Identify boat and paddle parts

Understanding the anatomical terms of watercraft, paddles, and oars enables clear communication between paddlers, rowers, and leaders on the water.

Basic Parts of a Boat

Nautical Directional Terms

• Bow: The front end of the boat.
• Stern: The back (rear) end of the boat.
• Port: The left side of the boat when facing toward the bow (front).
• Starboard: The right side of the boat when facing toward the bow (front).
• Forward: Moving or looking toward the bow.
• Aft: Moving or looking toward the stern.
• Amidships: The middle section of the boat.

Canoe Parts

• Hull: The curved main shell or body of the canoe that sits in the water.
• Keel: The longitudinal ridge running along the center bottom of the hull from bow to stern that aids in directional tracking and hull rigidity.
• Gunwales (pronounced “gunnels”): The reinforced top rails running along the upper edges of both sides of the hull.
• Thwarts: Wooden or aluminum crossbars connecting the gunwales across the width of the canoe that provide structural rigidity and act as bracing points.
• Yoke: The curved center thwart shaped to rest comfortably across a paddler’s shoulders for solo portaging (carrying) the canoe.
• Seats: Rigid platforms located near the bow and stern for paddlers to sit or brace against while kneeling.
• Deck plates (End decks): Triangular caps or decks at the extreme bow and stern tips.
• Painter: A painter is a 15- to 20-foot line securely fastened to the bow and stern for towing, lining, tying up to docks, or securing in emergencies.

Rowboat and Kayak Specifics

• Rowboat:
  • Transom: The flat, vertical cross-section forming the stern of a square-ended rowboat.
  • Transom Knee: A structural corner bracket reinforcing the joint between the transom and the keel/gunwales.
  • Oarlocks: Metal or plastic U-shaped pivot sockets mounted on the gunwales that hold and pivot the oars.
• Kayak:
  • Cockpit: The central opening in the deck where the kayaker sits.
  • Coaming: The raised lip around the cockpit designed to secure a sprayskirt.
  • Foot braces / pegs: Adjustable pegs inside the hull that support the paddler’s feet for powerful torso-rotation strokes.

Parts of a Paddle and an Oar

Paddles and oars both propel watercraft, but they function differently: a paddle is held freely in the hands, while an oar is anchored to the boat in an oarlock to create a lever.

Canoe Paddle Parts

• Grip: The shaped handle at the top of the paddle (commonly a palm grip or T-grip) held by the upper hand.
• Shaft: The long, round or oval middle section connecting the grip to the blade.
• Throat: The juncture or neck where the shaft tapers out and attaches to the blade.
• Blade: The wide, flattened lower portion that pushes against the water to generate propulsion.
• Tip: The bottom edge of the blade. Tip care: Never rest a paddle on its tip or use the tip to push off rocks, sand, or docks, as this will splinter or crack the blade.

Oar Parts (Rowing)

• Handle / Grip: The rounded top end held by the rower.
• Loom (Shaft): The long pole section of the oar.
• Sleeve and Collar: A plastic or leather protective sleeve with a raised collar ring that seats into the oarlock to prevent the oar from sliding through.
• Blade: The flat, flared end that enters the water.