The Kayak Lingo

Understanding kayak language can help you avoid problems, especially if you have the basics of kayaking learnt. Of course, if you ventured off to take classes in kayaking, likely by now you know what words to look for in kayaking. If you are not familiar with kayak language, continue reading.

Abaft: Abaft, means either behind, to this stern, toward, to rear, etc. These terms applies to kayakers, canoeists, nautical crafts, etc. Aft and astern is another way of relating to abaft.

Abeam: Abeam means to the right angle, into the center "of the fore and aft line of a" craft:

Aboard: All aboard: This typically means everyone is a board the craft, or an indicator for everybody to load, since the kayak is about to leave station.

Adrift: Adrift means that the kayak is drifting loose, or mooring: this is typically an indicator that trouble is ahead.

Afloat: Typically afloat means the kayak is not grounded, and that it is suspending waterborne.

Aground: When a kayaker hollers aground, he means that the kayak is on a river, sea bed, and is touching shallow areas, such as shoal, reefs, or land. The boat at this time is not waterborne.

Ahead: Ahead is just what it sounds like, except the kayaker is alerting another passenger of something ahead of the ship.

Amidships: Amidships is the term kayakers use to let passengers know that something is near the center of the kayak, between the stern and bow. This is typically an indicator to redirect the boat slightly.

Astern: Astern could mean that something is at the back of the boat, or approaching the rear of the kayak. See abaft.

Back paddling means to move the paddle backwards in motion, while using reverse strokes to maneuver the blades from the bow and stern of the boat.

When the winds start to change directions, and move in against the movement of the sun, a kayaker will holler out, "backing of the wind."

Bail: Your sound off bail, this means you will need to remove water from your kayak. You should always carry a bailer with you on kayak adventures.

If you hear the term beam ends, be aware. Beam ends mean that the vessel is turned on its side, or flung on the beam side.

The term "bear off, or bear away," means to move your kayak away from a particular area. It could also mean shove the boat into the waters preparing to launch.

Beat or beating is a common term used with sailors, yet, on coastal cruise events, kayakers will often attached sails to their boat to protect them against the wind and sun. This term then, means to sail in the direction of the winds.

Kayakers hollers out, "Before," is telling you that something may be in front of you, such as a drop, Boulder, rock, etc. Kayakers using the term, 'Bend to," is telling you to secure sail, ropes, etc.

If you intend to venture off into a variety of kayaking experiences, you will need to learn the terms that can protect you from danger. Of course if you are riding alone, the terms may not do you any good, especially in no one is around to hear you call out. Still, knowing the terms with spare you, since you will understand kayakers' language that will help you know what to do next.

Compass is one thing you want to learn for sure, especially if you intend to cruise through the coastal or inlands. Compass is a navigational tool that will help you find your directions through the waters.

Kayaking