Skip to main content

Course Outline

Rocker refers to the amount of curvature in the bottom of the hull along its length from bow to stern.

Paddlecraft hull with bow-to-stern rocker shape

Rockered

  • A rockered paddlecraft is easier to turn and maneuver but harder to paddle in a straight line. In general, the greater the amount of rocker, the easier you can turn the boat or paddleboard, which can be critical when paddling on white-water rivers.
Paddlecraft hull with flat (no rocker) shape

Flat (No Rocker)

  • A flat paddlecraft (no rocker) is stable and buoyant but tends to be difficult to turn.

With longer, narrower, and flatter paddlecraft, the stroke-to-glide efficiency typically increases.

  • Unit 1 of 5
  • Topic 2 of 3
  • Page 6 of 11