Let’s Talk Paddling: Your Friendly Guide to Paddling Language

Let’s Talk Paddling: Your Friendly Guide to Paddling Language

jamesibbotson
No comments yet

Every hobby has its own language, right? And paddling is no different! You don’t have to speak fluent “paddlese” to enjoy your time on the water, but knowing some of the common terms can definitely help you chat with other paddlers, understand instructions more easily, and just feel more at home in the paddling world.

So, let’s break down some of the most-used phrases in a way that’s easy to get your head around:

Getting Down to Basics: Strokes and Moves

paddling language

  • Forward Stroke: The bread and butter of paddling – it’s how you move forward! But it’s not just about using your arms; it’s about using your whole body to make each stroke efficient.
  • Back Stroke: Exactly what it sounds like! It’s the forward stroke in reverse, used to move backward. Perfect for those “oops, I went too far” moments.
  • Sweep Stroke: This is your go-to for turning. You make a big, sweeping arc with your paddle, pushing the water away from the side you want to turn towards. Imagine you’re sweeping the floor, but with water!
  • Ruddering: This is a subtle way of steering, using your paddle to make small adjustments. It’s like gently guiding a boat with a rudder.
  • Draw Stroke: Think of this as pulling your kayak or canoe sideways, closer to you. You reach out, plant your paddle, and “draw” the boat in. Super handy for manoeuvring and getting alongside things.
  • Edging: This is a cool technique where you tilt your craft on its side to make turning easier. Think of it like leaning into a turn on a bike.

All About the Boat and Your Gear

paddle gear

  • PFD: This stands for Personal Flotation Device. In simple terms, it’s your life jacket, and it’s a MUST-HAVE for safety. You’ll hear paddlers constantly reminding each other, “Put your PFD on!”
  • Cockpit: This is where you sit in a kayak.
  • Bow: The very front of your boat.
  • Stern: The very back of your boat.
  • Deck: The top surface of your boat.
  • Hull: The bottom of your boat, the part that’s actually in the water.
  • Paddle Feather: This is the angle of the blades on a kayak paddle. Feathering helps to reduce wind resistance when you’re paddling.

Out on the Water

  • Upstream: When you’re paddling against the flow of the river.
  • Downstream: When you’re paddling with the flow of the river.
  • Eddy: This is a calm spot in the water, often behind a rock or other obstacle, especially in a river. Eddies are great for taking a breather or working out your next move.
  • Ferry Glide: A clever way to cross a river at an angle, using the power of the current to help you along.
  • Portage: This is when you have to carry your craft over land, usually to get around something like rapids or to reach another bit of water.

The Paddling Community

paddle uk

Why Should You Care About Paddling Lingo?

You can totally enjoy paddling without knowing all of this, but having some of the language under your belt can:

  • Make communication a breeze: When you’re paddling with a group, using the right words helps everyone understand each other clearly.
  • Help you learn faster: Understanding the terminology makes it easier to grasp new paddling skills and techniques.
  • Make you feel at home: Using the language of paddling helps you connect with other paddlers and feel like you’re part of the paddling community.

So, don’t be shy about getting to grips with the lingo! It’s all part of the fun of being a paddler.