Alignment: A pre-start alert indicating boats are properly positioned.
Attention Please: The final warning given 1–5 seconds before the start signal.
Back Paddle: Backwards strokes used to reverse the boat.
Brace the Boat: Hold paddles flat on the water to stabilize boat. Maintain position until next command.
Draw (Left/Right): All paddlers either on left or right draw in unison toward hull to move boat sideways.
Heads in the Boat: Stop talking and listen to the coach or steerperson.
Hold for Drift: Submerge the paddle parallel to the boat to stop sideways movement.
Hold the Boat: Bury paddle blades vertically to slow or stop forward motion.
Let it Run/Ride: Stop paddling, lifting paddles and let the boat glide forward on own momentum.
Paddles Ready: Paddles positioned across the lap, blade extending out, ready for the next command.
Paddles Up: Hold paddles over the water, ready to paddle in unison.
Pivot Right: First 3 paddlers on right and last 3 paddlers on left draw in unison towards boat to pivot.
Pivot Left: First 3 paddlers on left and last 3 paddlers on right draw in unison towards boat to pivot.
Power It Up: Paddlers increase paddling power and intensity
Power Now: A call for maximum effort and stronger strokes, used most often in races.
Push Off: Using hands to push away from the dock.
Ready, Ready: Submerge the blade in the water for an immediate start.
Take it Away: Start paddling at the called pace and timing.
Walk it Back/Forward: Using hands on the dock to manually move the boat.
Bailers: Containers used to move accumulated water from the boat.
Bench: The seat for two paddlers (typically 10–12 per boat).
Boat Number: A placard on the bow indicating the racing lane.
Bow: The front of the boat.
Stern: The back of the boat.
Port & Starboard: Left (Port) and Right (Starboard) sides when facing forward.
Gunwale ("Gunnel"): The upper edge of the boat’s side.
Hull: The main body of the boat.
Steering Oar: The long rear oar used to navigate.
Buoy: A floating marker for lanes and finish lines.
PFD: Personal Flotation Device (Lifejacket).
Steersperson: The person at the stern responsible for navigation and safety.
Strokes: The two front paddlers who set the pace and timing.
The Stroke: One full cycle (Catch, Pull, Exit).
Stroke Rate: The speed of the team, measured in strokes per minute.
Start Sequence: A specific series of strokes used to accelerate from a standstill.
Wake: The waves and turbulence left behind a moving boat (s).