CAPTAIN:  The crew leader

COACH:  Responsible for the paddling  of the crew.

STEERSPERSON:  Responsible for the boat

GUNNEL(or gunwale). The rim of the boat.  The upper edge of the side of a vessel; so called because guns were mounted on it. It is the gunnel that paddlers lean out over so that the shoulder is outside of the gunnel with the top hand also outside of the gunnel to permit a straight up and down stroke.  In this position the paddler can see the outside of the boat ensuring correct positioning.

PADDLING & MANEUVERING COMMANDS:

PADDLES UP.  Prepare to paddle by reaching arm forward and tilting shoulder down, blade just above the water.

TAKE IT AWAY.  Begin to paddle, following the stroke called or set by the stroke person up front.

LET IT RIDE.  Stop paddling.

HOLD THE BOAT.  Hold the paddle fully in the water straight up and down .

BRACE THE BOAT.  Hold the paddle horizontally in the water to stabilize the boat.

BACK PADDLE.  Paddle in reverse, again, in unison with the stroke.

DRAW LEFT or DRAW RIGHT.  To move the boat sideways produce side thrust by reaching out and paddling in the direction called. Paddlers on the opposite side lean out to help balance.

PADDLES ON THE KNEE.  A position of rest or listening for instructions.  Hold  the paddle horizontal resting on the knee and edge of the boat with the blade out.

RACE COMMANDS:

ATTENTION PLEASE.  In a race this command normally follows the "paddles up" command.  The paddler should lean forward, arm straight, shoulder down,  with the paddle blade fully submerged in the water.

GO.  Go means "GO"! Start paddling with long powerful strokes.