Although there are many designs, an anchor is essentially a hook used to grapple and hold the boat to the river bed to stop or slow the movement of the boat. For a kayak, usually 3lb and 5 lb anchors are used.

Widest point of a boat, generally in the center where the seat is located.

The wide, flat pieces at either end of a paddle used to push the boat through the water.

A whitewater term. The technique used to prevent the bow of your boat from diving underwater when you paddle over a drop. Taking a stong forward stroke just as you boat goes over a drop.

Waterproof socks with rubber traction on the sole-- they are constructed from the same waterproof material as wetsuits.

The whole side of the boat from the bow to stern.

A flotation device usually used in deeper waters that is attached below the surface of the water in order to mark a location.

Any manually-propelled craft with pointed ends, this means kayaks as well. Commonly, however, this term is used to refer to Canadian-style Canoes.

A point where a stream narrows, causing water to speed up. This is the point in a stream where rapids are often found.

The raised border on the deck of boat: a raised edging around the cockpit or hatchway of a boat for keeping out water and somtimes supports a hatch lid.

This is the portion of the Kayak that the paddler sits in and extends his or her legs into, including the seat portion of the boat.

This is the uppermost part of the kayak including the top of the bow, top of the stern, and entry portion of the cockpit. Usually where you will find bungee systems or storage hatches.

A technique used to pull the kayak sideways.

A plastic bag whose open end is often folded over multiple times and shut with Velcro to stop water from getting in.

A calm point in a river near the shore that is away from the main current.

A maneuver used mostly in longer, harder to turn boats in which a kayaker leans to one side, tilting their boat in the water. This causes the boat to turn opposite to the leaning side, allowing a paddler to control the path of their boat without interrupting a steady paddling rhythm.

Fine filaments of glass that are woven together into incredibly strong and light fabrics. The most expensive kayaks are often made of these.

Bodies of water with very little to no movement. This term is also used to describe the type of kayaking done on this type of water I.E. Flatwater Kayaking

Flat area along the bank of a river that shows signs of occasional flooding.

The areas where a paddle is meant to be held.

Small storage areas on a kayak, often waterproof or water resistant.

Wind that is blowing opposite the direction of travel.

The lowermost part of the kayak that is actually in the water. It's the portion that keeps the entire kayak afloat.

A technique in which the paddle is turned to keep the kayak on a straight course, essentially functioning as the boat’s rudder.

An item attached to one end of a kayak in order for it to be wheeled and more easily transported on land by one person.

Any type of canoeing, kayaking and rafting.

To the left of the kayak.

A technique that incorporates a high stroke with arms held out and elbows high with a loose grip on the shaft.

An area where the direction of a river or stream changes direction

The left side of the river from the kayakers heading (similar to “stage left”)

The right side of the river from the kayakers heading (similar to “stage right”)

Often a vertical blade attached to the stern of a kayak made of wood, plastic or metal that is used to control the direction of the boat. The paddle can also be used as a rudder in a technique called a j-stroke.

The connection point between the top and bottom parts of kayaks that are constructed in two parts. This part of the kayak is usually a different color than the rest of the boat.

A kayak designed for one paddler.

A skirt made of nylon or neoprene that is worn around the paddlers waist and fits securely over cockpit opening to prevent water from entering the boat. A mandatory piece of equipmen when paddling in wavest for whitewarer or learning to roll a kayak.

How simple or difficult a kayak is to flip. The width, design of the hull and height of the boat all effect this.

To the right of the kayak.

Back end of a kayak.

When your kayak has taken on a substantial amount of water or is completely filled with water.

A technique in which the blade is moved in a wide curve. This serves as both a method of moving the kayak forward through the water as well as efficiently controlling its direction.

Wind that is blowing in the direction of travel.

A Kayak designed for two paddlers.

The connection point on a paddle where the blade and shaft meet.

The ability of a kayak to travel in a straight path.

The level or height of the water outside the hull of a kayak.