Gear and Equipment
This page contains the definitions of the various gear and equipment that are used in the paddling sports of canoeing and kayaking.
Inflatable PFD
Definition of Inflatable PFD
Definition of Inflatable PFD
Canoe Paddle
A canoe paddle is an implement that is used to propel a canoe through the water. Canoe paddles are made up of a blade, a shaft, and a handle.
A canoe paddle is an implement that is used to propel a canoe through the water. Canoe paddles are made up of a blade, a shaft, and a handle.
Breakdown Paddle
Definition of Breakdown Paddle
Definition of Breakdown Paddle
Dry Bag
A dry bag is a waterproof and water tight bag that is used by paddlers to keep certain items dry.
A dry bag is a waterproof and water tight bag that is used by paddlers to keep certain items dry.
Dry Suit
A dry suit is a full-body waterproof suit with rubber neck, wrist, and ankle gaskets which keep the water out. Dry Suits are used in kayaking, rafting, canoeing, waterskiing, and scuba diving.
A dry suit is a full-body waterproof suit with rubber neck, wrist, and ankle gaskets which keep the water out. Dry Suits are used in kayaking, rafting, canoeing, waterskiing, and scuba diving.
Dry Top
A dry top is a waterproof jacket worn by kayakers that has rubber gaskets that make a tight seal against the neck and wrists thereby keeping the water out of the inside of the jacket. The waist of the jacket usually has a tunnel where the sprayskirt attaches.
A dry top is a waterproof jacket worn by kayakers that has rubber gaskets that make a tight seal against the neck and wrists thereby keeping the water out of the inside of the jacket. The waist of the jacket usually has a tunnel where the sprayskirt attaches.
Float Bags
Float bags are inflated with air and placed inside the stern and bow of a kayak or canoe to help keep the boat floating in the event that it flips over or takes on too much water.
Float bags are inflated with air and placed inside the stern and bow of a kayak or canoe to help keep the boat floating in the event that it flips over or takes on too much water.
Kayak Paddle
A kayak paddle is an implement used to propel a kayak through the water. Kayak paddles have two blades and a shaft.
A kayak paddle is an implement used to propel a kayak through the water. Kayak paddles have two blades and a shaft.
Kayak Strap
Definition of Kayak Strap
Definition of Kayak Strap
Paddling Sandals
Paddling Sandals are a pair of closed-toe sandals that fit securely on the foot.
Paddling Sandals are a pair of closed-toe sandals that fit securely on the foot.
Paddling Booties
Paddling booties are neoprene shoes with rubber bottoms that are used while paddling kayaks, rafts, and canoes.
Paddling booties are neoprene shoes with rubber bottoms that are used while paddling kayaks, rafts, and canoes.
Paddling Gloves
Paddling gloves are used to protect and keep the hands warm. They are usually made of neoprene with rubber or kevlar on the palm and fingers of the glove.
Paddling gloves are used to protect and keep the hands warm. They are usually made of neoprene with rubber or kevlar on the palm and fingers of the glove.
Paddling Knife
A paddling knife is a sheathed knife that clips onto a pfd and contains a quick release mechanism for ease of removal.
A paddling knife is a sheathed knife that clips onto a pfd and contains a quick release mechanism for ease of removal.
Paddling Jacket
A paddling jacket is a waterproof torso covering with snug wrist and neck fittings.
A paddling jacket is a waterproof torso covering with snug wrist and neck fittings.
PFD: Personal Flotation Device
PFD is short for Personal Flotation Device. It refers to any device designed to keep a person afloat in the water such as life preservers and life jackets.
PFD is short for Personal Flotation Device. It refers to any device designed to keep a person afloat in the water such as life preservers and life jackets.
Sprayskirt
A sprayskirt is a waterproof barrier worn by paddlers that wraps around the cockpit of a kayak or closed canoe thereby keeping water out of the boat.
A sprayskirt is a waterproof barrier worn by paddlers that wraps around the cockpit of a kayak or closed canoe thereby keeping water out of the boat.
Throwable Flotation Device
A throwable flotation device is a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Type IV flotation device that is used to rescue people in the water by throwing it to them. Throwable flotation device are often seat cushions with two straps to aid in rescue.
A throwable flotation device is a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Type IV flotation device that is used to rescue people in the water by throwing it to them. Throwable flotation device are often seat cushions with two straps to aid in rescue.
Throw Bag
A throw bag is a rope filled bag that is used to rescue swimmers. One end of the rope is connected to the inside of the bag. The rescuer holds the loose end of the rope and throws the bag to the swimmer.
A throw bag is a rope filled bag that is used to rescue swimmers. One end of the rope is connected to the inside of the bag. The rescuer holds the loose end of the rope and throws the bag to the swimmer.
Wetsuit
A wetsuit is a snug fitting neoprene body suit that is designed to keep the body warm. A shorty wetsuit has short sleeves and short legs.
A wetsuit is a snug fitting neoprene body suit that is designed to keep the body warm. A shorty wetsuit has short sleeves and short legs.
Whitewater Helmet
A whitewater helmet is a hard covering worn by whitewater kayakers and canoeists to protect their heads. There are 3 basic components to a whitewater helmet: the outer shell, the inner padding, and the neck straps.
A whitewater helmet is a hard covering worn by whitewater kayakers and canoeists to protect their heads. There are 3 basic components to a whitewater helmet: the outer shell, the inner padding, and the neck straps.
Definition of Type IV PFD
Type IV PFD refers to the 4th level of the United States Coast Guard's (USCG) classfication for personal flotation devices.
Type IV PFD refers to the 4th level of the United States Coast Guard's (USCG) classfication for personal flotation devices.
Definition of Type III PFD
Type II PFD refers to the 2nd level of the United States Coast Guard's (USCG) classfication for personal flotation devices. This article contains a full description of Type II PFD.
Type II PFD refers to the 2nd level of the United States Coast Guard's (USCG) classfication for personal flotation devices. This article contains a full description of Type II PFD.
Definition of Type I PFD
Type I PFD refers to the 1st level of the United States Coast Guard's (USCG) classfication for personal flotation devices. This article contains a description of Type I PFD
Type I PFD refers to the 1st level of the United States Coast Guard's (USCG) classfication for personal flotation devices. This article contains a description of Type I PFD
Definition of Type V PFD
Type V PFD refers to the 5th level of the United States Coast Guard's (USCG) classfication for personal flotation devices. Type V PFDs are intended for specific activities and must be used in accordance with the specifications on their labels. Some of the features that may be included in these devices is hypothermia protection, inflatable portions, and work vests.[/
Type V PFD refers to the 5th level of the United States Coast Guard's (USCG) classfication for personal flotation devices. Type V PFDs are intended for specific activities and must be used in accordance with the specifications on their labels. Some of the features that may be included in these devices is hypothermia protection, inflatable portions, and work vests.[/
Definition of Type III PFD
Type III PFD refers to the 3rd level of the United States Coast Guard's (USCG) classfication for personal flotation devices. A Type III PFD has traditionally been used to designate a PFD that is designed for inland conditions. This designation is the one that often refer to watersport specific PFDs such as paddling PFDs and Fishing PFDs.
Type III PFD refers to the 3rd level of the United States Coast Guard's (USCG) classfication for personal flotation devices. A Type III PFD has traditionally been used to designate a PFD that is designed for inland conditions. This designation is the one that often refer to watersport specific PFDs such as paddling PFDs and Fishing PFDs.