves at the foot
of a swift sluice or rapids
|
| Head
|
Volume of water or sudden
rising of river level as the result of opening dam gates
|
| Heavy water
|
Large volume of water in
a set of rapids, creating greater-than-average turbulence
|
| High brace
|
See Brace stroke
|
| Hog
|
A
canoe is said to "hog" when
it is bow-heavy and thus moves forward erratically. Also applies
to a canoe whose backbone has been broken, so that the keel
line is higher amidship than at the ends
|
| Holding position
|
Stopping downstream movement
to appraise upcoming passages
|
| Horizontal line
|
Looking downstream, the surface
of the river seems to drop away with nothing in view but the
sky. Indicates a sharp drop-off. Can be very hazardous
|
| Hull
|
The main body of a canoe
|
| Hung up
|
Aground or caught on an obstacle
|
| Hydraulics
|
A term applied to the movements
and forces of moving water
|
| Hypothermia
|
The lowering of the body's
inner core temperature as a result of exposure to cold water
or air
|
| Inboard
|
Within the inside of a canoe
|
| Inside bank
|
The slower and shallower
water in the bend of a stream
|
| Inwale
|
The inside half of a gunwale
|
| J stroke
|
Thrusting the paddle blade
away from the canoe at the completion of a forward stroke,
used to keep a canoe on course
|
| Keel
|
Strip of wood or other material
along the bottom centre of a canoe, running from stem to stern,
designed to reinforce the hull bottom and to minimise drift
during lake paddling. A detriment in white water, since to
interferes with manoeuvrability
|
| Keel line
|
A design line running from
stem to stern along the exact centre of the hull
|
| Knee braces
|
Supports, designed so that
a paddler can lock his knees into position for better control
of a canoe during precise manoeuvring
|
| Knee pads
|
Usually foam, either worn
on the knees or attached to the bottom of the canoe for added
comfort and protection
|
| Knob
|
Same as Grip; at top of paddle
shaft
|
| Lead canoe
|
A trip leader's canoe, leading
a group and selecting passages
|
| Lean
|
Tipping
a canoe to one side during manoeuvring or to stabilise the craft
|
| Ledge
|
Projecting stratum of rock
that confines or partially dams stream flow
|
| Lee
|
Section of a waterway protected
from the wind
|
| Left bank
|
The left side of a stream
facing downsteam
|
| Life vest
|
Personal
flotation device worn like a vest, popularly referred to as
a "PFD"
|
| Lining
|
Guiding a canoe downstream
through rapids or shallows by means of a rope or line
|
| List
|
The lean of a canoe, resulting
from improper positioning of its cargo or paddlers
|
| Lob tree
|
Old-time portage marker,
consisting of tall tree with upper limbs removed
|
| Low brace
|
Brace stroke with entire
paddle almost flat on the surface of the water. Used for stabilising
a canoe
|
| Off side
|
Opposite side of the canoe
from that where canoeist is paddling
|
| Open canoe
|
Also
known as a "Canadian" canoe;
not enclosed or fully decked
|
| Open gunwale
|
Characterised of wood-and-canvas
canoes; sections between the rib ends are open, permitting
quick drainage when the craft is overturned on shore
|
| Outside bank
|
The side to which the water
is thrust by centrifugal force in a stream bend, usually deeper
and swifter than on the inside bank
|
| Outwale
|
The outside section of a
two-piece gunwale; that portion of the gunwale on the outside
of the canoe
|
| Overall length
|
Extreme length of a canoe,
as opposed to the waterline length
|
| Paddle sensitivity
|
A
sort of rapport between a paddler and his paddle; a "feel" for
its responses to his efforts
|
| Painter
|
Same as Grab line
|
| Pear grip
|
Also
known as a "palm" grip,
semi-rounded to fit paddler's handhold
|
| Peeling out
|
Exiting from an eddy
|
| PFD
|
Personal flotation device;
a life jacket
|
| Pick pole
|
A canoe, or setting, pole
|
| Pillow
|
Bulge on surface created
by an underwater obstruction, usually a rock
|
| Pitch
|
Steep section or sharp drop
in a set of rapids
|
| Pivot
|
Turning a canoe within its
own length
|
| Planking
|
Longitudinal strips that
form the hull, as in a wood-and-canvas canoe or stripper
|
| Poling
|
Propelling a canoe, usually
in a standing position, with a pole, either up or downstream
|
| Pool
|
Still or slow-moving water,
usually deeper than surrounding sections
|
| Port
|
The left side of a canoe,
facing forward
|
| Portage
|
Same as Carry
|
| Power face
|
The side of a paddle blade
that bears against the water
|
| Pry
|
A paddle stroke that uses
the gunwale as a fulcrum to thrust the canoe to one side
|
| Pudding stick
|
Derogatory term applied to
a poor paddle
|
| Rapid
|
Commonly
referred to as "rapids" even
when singular. Swiftly flowing water, tumbling among obstructions,
creating considerable turbulence
|
| Recovery
|
Part of a paddle stroke in
which the blade is recovered from the water and dipped for
the next stroke
|
| Resistance
|
Resistance is created as
the canoe displaces water at its bow; by surface friction
between the hull and the water; and the eddy or suction effect
of its wake
|
| Reversal
|
A vertical and circular motion
of water, usually highly aerated, as it drops over a steep
obstruction and flows back over itself
|
| Ribs
|
Curved strips that run from
gunwale to reinforce a hull
|
| River rating
|
Same as Classification
|
| River reading
|
Appraising river conditions,
possible routes, and potential danger spots
|
| Rocker
|
Upsweep of the keel line
from amidship to each end, a prerequisite for manoeuvrability
in white water
|
| Rock garden
|
Navigable rock-strewn set
of rapids requiring precise manoeuvring
|
| Rollers
|
Standing waves forceful enough
to roll back upon themselves to some degree
|
| Rooster tail
|
A wave formation occurring
when two currents come together,
forcing water upward in the form of a rooster's tail. Does
not provide stable support
|
| Ruddering
|
Using a paddle blade strictly
as a rudder
|
| Run
|
A section of fast water,
sometimes rough. Also applied to a passage through rapids
|
| Sandpaper
|
Small, choppy waves over
shallows, as in a set of riffles
|
| Scout/Scouting
|
Examining a set of rapids
to determine difficultly and best possible passage
|
| Sculling
|
A side-to-side movement,
edge first, of the paddle blade, usable in many combinations
with other strokes
|
| Set over
|
Same as Ferry
|
| Setting pole
|
Same as Canoe Pole
|
| Shaft
|
The handle of a paddle, between
the grip and the blade
|
| Shake out
|
To rock a swamped canoe back
and forth, thus splashing out most of the water
|
| Sheer
|
The upward curve of the gunwale
line from midship to the ends, best seen in profile from one
side
|
| Shoe keel
|
Also known as river keel.
