Kayaking Glossary: 14 Terms Explained
The words that show up in kayaking specs, reviews and how-to guides, explained without jargon.
- Bilge pump
- A hand pump for removing water from a sit-inside cockpit.
- Related: Best Bilge Pumps for Kayaks →
- Cold water shock
- The involuntary gasp and panic from sudden immersion in cold water, a major drowning risk. Dress for water temperature, not air temperature.
- Dry bag
- A roll-top waterproof bag for phones, clothes and snacks.
- Related: Best Dry Bags for Kayaking →
- Feathered blades
- Paddle blades set at an angle to each other to reduce wind resistance.
- Paddle float
- An inflatable float that turns your paddle into an outrigger for self-rescue.
- Related: Best Paddle Float and Rescue Kits →
- Paddle length
- Chosen by your height and the kayak's width. Wider boats need longer paddles.
- Related: Best Kayak Paddles →
- Primary stability
- How steady a kayak feels sitting flat on calm water.
- Scupper holes
- Drain holes through a sit-on-top hull that let water drain from the deck.
- Related: Best Scupper Plugs for Sit-On-Top Kayaks →
- Secondary stability
- How stable a kayak feels when leaned on edge, important in waves.
- Sit-inside kayak
- A kayak with an enclosed cockpit that keeps you drier and warmer and tracks efficiently.
- Sit-on-top kayak
- A kayak with an open deck you sit on. Stable, self-draining and easy to re-enter.
- Related: Best Sit-On-Top Kayaks →
- Tracking
- How well a kayak holds a straight line. Longer, narrower boats track better.
- Weight capacity
- The maximum total load. For good handling many paddlers stay well below the rating, including gear.