Paddler

A paddler is a person who propels a watercraft by using a paddle. The term covers participants who paddle canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), and other small craft. Paddling can be recreational, competitive, or a means of transport, and it spans disciplines such as canoeing, kayaking, and SUP.

Equipment and craft: Paddles are typically two-blade for kayaks and single-blade for canoes and SUPs. Materials range from wood and aluminum to carbon fiber and composites. Boats may be open canoes or enclosed kayaks, with SUPs being stand-up boards. Safety gear usually includes personal flotation devices and appropriate clothing for water conditions.

Techniques and training: Paddlers use strokes such as the forward stroke, backward stroke, sweep, draw, and, for some boats, sculling. Training emphasizes balance, core strength, endurance, and technique, together with water-safety skills and rescue practice.

Types, sport, and history: The main paddling disciplines are canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Competitive formats include sprint and slalom for kayak and canoe, as well as whitewater racing and sea kayaking events. Paddling has ancient origins in many cultures, and modern paddling organizations, including national bodies and the International Canoe Federation, coordinate racing rules, safety standards, and coaching. Paddling communities also promote touring, environmental stewardship, and skill-sharing through clubs and events.