Paddling Definitions

1. Gear and Equipment (30)
2. River Feature Definitions (6)
3. Technique & Maneuvers (14)
4. The Anatomy of a Kayak (8)
5. Types of Boats (11)
6. Whitewater Classification (8)

Boat Launch
A

Tandem
Definition of Paddling in Tandem. Tandem refers to a canoe or kayak that is paddled by two people. Paddling in tandem refers to the ability of the bow and stern padders to coordinate their paddling.

Paddling Shuttle
Paddling Definition of the Word Shuttle

Take-out
Paddling Definition of a take-out

Roof Rack Cross Bars
Definition of Roof Rack Cross Bars

Roof Rack Attachments
Definition of Roof Rack Attachments

Aftermarket Roof Rack
Definition of Aftermarket Roof Rack

Factory Installed Roof Rack
Definition of Factory Installed Roof Rack

Put-in
Paddling Definition of a Put-in

Surf Kayaking
Definition of Surf Kayaking

Whitewater
Definition of Whitewater

Open Water
Definition of Open Water

Protected Water
Definition of Protected Water

Whitewater Kayaking Jargon
Whitewater Kayakers have a language all to their own. This quick reference list will help you understand what they are talking about when you can't make sense of the "English" they are speaking.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Stand Up Paddle Boarding

IDW
IDW stands for Instructor Development Workshop. The IDW is the ACA’s formal training program for prospective canoe and kayak instructor’s prior to taking the ICE.

ICE
ICE stands for Instructor Certification Exam. The ICE is the formal exam given by the ACA to prospective canoe and kayak instructors after the completion of the IDW. Upon the successful completion of the ICE the paddler is granted ACA Instructor Status for which ever level they successfully completed.

Law of Gross Tonnage
The Law of Gross Tonnage is a common sense principle in the boating world and is especially relevant to paddlers of canoes and kayaks. Gross tonnage refers to a ship or boats overall volume. The Law of Gross Tonnage, also known as the law of common sense on the water, says that the larger vessel has the right of way on the water. This is because they are less manueverable, have trouble seeing smaller boats, and can do more damamge in a collision.

Definition of Canoe Gunwale
The canoe gunwale is the lip, edge, or reinforcement on the top edges of the canoe hull. The gunwale is the part of the canoe where the thwarts, seats, and other parts of a canoe are attached.