Canoeing Vocabulary: A - M
Much of the vocabulary used for canoeing is identical to that of other forms of water sport, but the activity also has a specialised language some of which is detailed below:
Beam - The widest part of the canoe. Usually in the centre where the seat is located.
Blade – The wide flat pieces at the end of a paddle that do the propelling in the water.
Bow – The front of the canoe (or any boat, come to that).
Broach – A dangerous situation where the canoe is caught on an obstacle and is sideways in the current.
Bulkhead - A vertical partition inside the canoe designed to create separate chambers inside the boat. Bulkheads create watertight areas where gear can be safely stored.
Chute – an area where a stream or river suddenly narrows. This causes increased water speed. Chutes are usually found in rapids.
Coaming – The rim of a canoe's cockpit.
Cockpit - The area where the canoeist sits while in the boat.
Deck - The top of the canoe.
Eskimo Roll – Method of using a paddle to right a flipped or capsized canoe. Not the simplest method and not taught to beginners these days.
Gradient – The steepness of a riverbed usually measured over the length of a mile.
Grip – Where the paddle is designated to be held, often covered in neoprene or cross-hatching to ensure a good hand-hold.
Hatch - A waterproof hold inside the canoe where you can store items you're taking with you. The removable cover on top is called a hatch cover.
Hull - The bottom side of the canoe (usually the area below the seam).
Line - A rope used to tie the canoe to a point on the shore.
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