Bent-shaft paddle

   A paddle with a bend in the shaft, intended to increase power but compromising control.

   Blade

   The wide part of a paddle which passes through the water.

   Canoe

   A light, narrow, open boat propelled by one or more paddlers from a kneeling position, using single-bladed paddles.

   Cockpit

   The enclosed space in a kayak or slalom canoe where the paddler or paddlers sit.

   Deck

   The closed-in area over the bow and/or stem of a canoe or kayak, intended to shed water and strengthen the gunwales.

   Double-bladed paddle

   A paddle with a blade at each end, used in kayaks to paddle on each side of the boat.

   Gate

   Two striped poles suspended just above the water from a wire stretched across the course.

   Grip

   The end of a canoe paddle opposite from the blade.

   Hull

   The frame or body of a boat.

   Kayak

   Any of various light canoes imitating an Inuit hunting craft made watertight by a flexible closure around the waist of the seated occupant.

   Single-bladed paddle

   A paddle with a blade at one end.

   Paddle

   The canoe paddler uses a paddle which has one flat blade on one end of the paddle shaft, which may not be fixed to the boat in any way.

   Spray skirts

   Paddlers wear spray skirts which attach around the cockpit and seal them into the boat to prevent water from entering.

   Helmet

   Life jacket

Credit: IOC

For further info., please visit http://www.olympic.org/uk/sports/programme/disciplines_uk.asp?DiscCode=CS.