| If you are new to the sport of paddling in whitewater, | | | | downstream travel. |
| be it canoeing, kayaking, or rafting, it is essential that | | | | Gunwales: These boards run along the top of the hull, |
| before you hit the water or even before you go | | | | which lend support to the boat. Strips along the inside |
| shopping for a boat you learn some of the basic | | | | of the boat are called inwales; strips along the outside |
| vocabulary. | | | | are called outwales. |
| To avoid the uncomfortable feeling of the novice | | | | Initial Stability: This term describes how resistant a boat |
| when shopping for your vessel, here are some helpful | | | | is to tipping. |
| terms that you will be able to use with some | | | | Keel: A strip along the bottom of a hull which prevents |
| understanding when talking to a shop clerk. Some of | | | | side slipping. |
| this vocabulary will also give you a heads-up when it's | | | | Portage: The act of carrying a boat around rapids |
| time to take your first lessons. | | | | which are too heavy to negotiate, or between bodies |
| Amidships: This term refers to the area in the center | | | | of water. |
| of a boat when measuring lengthwise. | | | | Rocker: Upward curve of the keel line from the center |
| Beam: This is the width of a kayak or canoe | | | | towards the end of a boat. If you have a lot of rocker, |
| measured at the widest point. | | | | it means you'll be able to make quick turns with ease. |
| Bulkheads: These walls form sealed compartments in | | | | Roll: A basic technique in kayaking and canoeing in |
| the rear and front areas of a kayak. | | | | which an overturned boat can be righted without the |
| Chine: The area between the bottom and the side of | | | | paddler leaving the vessel. |
| the boat. This area is considered the transition area. | | | | Skeg: A stabilizer located at the rear of the boat. |
| Coaming: The coaming is located around the edge of | | | | Stem: The piece at the end of a canoe or kayak, |
| the cockpit of a kayak and is used to secure a spray | | | | which connects the keel to the bow. |
| skirt. It takes the form of a curved lip. | | | | Tracking: The ability of a boat to hold a straight course |
| Cockpit: The opening in the kayak where the paddler | | | | because of its hull design. |
| sits. | | | | Of course, there are many other terms you will be |
| Draw stroke: This stroke is used to move a boat in a | | | | using in your whitewater learning experience, however, |
| sideways direction. | | | | these should be enough to get you started and to |
| Feathered paddle: This type of paddle is used in | | | | save you from some embarrassment. If you come |
| kayaking. It is designed with the blades set at an angle | | | | across a term that you are not familiar with in the |
| to each other and helps to present an edge to the | | | | course of your lessons or while shopping for your |
| wind which reduces air friction. | | | | boat, remember the Golden Rule: never be afraid to |
| Ferry: A maneuver used across current with little or no | | | | ask. |