# Identify boat and paddle parts

Part of the First Class guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://scouting.university/scouts-bsa/ranks/first-class/guide/index.md)

*6. Aquatics*

> **6c.** Identify the basic parts of a canoe, kayak, or other boat. Identify the parts of a paddle or an oar.

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.

![Side-view labeled diagram of a canoe showing bow, stern, hull, gunwale, keel, and thwart](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-1376/su-assets/scouts-bsa/ranks/first-class/guide/canoe-parts-labeled?v=fe58c4b5)

### 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.

![Side-by-side labeled diagram of a canoe paddle and a rowing oar showing blade, shaft, throat, grip, and the oarlock the paddle lacks](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-1376/su-assets/scouts-bsa/ranks/first-class/guide/paddle-oar-parts-labeled?v=cba333a9)

> **Tip**
>
> To check if a canoe paddle is the right size for you while standing on land, place the paddle tip on the ground next to your toes. The grip should reach comfortably between your chin and nose.

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- Next: [Describe boat body position](https://scouting.university/scouts-bsa/ranks/first-class/guide/req6d/index.md)