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Sea Kayaking Glossary |
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aft -
toward the stern.
aid to navigation -
a buoy, daymark, or light that assists navigators.
anchorage -
a designated area where a boat may be anchored.
back face -
the face of the paddle blade that normally faces the bow and usually has a strengthening rib extending from the paddle shaft.
barrier beach -
a sandbar oriented generally parallel to the shore that remains dry at high tide and protects a body of salt water behind it from ocean waves.
beam -
the side of the kayak.
bottom of the tide -
the period of time near low tide; for example, the bottom half of the tide includes three hours on each side of low tide.
bow -
the forward part or front end of the kayak.
brace -
a technique allowing an off-balance kayaker to recover stability by pushing the paddle blade against the water's surface to generate force.
breaker -
a breaking wave.
campstove -
a portable cooking device that uses petroleum-based fuel to produce a contained flame.
capsize -
an event where a kayak, with the kayaker inside, overturns in the water.
cathole -
a hole intended for deposition of human solid waste.
chart -
a nautical chart.
chart datum -
the reference, or "0," water level on a nautical chart. Usually set at the level of mean lower low water.
circumnavigate -
to travel, by water, entirely around a piece of land, such as an island.
coaming -
the molded ridge surrounding the cockpit allowing attachment of the spray skirt.
cockpit -
open area in the center of the kayak where the kayaker sits.
compass rose -
two concentric circles on a chart, each subdivided into 360 degrees, showing the directions of true north and magnetic north.
deck -
the upper surface of the kayak.
deck lines -
rope or bungees strung along the deck to allow storage of gear.
distress signal -
an internationally recognized signal used by a vessel to request help.
diurnal tide -
a tide cycle with one high and one low tide per day.
draw stroke -
a stroke using the power face to propel the boat directly sideways.
drybag -
a waterproof storage container designed for gear that you wish to keep dry.
drysuit -
a completely watertight, full-body garment that decreases heat loss when the wearer is submerged in water by preventing water from directly contacting the wearer's skin.
drytop -
a version of a drysuit that covers your upper body, from waist to neck.
ebb current -
the tidal current occurring between high-water slack and low-water slack, usually flowing toward the open ocean. Also known simply as an "ebb."
Eskimo roll -
a technique where a capsized paddler rights the boat without wet-exiting.
fathom -
unit of water depth equivalent to 6 feet.
flare -
a distress signal producing a bright light visible to persons in the vicinity. An aerial flare propels the light source high into the air to increase the range of visibility.
flood current -
the tidal current occurring between low-water slack and high-water slack, usually flowing inland from the open ocean. Also known simply as a "flood."
float plan -
a form notifying others of the details of a planned kayaking voyage to aid in any necessary rescue.
following sea -
a wave pattern where the waves approach your kayak from the stern.
foreshore -
the intertidal zone, usually limited to beaches and other shorelines with shallow gradients.
forward stroke -
a stroke using the power face to propel the kayak forward with a smooth, efficient motion.
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DEPARTMENTS