Plein Air Québec·Published on August 14, 2026·📖 1 min read
Nose, tail, rail, dihedral, iSUP, psi… the beginner paddleboarding glossary.
Running into unfamiliar words while shopping for a board? Here’s the beginner paddleboarding glossary. A companion to our paddleboarding guide.
Board anatomy
- Nose: the front of the board.
- Tail: the back.
- Rail: the edge (sides) of the board.
- Deck: the top, where you stand (often non-slip).
- Fin: under the tail, it helps you track straight.
- iSUP: inflatable SUP.
The paddle
- Blade: the flat part that pushes water.
- Shaft: the tube.
- Grip: the top handle.
- Dihedral: the slight ridge on the blade that improves efficiency.
On the water
- PSI: inflation pressure unit (aim for 12–15 psi).
- Leash: the cord connecting you to the board.
- PFD: personal flotation device / life jacket (required).
- Sweep / step-back turn: two turning techniques.
- All-around / touring / race: the main board shape families.
Ready to practice? The complete beginner guide and the spot map. Basic gear below.
