Sea Kayaking Terms

Sea kayaking, like any other activity in life, has its own associated vocabulary. And, just like in every other activity in life, it helps to know the basics. Here is a short list of sea kayaking terms to get you started, and don't worry - on a Northern Lights trips you won't be tested on your knowledge of these terms. They're just here to assist in your understanding and enjoyment of sea kayaking. Enjoy!

Beam - The widest part of the kayak.

Bow - The front end of the kayak.

Bulkhead - A vertical partition inside the kayak designed to create separate chambers inside the boat. Bulkheads create watertight areas where gear can be safely stored.

Cleat - A fitting used for tying lines to. Often attached to the deck of a kayak, they have two protruding horns that make it easy to tie a line or bungee cord to.

Coaming - The rim of a kayak's cockpit. It has a lip or flange that a kayaker's spray skirt fits on to keep the kayaker dry.

Cockpit - The area (semi-enclosed) where the kayaker sits while in the boat.

Deck - The top of the kayak.

Double Kayak - A kayak designed for two paddlers to operate at one time. It has two separate cockpits, and more cargo space than a single kayak. Double kayaks are typically more stable than single kayaks.

Dry Bag - A waterproof bag kayakers use to protect the items they bring with them.

Hatch - A waterproof hold inside the kayak where you can store items you're taking with you. The removable cover on top is called a hatch cover.

Hull - The bottom side of the kayak (below the seam).

Line - A rope used to tie the kayak to a point on the shore.

PFD - Personal Flotation Device (life vest). Life vests are worn at all times when on the water.

Port - A directional term meaning to the left of the kayak or the left side of any boat. Opposite of starboard.

Rudder - The vertical blade in the rear of the kayak, used to steer the boat.

Seam - The one-inch wide line around the middle of the kayak where the deck and hull are joined together, usually a different color than the deck or hull.

Single Kayak - A kayak designed for one paddler, it has only one cockpit. It is typically shorter in length and beam than a double kayak.

Spray Skirt - A fitted, waterproof piece of fabric that creates a seal between the kayaker and the coaming, keeping water from entering the cockpit.

Stability - How easy or difficult it is to tip a boat over. Kayaks like those Northern Lights use are designed to be very stable.

Starboard - A directional term meaning to the right of the kayak. Opposite of port.

Stern - The back end of the kayak.

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