Bent-shaft paddle
A paddle with a bend in the shaft, intended to increase power but compromising control.
Blade
The wide part of a paddle which passes through the water. The canoe paddler uses a paddle which has one flat blade on one end of the paddle shaft, which may not be fixed to the boat in any way.
Canoe
A light, narrow, open boat propelled by one or more paddlers from a kneeling position, using single-bladed paddles.
Cockpit
The enclosed space in a kayak or slalom canoe where the paddler(s) sit.
Deck
The closed-in area over the bow and/or stem of a canoe or kayak, intended to shed water and strengthen the gunwales.
Double-Bladed Paddle
A paddle with a blade at each end, used in kayaks to paddle on each side of the boat.
Gate
Two striped poles suspended just above the water from a wire stretched across the course.
Grip
The end of a canoe paddle opposite from the blade.
Hull
The frame or body of a boat.
Kayak
A light, narrow closed boat in which the paddler is seated facing forward, using a doubled bladed paddle to propel the craft
Single-Bladed Paddle
A paddle with a blade at one end.
Spraydeck/Splashcover
A flexible covering fitted to the paddlers waist that encloses the cockpit of a canoe or kayak to ensure that the boat is waterproof.
Helmet
Life Jacket