Common Kayak Terms and Definitions

Anchor

An anchor is a single connection point on a kayak or canoe that provides a means to secure accessories or other gear. Anchos can be made of metal, nylon or other materials and are typically connected to the hull using adhesive or screws. 

Deck Loop

A deck loop, sometimes referred to as a pad eye, is a type of kayak anchor.

D-Ring

A D-ring is a type of kayak anchor composed of nylon and a D-shaped metal ring. They are perfect for securing kayak seats or other accessories.

Pad eye

A padeye is a type of kayak anchor composed of two circular holes (resembling “eyes”) connected by a metal bar. You secure a padeye to the hull of a kayak by putting a screw through the holes, then loop bands under the bar to secure your accessories.

Hull

A kayak hull refers to the shape of the bottom of the boat. The hull design dictates how your kayak maneuvers in the water. Four typical hull types are rounded, flat, v-shaped, and pontoon/tunnel.

Thwart

A thwart is a wood or metal strut installed across the kayak hull to act as a brace to add support. A kayak thwart can also double as a seat for the rower.

Paddle

A kayak paddle is a long pole with a blade at both ends used to provide thrust when rowing through water. A standard kayak paddle consists of a shaft (containing the grips and throats) with blades on either end.

Throat

The throat is the part of the kayak paddle where the shaft connects to the blade. 

Blade

The blade is the broad part of a kayak paddle. Each kayak paddle has a blade on both ends which go into the water and provide thrust when rowing.

Shaft 

The shaft is the long, skinny part of a kayak paddle. The shaft usually has grips for holding the paddle and throats on either end connected to the blades.

Portage

Portaging is the act of transporting a kayak over land to get from one waterway to another. For example, you may portage your kayak to avoid an obstacle or dangerous rapids

PFD

A PFD, or personal flotation device, is used to maintain buoyancy in the water. PFDs, typically known as life jackets or life vests, are mandatory for kayakers based on United States Coast Guard regulations.

Bow

The bow (meaning front) is the forward end of a canoe or kayak. It can take on various shapes and allow the kayak to move efficiently through the water.

Hull

A hull is the bottom part of the kayak or canoe that sits in the water. The shake of the kayak hull dictates how it will perform in various water conditions. Canoes have only a hull whereas kayaks have a hull and a deck on top.

Deck

The deck is the top-half of a kayak that is situated above the hull. The deck prevents the kayak from filling with water and its accessories vary based on the type of kayak. 

Stern

The stern is the rear of the kayak.

Swamp

To swamp a kayak is to fill it with water.

Foot Pegs

Foot pegs (also known as foot braces) are adjustable structures inside the cockpit of the kayak on which a kayaker places the balls of her feet.

Bulkhead

A bulkhead is a cross-sectional, sealed barrier wall inside a kayak made of composite, plastic, or foam. Bulkheads provide structural support and create watertight compartments that increase buoyancy. They are also used for storage.

Roll

A roll is a technique for righting a capsized kayak while still inside. When rolling, a kayaker uses his body and paddle to create force to correct the capsized kayak.

Spray Skirt

A spray skirt is a neoprene or nylon skirt worn by a kayaker that attaches to the rim of the cockpit to keep water out. Kayakers use spray skirts to remain dry and increase comfort while paddling.

Cockpit

The cockpit is the part of the kayak where the kayaker sits. It is in the center of the kayak