PADDLERsmart! USA Knowledge Base

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Module 01 - Paddling Basics:

PADDLING TERMINOLOGY: THE CANOE

 

Bow:

The front area of the canoe.

Stern:

The back area of the canoe.

Keel line:

A real (or imagined) line that runs down the center of the canoe.

Gunwale:

The top edges of the sides of the canoe.

Seat:

The seat is where you sit in the canoe but it can also be used for kneeling support. Canoe seats are centered in single passenger canoes and will be located at the bow and stern for two-person (or  tandem) canoes.

Thwarts:

Cross braces that run from gunwale to gunwale.

Portage yoke:

A shoulder rest that you use when carrying the canoe portage-style.

End deck:

A triangular-shaped reinforcement that is located at the bow and the stern of the canoe.

Hull:

The body or shell of the canoe.

Paddle:

A handheld device with a shaft and a single blade. You use the paddle to manually propel the canoe through the water.