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