Glossary

A rescue technique performed with the aid of at least one other person in addition to the swimmer. Synonyms: Boat-over-boat rescue, Hand-of-God rescue, T-rescue

b

The opposite side of the paddle blade from the power face, used for reverse strokes. Usually convex, with the spine along it's center. Synonyms: Non-power face

The direction of an object, expressed either as a true bearing or magnetic bearing, as shown on the chart or as a bearing relative to the heading of the boat

A device for pumping water out of a boat

The forward-most part of a boat

A chord attached to the front of the boat; useful for towing or tying the boat to a dock.

For Sea Kayaks, this is a waterproof wall that divides the interior of a kayak from the bow and/or stern, creating flotation, storage areas and strength to the hull. For Whitewater Kayaks, the bulkhead runs length-wise down the center of the kayak, creating minimal flotation and adding strength to the hull.

Elastic lines on the deck of a kayak, perfect for securing gear within easy reach (water bottles, sunscreen, ball cap, etc). Used mostly on touring kayaks, fishing kayaks and recreational kayaks. Rarely, if ever, used on whitewater kayaks. Synonyms: Deck lines, Perimeter lines

An anchored float used for marking a position on the water, a hazard or a shoal, also used for mooring.

c

When a boat overturns so that it goes from being upright to upside down.

A boatable route through a section of river

Marine map referencing water features, including depths, shorelines, scale, aids to navigation (like lights and buoys), and other features essential to marine navigation.

A narrow drop or small fall

Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy. No signs of whitewater. The difference between Class I and II, is that Class II shows the first signs of whitewater. (Skill Level: None)

Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class II+”. First signs of whitewater. The difference between Class I and II, is that Class I has no signs of whitewater. (Skill Level: Novice)

Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class III-” or “Class III+” respectively. (Skill Level: Intermediate)

Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require “must” moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class IV-” or “Class IV+” respectively. (Skill Level: Advanced)

Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential. Because of the large range of difficulty that exists beyond Class IV, Class 5 is an open-ended, multiple-level scale designated by class 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, etc… each of these levels is an order of magnitude more difficult than the last. Example: increasing difficulty from Class 5.0 to Class 5.1 is a similar order of magnitude as increasing from Class IV to Class 5.0. (Skill level: Expert)

These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. After a Class VI rapids has been run many times, its rating may be changed to an apppropriate Class 5.x rating. (Skill level: Extreme)

The lip around the cockpit that allows the attachment of a spray skirt.

The sitting area in a kayak.

A device to determine direction using the Earth's magnetic field

A point where two or more watercourses meet

The compass direction of travel to a destination.

The horizontal movement of the water

d

The top of a kayak.

A rope or shock-cord attached to a kayak's deck, used for securing items on deck or to make it easier to grab the boat. Synonyms: Bungee cords, Perimeter lines

Passively swimming on your back, keeping as flat and shallow as possible, with your feet downstream, and on the surface of the water, to push off of rocks and other obstructions, while avoiding foot-entrapment or entanglement.

One high water level and one low water level occur in approximately 24 hours

The direction in which the water is flowing.

A stopper, usually mounted on the stern, which can be removed to drain water from a leaky kayak.

Dynamic strokes designed to move the kayak laterally in the water.

A fishing technique that involves letting the wind or current move the kayak over the area to be fished.

An abrupt descent in a river

e

A falling or receding tide

A place behind an obstacle where the current is still, or moving upstream

f

The act of pointing the bow up current or upwind to offset the effects of the current or wind. Often used to move the boat laterally. Synonyms: Ferry

A rising tide

An overtaking sea that comes from astern

g

A river's gradient or slope is measured in foot drop per mile and provides a rough indication of its speed and level of difficulty. Rivers with gradients of less than 10 feet per mile are ordinarily slow and easy, while rivers with gradient exceeding 30 feet per mile are usually fast, difficult and dangerous.

h

Highest level attained by an incoming tide

k

A measure of speed equal to 1 nautical mile per hour

l

The imaginary lines running parallel to the equator

A line drawn on the chart from an object at a bearing, or a range, which corresponds to your line of sight to that object

The imaginary lines running form the north pole to the south pole Synonyms: Meridian

m

The average height of all high waters at a specific place over a 19-year cycle

The average height of all low waters at a specific place over a 19-year cycle

as pertains to navigation, 1/60 of a degree

n

One minute of latitude, approximately 6,076 feet. It is equal to 1.15 (about 1 1/8) statute miles

A tide in which there is the least amount of difference between the high and low tides (range of tide). It occurs during the first and last quarters of the moon, when the Earth, sun and moon form a right angle.

p

A wood, metal or concrete pole driven into the sea bottom

The left side of a boat when looking forward

The carrying of a craft around a rapid or hazard

r

Any two natural or man-made objects that appear in line from your perspective

A series of directions to get from point A to point B. In GPS terms, it is a series of linked waypoints entered into the receiver.

s

To examine a rapid or hazard from shore

As it pertains to navigation, 1/60 of a minute

Two high water levels and two low water levels occur in approximately 24 hours

The direction in which a current flows

A tide that has the greatest difference between high and low tides (range of tide). It occurs during the full and new moons, when the sun, moon and Earth are aligned.

The right side of a boat when looking forward

A measure of distance used on land. 5,280 feet or 0.87 nautical mile

The rear of a boat

Brush, fallen trees, bridge pilings or anything else that allows the current to flow through but pins boats, boaters and other solid debris. Synonyms: Sweeper

t

A region of very turbulent water occurring when a fast current passes over an irregular sea floor or when opposing currents meet. Also known as tide rips or rips. Synonyms: Tide rips, rips

The periodic rise and fall of the water level in the ocean

v

The angle at which magnetic north varies from true north

The water volume of a river is a crucial variable for boaters. In order to measure this changing flow, the volume/time unit of 'cubic feet per second' (CFS) is commonly used. CFS indicates the amount of water flowing past any given point along a river in one second.

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Glossary