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Glossary

Glossary terms

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a
Assisted Rescuesearch for term
A rescue technique performed with the aid of at least one other person in addition to the swimmer. Synonyms: Boat-over-boat rescue, Hand-of-God rescue, T-rescue
b
Back Facesearch for term
The opposite side of the paddle blade from the power face, used for reverse strokes. Usually convex, with the spine along it's center. Synonyms: Non-power face
Bilge Pumpsearch for term
A device for pumping water out of a boat
Bowsearch for term
The front of a boat
Bowlinesearch for term
A chord attached to the front of the boat; useful for towing or tying the boat to a dock.
Bulkheadsearch for term
For Sea Kayaks, this is a waterproof wall that divides the interior of a kayak from the bow and/or stern, creating flotation, storage areas and strength to the hull. For Whitewater Kayaks, the bulkhead runs length-wise down the center of the kayak, creating minimal flotation and adding strength to the hull.
Bungee cordssearch for term
Elastic lines on the deck of a kayak, perfect for securing gear within easy reach (water bottles, sunscreen, ball cap, etc). Used mostly on touring kayaks, fishing kayaks and recreational kayaks. Rarely, if ever, used on whitewater kayaks. See also: Deck lines Synonyms: Deck lines, Perimeter lines
c
Capsizesearch for term
When a boat overturns so that it goes from being upright to upside down.
cfssearch for term
Abbreviation for Cubic Feet per Second.
Chart (nautical)search for term
Marine map referencing water features, including depths, shorelines, scale, aids to navigation (like lights and buoys), and other features essential to marine navigation.
class Isearch for term
Very small rough areas, requires no maneuvering. (Skill Level: None) See also: class II
class IIsearch for term
Some rough water, maybe some rocks, small drops, might require maneuvering. (Skill Level: Basic Paddling Skill) See also: class I
Coamingsearch for term
The lip around the cockpit that allows the attachment of a spray skirt.
Cockpitsearch for term
The sitting area in a kayak.
Compasssearch for term
A magnetic device that indicates magnetic north and the other corresponding points of direction over 360 degrees.
Coursesearch for term
The compass direction of travel to a destination.
d
Decksearch for term
The top of a kayak.
Deck linessearch for term
A rope or shock-cord attached to a kayak's deck, used for securing items on deck or to make it easier to grab the boat. See also: Bungee cords Synonyms: Bungee cords, Perimeter lines
Defensive swimmingsearch for term
Passively swimming on your back, keeping as flat and shallow as possible, with your feet downstream, and on the surface of the water, to push off of rocks and other obstructions, while avoiding foot-entrapment or entanglement.
Downstreamsearch for term
The direction in which the water is flowing.
Drain plugsearch for term
A stopper, usually mounted on the stern, which can be removed to drain water from a leaky kayak.
Draw Strokessearch for term
Dynamic strokes designed to move the kayak laterally in the water.
Drift fishingsearch for term
A fishing technique that involves letting the wind or current move the kayak over the area to be fished.