Every part of a Canoe works together to ensure the canoe's performance, stability, and durability.
- Bow: The front of the canoe, designed to cut smoothly through the water and reduce resistance, aiding in efficient movement.
- Stern: The rear of the canoe, providing balance and housing the stern paddler, who helps steer the canoe.
- Keel: A structural backbone running along the bottom of the canoe, improving stability and ensuring the canoe tracks straight in the water.
- Gunnel: The upper edge of the canoe, reinforcing its structure and serving as a grip point or a place to secure gear.
- Stern Seat: A seating area at the back of the canoe for the paddler, offering stability and a vantage point for steering.
- Thwart: A crosspiece spanning the width of the canoe that reinforces its structure and prevents it from flexing.
- Yoke: A central crosspiece designed with a curve for comfortable carrying when portaging the canoe over land.
- Bow Seat: A seating area at the front of the canoe for the paddler, providing stability and an optimal position for paddling.
- Deck Plate: A small, protective cover over the tips of the canoe, reinforcing the ends and sometimes serving as a mounting point for ropes or handles.
- Stem: The curved part at the bow and stern that joins the sides of the canoe, providing strength and maintaining its shape.