A shallow, usually rounded projection found on some aluminium
canoes. Principal purposes is to hold the two halves of the
hull together without interfering with manoeuvrability
|
| Shoot
|
To "shoot" the
rapids; a term falling into disuse
|
| Sideslipping
|
When
a canoe continues to slip sideways despite also making forward
way, as when "eddying
out"
|
| Slack water
|
Slowly flowing or still water
without rapids
|
| Slalom
|
A zigzag course with a number
of gates on white water. Competitors are timed and must negotiate
the gates, some of them upstream
|
| Slap support
|
An emergency low brace in
which the flat of the blade is literally slapped onto the
water's surface to stabilise the canoe
|
| Sleeper
|
Barely submerged rock marked
by little or no surface disturbance
|
| Slough around
|
To veer erratically, out
of control
|
| Sluice
|
Same as Chute
|
| Smoker
|
A particularly violent and
hazardous set of rapids
|
| Snubbing
|
Using a pole to slow or stop
a canoe's motion, usually during downstream runs
|
| Soloing
|
Paddling alone
|
| Sousehole
|
Highly aerated water flowing
into a depression from several directions, with surface level
below that of the surrounding surface
|
| Splash out
|
Same as Shake out
|
| Sponsons
|
Elongated air tanks on the
outside of the hull, formerly used to provide secondary stability.
Foam pads are now used on some canoes
|
| Standing wave
|
Same as Backlash
|
| Starboard
|
The right side of a canoe
facing the bow
|
| Stem
|
The extreme front end of
a canoe, which cuts through the water
|
| Stem band
|
Same as Bang plate
|
| Stern
|
Rear section of a canoe
|
| Stopper
|
A reversal so powerful it
may stop a canoe, or slow it markedly
|
| Stripper
|
Canoe built of thin strips,
usually 1/2-by3/4-inches, assembled on temporary forms and
fibre glassed inside and out
|
| Strainer
|
Fallen tree or other debris
through which water flows, but which will hang up a canoe.
Potentially very hazardous
|
| Surfing
|
In lake paddling, riding
downwind on the crests of large waves. In white water, riding
the upstream side of a wave, with the current seeking to drive
the canoe up and over, gravity holding it from doing so the
canoe may perch in this position for some time
|
| Swamp
|
When a canoe fills with water
without capsizing
|
| Sweep canoe
|
The last canoe in a brigade,
usually paddled by experts ready to assist those in front
|
| Sweep stroke
|
A wide, shallow stroke, the
blade barely submerged, used to pivot the canoe
|
| Tandem
|
A two-seated canoe; two persons
paddling
|
| Technical
|
Describes a set of rapids
where intricate and precise manoeuvring is requires
|
| T-grip
|
A paddle handle in the form
of a T
|
| Thigh straps
|
Straps attached to gunwale
and to the centre of the bilge. When in use, these bind across
a kneeling paddler's thighs, affording him better control
|
| Throat
|
The flare of a paddle shaft
where it blends into the blade
|
| Throw line
|
Length of rope used in rescue
efforts
|
| Thwart
|
Crow braces running from
gunwale to gunwale
|
| Tip
|
Bottom end of a paddle blade
|
| Tippy
|
Refers to an unstable canoe
|
| Tongue
|
Smooth V of swift water at
the head of a pitch or between two obstacles, usually indicates
deep water
|
| Track
|
Paddling in a straight line
|
| Tracking
|
Towing a canoe upstream with
a tow line
|
| Trim
|
The manner in which a canoe
rides on the water: its level fore and aft, as well as port
and starboard
|
| Trip leader
|
Person in charge of a group
who oversees safety aspects
|
| Through
|
The hollow or depression
between two waves
|
| Tumblehome
|
The inward curing of the
sides of a canoe from a point at or slightly above the waterline
to the gunwales
|
| Waterline
|
The level of water on the
canoes sides when afloat
|
| Waterline length
|
Length of a canoe measured
at the waterline, as opposed to the overall length
|
| Way
|
Forward
or rear motion; momentum; as in "under way"
|
| Wet pack
|
A waterproof bag used for carrying extra clothing, sleeping bags, etc
|
| Wet suit
|
A close-fitting garment of
foam sandwiched in nylon that provides insulation against
cold water
|
| White eddy
|
Pool at the front of a drop-off,
creating a market back-flow on the surface; usually highly
aerated
|
| White water
|
A set of rapids
|
| Windward
|
Direction from which the
wind is blowing
|
| Wrapped
|
When a canoe is pinned and
bent around a rock
|
| Yoke
|
Device attached permanently
or temporarily amidship, usually padded to protect the shoulders, for
portaging a canoe
|
