PADDLES UP: Get in the ready position/set-up position. Hold your paddle blade above the surface of the water, fully rotate and ready to take a stroke.

TAKE IT AWAY: Begin paddling. Used during practice and in between racing. The coach or caller will use this command to relinquish control of the boat to lead paddlers/strokes. PADDLES UP, then TAKE IT AWAY. are used on practice days.

LET IT RIDE/LET IT RUN: Stop paddling and let boat cruise.

POWER 10: A set of 10 strokes that are harder (NOT faster) to help the boat speed up. 150% effort!

HOLD THE BOAT: Hold paddle straight up and down at the side of the boat, lean forward and fully submerge your blade. Bring the boat to a stop with the paddles.

BRACE THE BOAT: Called by the tiller. This is used to stabilize the boat. Hold blades out to the side. Keep your paddles out and flat on the surface of the water to absorb the motion and keep the boat steady.

DRAW RIGHT OR DRAW LEFT: Called by the tiller. Draw water on left side or right side of the boat in toward the boat by leaning out and turning the face of your paddle toward the side of the boat.

BACK PADDLE: Paddling backwards.

See the Complete Terminology in PDF file