SUP Glossary
A visual glossary of basic SUP terminology and equipment parts.
Flow Basics
Current
カレント（水流）- The movement and flow of river water in general. Its speed and direction continually change with the terrain, water depth, and gradient.
Main Current
メインカレント（本流）- The main flow in a river, typically carrying the greatest volume of water at the highest speed.
Eddy
エディ- An area behind a rock or near the bank where the downstream flow is interrupted, creating an upstream current or slower water.
Eddy Line
エディライン- The boundary between the main current and an eddy, where differences in flow speed can create a visible seam, drop, or swirling water.
Waves and Surface Features
Wave
ウェーブ- A standing wave formed by changes in the riverbed or obstacles, remaining in the same position as water flows through it.
Hole / Hydraulic
ホール / ハイドロリック- A foaming depression where water dropping over a ledge recirculates upstream from below.
Downstream V
ダウンストリームV- A V-shaped surface pattern pointing downstream where water passes between obstacles.
Upstream V
アップストリームV- A V-shaped surface pattern opening upstream as water splits around a submerged obstacle such as a hidden rock.
Cushion / Pillow
クッション / ピロー- Water that piles up and rebounds where a strong current strikes a rock or concrete wall directly.
Hazards
Strainer
ストレーナー- A dangerous obstruction, such as a fallen tree or concrete block, that lets water pass through while trapping a board or person.
Sieve
シーブ- A gap or narrow passage between large rocks into which water is drawn.
Undercut
アンダーカット- A bank or rock eroded underneath by the current, allowing water to flow into the space below it.
Shallow
シャロー（浅瀬）- An area where the water becomes extremely shallow.
Maneuvers, Skills and Safety Equipment
Eddy In
エディイン- The maneuver of leaving the fast main current and entering an eddy to slow down or stop.
Eddy Out
エディアウト- The maneuver of leaving the still or upstream-moving water of an eddy and re-entering the main current.
Ferry Glide
フェリーグライド- A technique for crossing a river without being swept downstream by angling the board upstream and using the force of the current.
Scouting
スカウティング- Going ashore before a rapid or difficult section to inspect the downstream route and hazards from land.
Quick Release Leash
クイックリリースリーシュ- A leash attached to a waist belt rather than the ankle, designed to release immediately by pulling a chest-level toggle in an emergency.