Entry Content

Parts of the kayak

definitions

bow

front of the kayak

bungies

shock cord cord to keep gear on the deck

carrying-toggle

a loop of rope and a handle

coaming

the edge of the cockpit

cockpit

the area where you sit

deck-lines

low stretch cord along the perimeter of the deck to hold on to

foot-braces

adjustable pegs for foot placement

hatch-cover

a watertight closure for the storage areas (hatches) in the kayak

rudder

a flat piece of metal, hinged vertically at the stern to neutralize the effects of wind

skeg

an adjustable fin near the stern to neutralize the effects of wind

Parts of the paddle

definitions

blade

the part of the paddle that enters the water

drip-ring

a collar that prevents water dripping on your lap

feathering

the relative orientation of the paddle blades to reduce air resistance

ferrule

the connector that joins the two parts of the shaft

leading-edge

the side of the paddle face that is oriented in the direction of travel

shaft

the long, hollow, cylindrical part of the paddle

power-face

the concave side of the paddle blade

trailing-edge

the side of the paddle face that is oriented away from the direction of travel

Basic Strokes

Forward Stroke

Enter the blade near your toes

Rotate your torso

Lift the blade out when it’s by your hips

Reverse Stroke

Look behind you

Rotate your torso

Place paddle parallel to boat

Unwind

Sweep Stroke

Keep your hands low

Rotate your torso

Unwind,extend arm make 180º arc.

Stopping

Place the blade vertically behind you

Push Forward

Quickly switch sides

Repeat 2x.

Signals

Whistle Signals

1 blow: attention

3 blows: HELP!

Paddle Signals

Horizontal: Hold your position

Diagonal: go this way

Vertical: Come to me